Our newest sponsored cyclist, Seraphina, is one to watch. The 16-year-old is training at her best in all three triathlete disciplines, and is taking the under-20’s British Triathlon age group scene by storm.
Seraphina is a force to be reckoned with. Not only is the student balancing a hectic study schedule for her impending GCSE’s and recovering from Glandular Fever, but The Great Athletes Ride Trek (G.A.R.T) programme member qualified last year to represent Great Britain on the British Triathlon under 20’s age group team at the World Multisport Championships, which took place in Ibiza. Her hard work has continued to pay off, qualifying again for Australia 2024 and also the Europeans multisport championships 2024.
Seraphina is also part of the British Triathlon East Region Academy, competitively competing in the Super Series, which is a key part of the British Triathlon performance pathway, the annual Super Series pits high-performing athletes from across the country against each other in highly competitive races, at locations around the UK.
“Nowadays, British Triathlon and Cycling and companies like Highway Cycles and Trek Bikes are really trying to encourage and support girls with cycling, and coupled with the promotion on social media and more TV coverage on races, it is creating more interest and fantastic new sporting role models. For those looking to start, I would say, without a doubt, contact your local cycling or triathlete clubs and give it a go, it’s not always about winning and racing, it’s being part of a community or team, having a lot of fun, learning new skills and keeping healthy. It is also hugely empowering that female triathletes are on an equal billing with the men, at the same events.”
To receive so many accolades, Seraphina has trained from a young age, having joined Walden JNR TRI club when she was just eight years old. She is also a member of Saffron Walden Seals swimming club and competes nationally for Cambridge and Coleridge Athletics Club, in the 800m, 1500m, and National Cross Country, regularly qualifying for the Essex Cross County Team schools and county.
“The training can be intense, but it’s worth it in the end, and the variation in the framework helps me to keep pushing. When competing, I love the courses that really test you, but mostly, the excitement of racing three disciplines in one race and pushing myself physically and mentally.”
Despite training in three disciplines, Seraphina has always been passionate about cycling. On her 11th birthday, the youngster had saved enough money to upgrade her Isla bike to a second-hand Scott CX, learning to become more competitive, as the light frame allowed her to gather speed. As her love for cycling grew, she wanted to explore the options and training available. In 2020, Seraphina joined Lea Valley Youth Cycling Club, which has taken her training and racing to the next level.
She said: “I know I shouldn’t have a favourite, but I really am a keen cyclist. I am extremely lucky to be sponsored by Highway Cycles and Trek Bikes, who have provided me the opportunity to ride the Trek Madone SL7 GEN 7. The Madone lives up to its reputation as the world’s fastest race bike. Honestly, it’s insane! It slides through corners, is as reactive as I need on hills, and is aesthetically stunning, I am totally in love with it.”
The team at Highway Cycles has no doubt that Seraphina has a fantastic future.
Want to start your own cycling journey?
Visit: www.highwaycycles.co.uk
