Proving her worth in the UK and Europe, Abbey is on course for a racing life

Stonham Barns Park, the leisure, retail and holiday facility in Suffolk, is sponsoring young cyclist Abbey Thompson for a second consecutive year.  Abbey from Crowfield, near Stonham Aspal, competes in road racing, cyclocross and TT events both nationally and internationally.  At just 11 years old, she is a National Time Trial Champion in her age category.

She is hoping to compete in a number of major European races as a second year Under 12 rider this year which will include a race in Assen, Netherlands and events in France and Belgium. Among the new races for 2021 will be the British Cycling Road National Championships.

Abbey, who began racing when she was just seven years old, races for the Suffolk Youth Race Team.  Inspired by her father Leon who is also the coach of her team, she loves cycling particularly racing. During 2020, the year of lockdown, Abbey was lucky enough to ride with European Champion, road and track cyclist for British Cycling and team CAMS Tifosi Megan Barker who has motivated her to aim for the very best results during this year’s racing season. Her aim for 2023 is for British Cycling to see that she has potential.

To date Abbey has notched up 81 race wins, 36 second placements and 18 third places.

Says Abbey of her introduction to cycling, ‘I rode my first race when I was four years old but my Dad decided I was too young so I had to wait until I was older to get into racing.  When I was eight years old, I could do 10 miles at over 16 miles per hour. I love speed and if I have a difficult start, I love to chase. It’s the challenge that makes it fun.’

‘I do lots of preparation, probably more than others making sure I race the best I can. I have to make sure I am fresh for the big races and so I have different training throughout the year to make sure I am at the peak of my fitness at the right times.’

‘One day I would like to be a famous professional cyclist and win the World Championship.  I know that is a long way off but I am happy to work hard this year and to encourage more girls to ride and race. My long-term goal is to participate in the women’s Tour de France!’

Commenting on the sponsorship Abbey said: ‘Alan Forward at Stonham Barns Park witnessed me riding the Dunwich Dynamo, a 120 mile cycle from Stratford in London to Dunwich. I raised £2,500 for Great Ormond Street (GoSH) that helped treat my brother when he was unwell as a baby.  It was a tough ride and he was impressed with my determination when I stopped in at Stonham Barns Park on route.  Everyone there encouraged me to finish the ride. He told me then that he would be happy to sponsor my cycling efforts and he has renewed the sponsorship this year.  I am very grateful to him for his generous support.’

Said Stonham Barns Park owner Alan Forward, ‘The team at Stonham Barns Park has got to know Abbey and Leon well as the Suffolk Youth Race Team now practice at the Suffolk venue using the Showground track.  We are delighted to sponsor Abbey personally and the overall team kit knowing how motivated these young cyclists are to do well.  These are the professional cyclists of the future and it’s good to see both boys and girls doing well at such a young age.’

Added Abbey’s father and Suffolk Youth Race Team coach Leon Thompson: ‘Abbey has trained hard throughout the months of lockdown on the track and through regular physical training.  She has set herself an all-time record around the Stonham Barns Park Showground track, with a recorded average speed of 25mph. Her riding peers are also putting in regular training.  It is a strong team and Abbey with her outstanding skills and sponsorship boost is definitely one of the young cyclists to watch.’

Abbey’s favourite wins include the Paris Roubaix in France, the GB Road and TT National Championship and the Isle of Man National Youth series races.

The Suffolk Youth Race Team is affiliated with British Cycling which has a calendar of races for the 2021 season starting in April (lockdown restrictions allowing).  There are 27 members aged from 6-17 years in age.  Its vision is to produce accomplished riders, building skills, confidence and safety on a bike.  Abbey also participates in Cyclocross events which start in September when the road racing season finishes.

Abbey’s sister Eva and brother Callum who are also members of the Suffolk Youth Race Team.

For more information on Abbey visit www.abbeythompson.co.uk