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Reflecting on My Junior Cycling Journey and Looking Ahead (Sophie Smith)

Reflecting on My Junior Cycling Journey and Looking Ahead (Sophie Smith)

17/12/2024 Posted by Thornton Chartered Financial Planners Blog, Community

Last year marked a significant milestone in my cycling journey as I completed my final season as a junior rider with the Utmost Mezzo Isle of Man Cycling Team.

Competing at such a high level was both challenging and rewarding, and the experiences I gained have shaped me as both an athlete and a student.

One of the highlights of my season was competing in the Women’s National Series in the UK, where I raced alongside some of the most talented young cyclists in the country. I also had the incredible opportunity to ride with Liv Halo at the Bizkaikaloriak Nations Cup in Europe.

Competing internationally brought a whole new level of intensity. Racing in the heat and against world-class competition was a tough adjustment, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me so much about resilience and preparation.

Despite the challenges, I achieved results I’m proud of: placing 9th at the National Championships and finishing 35th out of 140 top British riders at the prestigious Lincoln Grand Prix. These moments of success were hard-earned, and they reminded me why I love the sport and the grind that comes with it.

Balancing elite cycling with my A-level studies was no small feat. Juggling early morning training sessions, long rides, and schoolwork required discipline and focus.

Thankfully, the Island’s new TASS Dual Career and Performance Pathway provided invaluable support. It helped me develop time-management strategies and stay focused on my goals, allowing me to keep progressing on and off the bike.

As I approach my final year of school, I feel more confident in handling the demands that lie ahead.

This year, I’m excited to take the next step as I move into the Under-23 category, riding for the Solas Cycling Team. This transition is a big one, but I’m eager for the challenge.

I look forward to racing in the National Series and proudly representing the Isle of Man at the upcoming Island Games. Beyond that, I hope to seize opportunities to race abroad, continuing to push my boundaries and gain international experience.

As I embark on this new chapter, I’m grateful for the lessons learned, the support I’ve received, and the opportunities ahead. I’m excited to see where this year takes me and to continue growing as both an athlete and a person.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far—my teams, coaches, family, and friends. Here’s to another season of learning, competing, and chasing new goals.

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About Thornton Chartered Financial Planners

Established by Managing Director, Sharon Sutton in 2000, Thornton is a chartered Financial Planning Firm providing multi-jurisdictional financial planning and regulated investment advice to private individuals, trustees and business owners on the Isle of Man.

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