The London Academy is a team with a purpose – and it’s not just about winning races. When we spoke to Sarah King back in February, her vision for the London Academy was already making waves. She outlined a new approach to running a team, one based on transparency, honesty, and making the riders feel supported: “I’ve seen the over-promising and the under-delivering. I’ve experienced the lack of transparency and honesty. I want to do things differently.”
Under the stewardship of King, the London Academy squad enters 2025 with an unwavering commitment to its mission: getting more women racing bikes. It’s a vision that’s as much about cultural change as it is about podiums, and it’s one the team is delivering on, bit by bit.
The 2024 season proved the strength of this rider-focused model. Star rider Katy Hill impressed with her daring performances, particularly when she animated the break at the Women’s CiCLE Classic and secured a commendable 16th place in the prestigious Lincoln Grand Prix. Her successes encapsulate the Academy’s ethos: creating opportunities for riders to shine on the biggest stages.
“We’re determined to do things differently,” says King. “To truly put riders at the centre, not the management. It’s about elevating the good stuff – progression, mentoring, and building a community around racing.”
2025 team launch. Image: Rupert Hartley
The numbers from 2024 speak volumes. Half the team raced at a level above their 2023 season, including notable wins at Regional A and National B events and a standout 10th place overall in the team rankings at the National Road Series. They clinched third place in the British Team Cup series, fielding two squads to give newcomers a shot at National B-level racing. The London Academy Grand Prix also boasted the largest 4th Cat women’s field of the year – an achievement that underscores the team’s ability to engage at every level of the sport.
Workshops like Bike Racing 101 and How to Join a Race Team further cemented the Academy’s reputation as a force for positive change in women’s cycling. For King, though, the real triumph lies in the personal growth of her riders. “We all grew as people,” she reflects, “recognising the power of sport in our professional and personal development.”
Consistency is key to the Academy’s ethos, and 2025 sees the squad building on its established model. With six new riders joining and the core team re-signing, the Academy has bolstered its strength at all levels.
Among the new arrivals, The British Continental journal contributorGeorgia Bullard brings a wealth of experience from her time with Dolcini O’Shea. A regular fixture on the national scene, she’s a rider with proven results and a deep tactical understanding, making her an asset in both individual races and team efforts. For Bullard, the Academy represents a chance to reinvigorate her career while supporting younger riders.
Ailsa McLagan, previously with Saint Piran, is still in the early stages of her racing journey but has already shown promise with consistent results at the national level. The Academy plans to provide her with the tools to refine her skills and unlock her potential. “Ailsa has a bright future,” King notes. “We’re excited to help her take the next step.”
King speaks to the squad at the 2025 team launch. Image: Rupert Hartley
Grace Davies, joining from Project 51, is a rider who thrives in a team environment. Now entering her fifth season, Davies brings solid racing skills and a willingness to work for her teammates, making her a reliable presence in the pack.
For Emily Tanner, the youngest addition to the team, the Academy is a springboard into competitive racing. A second-year junior from Woolwich CC, Tanner has impressed with her dedication and hunger to learn. “Emily’s enthusiasm is infectious,” says King. “She’s keen to soak up everything the older riders have to offer.”
Grace Sargeant, meanwhile, is something of a wildcard. With no prior road team experience but a natural talent for racing, she first caught the team’s attention at Hillingdon, where her raw power and determination stood out. After completing a trans-American ride, she’s fully embraced the competitive side of cycling. “Grace is ready to expand her racing horizons,” says King.
Finally, Lily Martin, a former international-level rower, brings a unique athletic background to the Academy. Martin’s strength and discipline from rowing provide a solid foundation for her transition to cycling. “She’s my wildcard,” King admits. “But her determination and work ethic are second to none. We’re excited to help her develop her racing instincts.”
While the Academy looks to the future, it also bids farewell to several riders: Grace Bell and the standout Katy Hill, Anna Brearley (returning to Reading CC), and retirees Faith Hammond and Rosie Day.
2025 team launch. Image: Rupert Hartley
Behind the scenes, the Academy’s partnerships provide a foundation for its ambitions. Long-time collaborators Cyclefit continue to ensure rider comfort and performance, offering support comparable to what EF Education’s professionals receive. The London Leg Up Fund, a charity close to King’s heart, remains a vital financial ally. Meanwhile, Wahoo returns as a sponsor, equipping the team with cutting-edge training tools.
“It’s all about trust,” King explains, reflecting on the team’s recent launch night. “Trusting in what we’re building, trusting the process, and trusting each other.”
For King, the Academy’s greatest success lies not in its results but in its ethos. “It’s not about big changes,” she says. “It’s about doing more of the good stuff.” And in an environment often resistant to innovation, the Academy’s mission to put riders first – and its unrelenting focus on growing the women’s peloton – feels like a quiet revolution.
Read the latest team news in our domestic team guide here.
The London Academy is a team with a purpose – and it’s not just about winning races. When we spoke to Sarah King back in February, her vision for the London Academy was already making waves. She outlined a new approach to running a team, one based on transparency, honesty, and making the riders feel supported: “I’ve seen the over-promising and the under-delivering. I’ve experienced the lack of transparency and honesty. I want to do things differently.”
Under the stewardship of King, the London Academy squad enters 2025 with an unwavering commitment to its mission: getting more women racing bikes. It’s a vision that’s as much about cultural change as it is about podiums, and it’s one the team is delivering on, bit by bit.
The 2024 season proved the strength of this rider-focused model. Star rider Katy Hill impressed with her daring performances, particularly when she animated the break at the Women’s CiCLE Classic and secured a commendable 16th place in the prestigious Lincoln Grand Prix. Her successes encapsulate the Academy’s ethos: creating opportunities for riders to shine on the biggest stages.
“We’re determined to do things differently,” says King. “To truly put riders at the centre, not the management. It’s about elevating the good stuff – progression, mentoring, and building a community around racing.”
The numbers from 2024 speak volumes. Half the team raced at a level above their 2023 season, including notable wins at Regional A and National B events and a standout 10th place overall in the team rankings at the National Road Series. They clinched third place in the British Team Cup series, fielding two squads to give newcomers a shot at National B-level racing. The London Academy Grand Prix also boasted the largest 4th Cat women’s field of the year – an achievement that underscores the team’s ability to engage at every level of the sport.
Workshops like Bike Racing 101 and How to Join a Race Team further cemented the Academy’s reputation as a force for positive change in women’s cycling. For King, though, the real triumph lies in the personal growth of her riders. “We all grew as people,” she reflects, “recognising the power of sport in our professional and personal development.”
Consistency is key to the Academy’s ethos, and 2025 sees the squad building on its established model. With six new riders joining and the core team re-signing, the Academy has bolstered its strength at all levels.
Among the new arrivals, The British Continental journal contributor Georgia Bullard brings a wealth of experience from her time with Dolcini O’Shea. A regular fixture on the national scene, she’s a rider with proven results and a deep tactical understanding, making her an asset in both individual races and team efforts. For Bullard, the Academy represents a chance to reinvigorate her career while supporting younger riders.
Ailsa McLagan, previously with Saint Piran, is still in the early stages of her racing journey but has already shown promise with consistent results at the national level. The Academy plans to provide her with the tools to refine her skills and unlock her potential. “Ailsa has a bright future,” King notes. “We’re excited to help her take the next step.”
Grace Davies, joining from Project 51, is a rider who thrives in a team environment. Now entering her fifth season, Davies brings solid racing skills and a willingness to work for her teammates, making her a reliable presence in the pack.
For Emily Tanner, the youngest addition to the team, the Academy is a springboard into competitive racing. A second-year junior from Woolwich CC, Tanner has impressed with her dedication and hunger to learn. “Emily’s enthusiasm is infectious,” says King. “She’s keen to soak up everything the older riders have to offer.”
Grace Sargeant, meanwhile, is something of a wildcard. With no prior road team experience but a natural talent for racing, she first caught the team’s attention at Hillingdon, where her raw power and determination stood out. After completing a trans-American ride, she’s fully embraced the competitive side of cycling. “Grace is ready to expand her racing horizons,” says King.
Finally, Lily Martin, a former international-level rower, brings a unique athletic background to the Academy. Martin’s strength and discipline from rowing provide a solid foundation for her transition to cycling. “She’s my wildcard,” King admits. “But her determination and work ethic are second to none. We’re excited to help her develop her racing instincts.”
While the Academy looks to the future, it also bids farewell to several riders: Grace Bell and the standout Katy Hill, Anna Brearley (returning to Reading CC), and retirees Faith Hammond and Rosie Day.
Behind the scenes, the Academy’s partnerships provide a foundation for its ambitions. Long-time collaborators Cyclefit continue to ensure rider comfort and performance, offering support comparable to what EF Education’s professionals receive. The London Leg Up Fund, a charity close to King’s heart, remains a vital financial ally. Meanwhile, Wahoo returns as a sponsor, equipping the team with cutting-edge training tools.
“It’s all about trust,” King explains, reflecting on the team’s recent launch night. “Trusting in what we’re building, trusting the process, and trusting each other.”
For King, the Academy’s greatest success lies not in its results but in its ethos. “It’s not about big changes,” she says. “It’s about doing more of the good stuff.” And in an environment often resistant to innovation, the Academy’s mission to put riders first – and its unrelenting focus on growing the women’s peloton – feels like a quiet revolution.
Read the latest team news in our domestic team guide here.
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