From Cat 4 licence to UCI podiums in 12 months | Inside Lauren Dickson’s meteoric rise

Twenty-five-year-old Scot Lauren Dickson only pinned on a race number in 2024 – yet by May 2025 she was 3rd overall at the Tour of Norway and winner of the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix. 

In this conversation with host Denny Gray, the former mountain-runner and triathlete breaks down the defining moments, steep learning curves and audacious goals that have made her one of Britain’s fastest-rising road racers.

The Handsling Alba Development Road Team rider’s sporting life did not start on two wheels. She began as a Scotland-capped junior runner but broke a bone in her left foot in 2019, leaving her ankle too fragile for downhill running. Rehab led her to triathlon and draft-legal duathlon in Spain, where she picked up bunch-riding skills. 

In 2024 she Googled how to start road racing, joined Edinburgh Road Club, finished 44th in her first event, then won two local races a fortnight later. Second place at the Lancaster Grand Prix caught Handsling Alba Development Road Team’s eye; a runner-up ride at Ryedale and methodical work on her descending followed. 

She delivered Alba’s first National Road Series win at the Rapha Lincoln GP and, with new confidence, matched WorldTour climbers at the Tour of Norway. Next up is the Tour of Britain Women on home roads, while former pro Hannah Barnes is helping her to navigate WorldTour interest. 

For now, though, the plan is simple: keep learning fast, race even faster—and enjoy every descent she once feared.

Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and many other platforms.

Huge thanks to Will Jones at Redbricks Media for producing this episode.

Featured image: SWpix.com