From club rides in West Wales to European racing with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation, Awen Roberts reflects on development, patience and learning her craft.
Part of our new “Getting to know” series with riders supported by the Rayner Foundation.
Awen Roberts has taken a route into elite racing that is rooted firmly in place and pathway. Raised in rural Carmarthenshire, she came to the sport through her local club, Towy Riders, following her brothers into organised racing and developing across multiple disciplines from an early age. Strong club coaching, exposure to track racing in Carmarthen, and progression through the Welsh Cycling system – including regular training at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome – formed the foundations of her development.
Her ambitions sharpened early. A first British jersey as an under-14 gave way to selection for the Great Britain Junior Academy, and with it the realisation that cycling might become more than a pastime. Since stepping up from the junior ranks, Roberts has focused on adapting to the physical and practical demands of elite racing: longer distances, consecutive race days, and the realities of competing – and travelling – across Europe.
Now riding for CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation, she has built her first full seasons around international UCI competition. Her results to date include a podium at the Pionera Race and a top-10 finish at the Gran Premio Ciudad de Eibar, alongside rides that have seen her active in breakaways and team roles against WorldTour opposition. Alongside her team programme, she is supported by the Rayner Foundation, helping her manage the costs and pressures of racing at this level.
Roberts in action at the 2024 Lloyds Bank National Road Championships. Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
In the Q&A below, Roberts reflects on her journey from club riding in West Wales to European racing, the lessons she has learned from stage races and development teams, and how she is approaching the next phase of her career – with an emphasis on patience, progression, and enjoyment of the sport.
For readers who might not know you yet – how would you describe yourself, away from race results and team bios?
I grew up in the countryside so I’ve always enjoyed nature and going for walks. I enjoy baking, reading and love a good film. I have a bubbly personality and value my family and friends. I’ve always had a positive attitude no matter what I do.
How did you first get into cycling, and what was it about the sport that hooked you?
I found cycling through my brothers. They started cycling at the local club, Towy Riders, and I joined them when I was old enough and loved it. My favourite part about cycling is the adrenaline, and I just love riding my bike in the countryside around my home. I’ve also been very lucky to ride my bike in many other countries during races and training.
Growing up in Wales, what role did place, terrain, or local clubs play in shaping you as a rider?
I was very fortunate that I joined Towy Riders, which had excellent riders such as Jess Roberts, Emma Finucane, Eluned King and Ella Barnwell, who I could look up to and sometimes train with on the outdoor track in Carmarthen. There were excellent coaches with Towy Riders and I then progressed to the SQT programme with Welsh Cycling.
It was a dash after school to get to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome every Wednesday to train with riders from all over Wales
It was a dash after school to get to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome every Wednesday to train with riders from all over Wales. On the road I am very fortunate that there is a real mix of terrain, from long flat areas along the beautiful Towy valleys to longer climbs over the Black Mountain. Even now I still value the Sunday morning group rides.
Roberts in 2022. Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Was there a moment when cycling shifted from “something I enjoy” to “this could be my future”?
When I won my first British jersey as an under-14 in Scarborough, I first had the cycling dream. The real realisation came as an under-16 rider going into junior when I was accepted onto the Great Britain Junior Academy. The excitement and thrill of winning and racing made me start to believe that possibly there could be a chance of making a living out of cycling. Then the more I raced, the more I wanted to succeed and the dream grew bigger, like competing in the Junior World Road Championships.
Looking back on your junior years, what do you think you learned that still matters most now?
I suppose the basics – training hard, believing in yourself and the importance of being part of a team and working as a team. Cycling really is a team sport and every rider has an important role, and when one person succeeds everyone in the team is a part of that, which is evident in my current team, CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation.
My family, especially my mum and dad – they are the reason why I can do what I’m doing now
Who were the people – coaches, teammates, family – who made the biggest difference early on?
My family, especially my mum and dad – they are the reason why I can do what I’m doing now. They took me all over the UK as a youth and junior rider to race my bike and were there every step of the way. Early on, Towy Riders made cycling fun and encouraged me to take part in different types of cycling – track, cyclo-cross and road. Also, a big thank you to my brothers for all the hand-me-down bikes!
How would you describe yourself as a rider – and how has that evolved over time?
I’m someone who is positive, determined and doesn’t give up. I like more hilly terrain, as I believe that’s where I can show my strength. I believe that is where my future lies in stage races, as I tend to be as strong at the end as the beginning and recover well between stages.
Awen Roberts at the 2022 UCI Road World Championships – Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
What kind of races bring out the best in you — and why?
I believe the races that suit me best are hilly races and stage races because I do love a good climb and a race that’s hard, where I can race with heart and give it my all.
What has been the biggest adjustment in moving into an international development team? I was so excited to ride for CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation and meet new people from various countries with different cultures and languages. This is one of my favourite aspects of the team because we all have so much fun sharing our experiences.
One of the challenges early on was travelling on my own. I learned quickly to organise myself well to make flights, catch trains and book taxis
One of the challenges early on was travelling on my own. I learned quickly to organise myself well to make flights, catch trains and book taxis. I also learned not to get too anxious when things did not go to plan. I’ve got to know numerous airports both in the UK and in Europe by now, and travelling has become second nature.
What surprised you most about racing at this level — good or bad?
Racing at this level has given me the opportunity to learn so much from teammates and adapt to different types of racing. I’ve learned to deal with and enjoy back-to-back races, manage fatigue, aid recovery and manage a busy racing programme.
What result or results have you been most proud of so far – and why?
The Pionera Race, as this was my first UCI podium where I finished third and I was very proud of myself. Also Eibar, where I finished seventh – I was proud of how I raced and how we worked as a team, as I was able to attack and bridge to the breakaways.
Another race I am really proud of was the last day of the Lotto Thüringen Tour with the WorldTour teams. I was in the breakaway with many great riders and was working for a teammate. I attacked, which allowed my teammate to counter-attack. I also chased breakaways and was very active at the front of the race.
Roberts (centre) at the 2025 National Road Championships. Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
You extended your contract for a third year with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation following a challenging season – a crash in February sidelining you for three months, and another that ended your season prematurely at the Tour de l’Ardèche. What have you learned about yourself during difficult days or races that didn’t go to plan?
I’ve learned to be patient and not to rush my body when it isn’t ready. I’ve learned to make sure everything has healed well before going back to racing. I’ve learned to trust myself and not give up.
Every race is a new opportunity and the last race won’t define you for the next race
How do you reset after disappointment – is that something you’ve had to actively learn?
Yes, because in this sport there are many ups and downs and you can’t always control things. Every race is a new opportunity and the last race won’t define you for the next race. I always look forward to the next race as it will present a new opportunity.
How do you balance ambition with patience at this stage of your career?
It’s hard because you can only control the things you can control, and when things don’t go to plan it hurts. So you’ve just got to keep believing and trusting yourself, and keep enjoying it and re-focus.
When you think about the next couple of seasons, what feels most important right now?
To keep learning and progressing and to do the basics right. To focus race by race and give it my best, to train hard, and most importantly to enjoy it and have fun.
Awen Roberts has taken a route into elite racing that is rooted firmly in place and pathway. Raised in rural Carmarthenshire, she came to the sport through her local club, Towy Riders, following her brothers into organised racing and developing across multiple disciplines from an early age. Strong club coaching, exposure to track racing in Carmarthen, and progression through the Welsh Cycling system – including regular training at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome – formed the foundations of her development.
Her ambitions sharpened early. A first British jersey as an under-14 gave way to selection for the Great Britain Junior Academy, and with it the realisation that cycling might become more than a pastime. Since stepping up from the junior ranks, Roberts has focused on adapting to the physical and practical demands of elite racing: longer distances, consecutive race days, and the realities of competing – and travelling – across Europe.
Now riding for CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation, she has built her first full seasons around international UCI competition. Her results to date include a podium at the Pionera Race and a top-10 finish at the Gran Premio Ciudad de Eibar, alongside rides that have seen her active in breakaways and team roles against WorldTour opposition. Alongside her team programme, she is supported by the Rayner Foundation, helping her manage the costs and pressures of racing at this level.
In the Q&A below, Roberts reflects on her journey from club riding in West Wales to European racing, the lessons she has learned from stage races and development teams, and how she is approaching the next phase of her career – with an emphasis on patience, progression, and enjoyment of the sport.
For readers who might not know you yet – how would you describe yourself, away from race results and team bios?
I grew up in the countryside so I’ve always enjoyed nature and going for walks. I enjoy baking, reading and love a good film. I have a bubbly personality and value my family and friends. I’ve always had a positive attitude no matter what I do.
How did you first get into cycling, and what was it about the sport that hooked you?
I found cycling through my brothers. They started cycling at the local club, Towy Riders, and I joined them when I was old enough and loved it. My favourite part about cycling is the adrenaline, and I just love riding my bike in the countryside around my home. I’ve also been very lucky to ride my bike in many other countries during races and training.
Growing up in Wales, what role did place, terrain, or local clubs play in shaping you as a rider?
I was very fortunate that I joined Towy Riders, which had excellent riders such as Jess Roberts, Emma Finucane, Eluned King and Ella Barnwell, who I could look up to and sometimes train with on the outdoor track in Carmarthen. There were excellent coaches with Towy Riders and I then progressed to the SQT programme with Welsh Cycling.
It was a dash after school to get to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome every Wednesday to train with riders from all over Wales. On the road I am very fortunate that there is a real mix of terrain, from long flat areas along the beautiful Towy valleys to longer climbs over the Black Mountain. Even now I still value the Sunday morning group rides.
Was there a moment when cycling shifted from “something I enjoy” to “this could be my future”?
When I won my first British jersey as an under-14 in Scarborough, I first had the cycling dream. The real realisation came as an under-16 rider going into junior when I was accepted onto the Great Britain Junior Academy. The excitement and thrill of winning and racing made me start to believe that possibly there could be a chance of making a living out of cycling. Then the more I raced, the more I wanted to succeed and the dream grew bigger, like competing in the Junior World Road Championships.
Looking back on your junior years, what do you think you learned that still matters most now?
I suppose the basics – training hard, believing in yourself and the importance of being part of a team and working as a team. Cycling really is a team sport and every rider has an important role, and when one person succeeds everyone in the team is a part of that, which is evident in my current team, CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation.
Who were the people – coaches, teammates, family – who made the biggest difference early on?
My family, especially my mum and dad – they are the reason why I can do what I’m doing now. They took me all over the UK as a youth and junior rider to race my bike and were there every step of the way. Early on, Towy Riders made cycling fun and encouraged me to take part in different types of cycling – track, cyclo-cross and road. Also, a big thank you to my brothers for all the hand-me-down bikes!
How would you describe yourself as a rider – and how has that evolved over time?
I’m someone who is positive, determined and doesn’t give up. I like more hilly terrain, as I believe that’s where I can show my strength. I believe that is where my future lies in stage races, as I tend to be as strong at the end as the beginning and recover well between stages.
What kind of races bring out the best in you — and why?
I believe the races that suit me best are hilly races and stage races because I do love a good climb and a race that’s hard, where I can race with heart and give it my all.
What has been the biggest adjustment in moving into an international development team?
I was so excited to ride for CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation and meet new people from various countries with different cultures and languages. This is one of my favourite aspects of the team because we all have so much fun sharing our experiences.
One of the challenges early on was travelling on my own. I learned quickly to organise myself well to make flights, catch trains and book taxis. I also learned not to get too anxious when things did not go to plan. I’ve got to know numerous airports both in the UK and in Europe by now, and travelling has become second nature.
What surprised you most about racing at this level — good or bad?
Racing at this level has given me the opportunity to learn so much from teammates and adapt to different types of racing. I’ve learned to deal with and enjoy back-to-back races, manage fatigue, aid recovery and manage a busy racing programme.
What result or results have you been most proud of so far – and why?
The Pionera Race, as this was my first UCI podium where I finished third and I was very proud of myself. Also Eibar, where I finished seventh – I was proud of how I raced and how we worked as a team, as I was able to attack and bridge to the breakaways.
Another race I am really proud of was the last day of the Lotto Thüringen Tour with the WorldTour teams. I was in the breakaway with many great riders and was working for a teammate. I attacked, which allowed my teammate to counter-attack. I also chased breakaways and was very active at the front of the race.
You extended your contract for a third year with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation following a challenging season – a crash in February sidelining you for three months, and another that ended your season prematurely at the Tour de l’Ardèche. What have you learned about yourself during difficult days or races that didn’t go to plan?
I’ve learned to be patient and not to rush my body when it isn’t ready. I’ve learned to make sure everything has healed well before going back to racing. I’ve learned to trust myself and not give up.
How do you reset after disappointment – is that something you’ve had to actively learn?
Yes, because in this sport there are many ups and downs and you can’t always control things. Every race is a new opportunity and the last race won’t define you for the next race. I always look forward to the next race as it will present a new opportunity.
How do you balance ambition with patience at this stage of your career?
It’s hard because you can only control the things you can control, and when things don’t go to plan it hurts. So you’ve just got to keep believing and trusting yourself, and keep enjoying it and re-focus.
When you think about the next couple of seasons, what feels most important right now?
To keep learning and progressing and to do the basics right. To focus race by race and give it my best, to train hard, and most importantly to enjoy it and have fun.
Featured image: SWpix.com
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