Škoda DSI Team News

Four female riders, Morgan Newberry, Lucy Ellmore, Megan Dickerson and Rebecca Richards; graduate from ŠKODA DSI Cycling Academy and take next steps in their cycling careers

Škoda DSI Team News

Team Press Release

Four female riders graduate from ŠKODA DSI Cycling Academy and take next steps in their cycling careers

› Morgan Newberry (22, from Leicester) and Rebecca Richards (23, from Newark) join Academy mentor Dame Sarah Storey at Storey Racing for the 2022 season

› Lucy Ellmore (18, from Harrogate in Yorkshire) signs for Pro-Noctis cycling team

› Megan Dickerson (25, from Bristol) joins FTP Racing (Fulfil the Potential Racing)

› ŠKODA UK Driver’s Seat Initiative (DSI) Cycling Academy riders developed their cycling skills under the tutelage Britain’s greatest ever Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, and received money cannot buy ride experiences

Four female riders from the prestigious ŠKODA UK DSI Cycling Academy are celebrating graduation to cycling race teams, the next step in their careers on two wheels.

Under the tutelage of Dame Sarah Storey, Academy Principal and Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian, Morgan Newberry, Rebecca Richards, Megan Dickerson, and Lucy Ellmore experienced the life of a professional rider that included ride experience at the Women’s Tour, Tour of Britain and Tour Series. Each rider was also educated in the performance, nutrition and media profiles required to be a modern-day pro-cyclist.

Dame Sarah Storey comments on the success of the riders: “I’m delighted to see how much progress each of the Academy riders have made during their time with the ŠKODA DSI Cycling Academy, they have all made big steps forward in their cycling careers. To have worked with such passionate individuals who are committed to improving their performance both on and off the bike has been a real privilege and I wish them all the best for their next step, I will be following their progress.”

Storey continues: “My advice to all of the riders has remained consistent throughout the time I have worked with them. Focus on a process driven approach and the things that are within your control. Logical decision making is key and maximising new opportunities will always be important. By creating a plan that is both challenging but achievable they will be able to continue the progress they have made during their time with the ŠKODA Academy.”

Morgan Newberry and Rebecca Richards (above) completed three years in the Academy and were selected by Dame Sarah Storey herself to join Storey Racing.

Morgan Newberry, who is currently studying for a master’s degree in Physiology and Nutrition at Loughborough University, will be competing for Storey Racing in the National Road Race Series. Newberry comments: “I’ve been on a three-year journey with the Academy. Thanks to Dame Sarah and ŠKODA I’ve progressed from a novice club rider to joining a major cycling team. My first race in Storey Racing colours will be in January at the National Track Championships in Newport. I’m back training on my turbo and cannot wait for the new season to start.”

In addition to competing in the National Road Race Series Morgan hopes to follow in the footsteps of Dame Sarah by taking part in the Para World Cup road race and time trial next year. Morgan has the same disability as Dame Sarah and through the academy programme her bike has received the same modifications as her mentor so that she is now riding more efficiently.

Newberry continues: “The Paris 2024 Paralympics are definitely on my radar and I’m keen to push myself over the next few years. What better mentor to have than Team GB’s greatest ever Paralympian?”

Rebecca Richards, from Newark, completes the rider line-up at Storey Racing and will be competing in the National Road Race, Circuit and Time Trials Series next year. Richards is currently in Tucson, Arizona at the Homestretch Foundation, a charity to help promising female riders from across the globe, for the ultimate warm weather training. Richards comments: “I’ve enjoyed so many fantastic ride experiences with the Academy and they’re all tied together with a real sense of achievement. Riding a 140-mile stage of the Tour de France with the InternationElles, a day ahead of the men’s pro peloton, will take some beating.”

Megan Dickerson, from Bristol, has joined FTP Racing (Fulfil the Potential Racing) and will be targeting national level time trial and road races in the new 2022 season. Dickerson, who will combine her cycling with full time work at a digital social media agency, comments: “I’m thrilled to be stepping up to the next level to join FTP Racing, a team of strong female riders. All of the Academy riders are now close friends and I’m excited to competing against them in the very near future.”

Lucy Ellmore, from Harrogate, has been riding competitively since she was 13 years old and will be wearing the colours of Pro-Noctis next year in the National Road and Circuit Series. Ellmore comments: “I’ve decided to take a year out from my studies to focus on cycling and I’ll be juggling work at the local police treatment centre with riding with the Pro-Noctis team. I particularly enjoy the criterium races in city centres, the big crowds create an amazing atmosphere and a real buzz. Roll on 2022!”

The ŠKODA DSI Cycling Academy offers ambitious female cyclists, aged between 17-22, with a route to the elite level of the sport and includes money cannot buy ride experiences. Earlier this year Academy riders took part in a ride out with Dame Sarah Storey across stage 5 of the Tour of Britain and completed a recce of the Women’s Tour time trial stage in advance of the professionals.

ŠKODA is committed to furthering the opportunities for female riders and will be announcing details in January of how young, female riders can apply to become part of the 2022 intake of Academy riders.

ŠKODA started life as a bicycle company in 1895 and the brand continues to honour its heritage. In tandem with its headline sponsorship of key events in the cycling calendar, ŠKODA is championing gender equality in the professional tour series. For more information on the ŠKODA DSI Cycling Academy, please visit: www.skoda.co.uk/discover/cycling-academy