Quiz Time! Millie Skinner (Alba Development Road Team)

A new signing for the Alba Development Road Team 2024 is Millie Skinner, an experienced rider in the UK peloton, Millie is looking to continue to build on that experience both home and abroad.

Quiz Time! Millie Skinner (Alba Development Road Team)

Q: With the exciting news from the team for 2024, has that made your winter training faster and provided lots of motivation?
Millie: The move to UCI level is so exciting and it’s definitely provided some fire in my belly for winter training! When it’s grim weather outside, I think about the amazing opportunity I have for this coming season and the improvement I need to make the most of it.

Q: How much training in the winter each week are you able to do?
Millie: I’m pretty lucky to be in a position to have lots of time to train and this winter I have really tried to maximise the hours I can ride.

Q: What’s been the hardest challenge for you this winter on or off the bike?
Millie: I feel very fortunate that at the moment the only challenge I’ve faced this winter is the weather. A few storms and ice have meant I’ve been on the turbo for some long rides but this isn’t something that I struggle with. Of course, I’ll go out if I can but it’s always better to be safe.

Q: Looking back at the 2023 season, did it go to plan or were there challenges from time to time?
Millie: 2023 wasn’t my best year but I definitely took a lot from it. I was very fortunate to have some great experience racing in Belgium but seemed to have a dip in the height of the season meaning I couldn’t make the most of the opportunities and do as well as I’d hoped personally.

Q: What race was the most fun to do in 2023?
Millie: The Cicle Classic always brings an added element of fun. But racing newly crowned World Champion Lotte Kopecky in Belgium was up there too.

Q: What race was the toughest on the legs and head?
Millie: Some of the races in Belgium were pretty hard work.

Q: Do you put pressure on yourself for results or just go out there to enjoy it and grab a result if it’s on offer
Millie: I definitely put pressure on myself, but I’m learning this isn’t always the best way to success. I’m hoping to relax a little more this year.

Q: What performance (yours or a fellow rider) are you most proud of from 2023?
Millie: I was proud of my performance at Curlew; everything seemed to come together. And it was made even better by my teammate Corinne winning on the day.

Q: Have you experienced UCI racing abroad?
Millie: I have not done any UCI’s before, so I’m looking forward to giving them a go.

Q: Is it an ‘adventure’ traveling to races abroad with teammates?
Millie: It’s great to see how well received cycling is in some parts of Europe. It’s even better when you’ve got great teammates to share it with; life’s too short not to have fun!

Q: Are their specific races in 2024 you are looking forward to most?
Millie: Sheffield Grand Prix as it’s only a mile from my house. I’d also like to improve my performances at Lincoln and Curlew.

Q: Finally, what goals are important to you for 2024?
Millie: Every year the standard seems to get higher and higher but I just want to keep bettering my own performances and see where that gets me.