Catching up with Alice Barnes

If you know anything about women’s cycling in the UK then the name Alice Barnes will be familiar to you.  With a strong background in mountain biking, she was part of the GB team that helped Lizzie Armistead (Deignan) to her win at the 2015 World Championship Elite Road Race in Richmond, Virginia.  She started out with pro team Drops in 2016 and joined UCI women’s world team Canyon-SRAM in 2018. In 2019, she won both the road race and time trial at the UK National Road Championships.

We caught up with Alice after her 2022 training camp:

What's your favourite track to listen to while training?

I don’t always listen to music while I am riding, it depends a lot on how much I have ridden on my own in a certain period.  If it has been a bit too much then I do like to mix it up a bit with music. Lately, I have been listening to a Spotify playlist called “Beyoncé Radio”.  There are lots of good old school sing-along songs. 

What are your hobbies aside from racing?

I love cooking, especially for my friends and family.  I also love eating, going to my favourite restaurants and discovering new ones.

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

If I’m in a rush I can get ready very quickly.  I like to take my time a little but can also get very distracted and end up rushing in the end anyway. 

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I definitely prefer being around people than on my own.  I don’t even need to be interacting with them but just having someone around.

What motivates you to work hard?

I get very motivated by my training.  I always aim to complete my session to the best of my ability and when I do, I am very satisfied.  I am of course also motivated to be the best I can be and to hopefully be able to take that into races.

What is your favourite thing about your career?

I love the places I get to see and the people I get to meet.  I also love how accessible cycling and especially road cycling is as a sport.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Looking back at the Nationals in 2019 when I won and how I won with the pressure I had going into the race makes me very proud.  It was one of my best days on a bike and I hope I can find that form again this year.

Essential British item you can't live without when you are travelling:

Passport :’)))

You can support Alice by following her on the following:

Twitter:  @BarnesAlice

Instagram: alice_barnes123

Website: www.alice-barnes.com