Suffolk: Crowfield teen wins second cycling championship

Abbey Thompson has become the first female junior to win the Champion of Champions trophy for a second consecutive year.

The Champion of Champions is made up of five events, all testing cyclists in different ways including time trials, hill climbs and road racing.

Abbey Thompson (Image: Leon Thompson)

The 13-year-old has to date, notched up over 160 first-place finishes and championship wins.

Abbey said: "I'm still in shock to have pulled off the Champion of Champions title for a second year.

"It has given me a huge boost to my confidence".

Abbey has won over 160 races (Image: Leon Thompson)

Abbey competing (Image: Leon Thompson)

Abbey has been racing since she was seven and by the age of eight, she could do 10 miles while sustaining a speed of over 16 miles per hour.

She continued: "I love speed and if I have a difficult start to a race, I love to chase back to fight for the win.

"I am faster, stronger and more motivated with each season and I will try my hardest to make it.

Abbey racing (Image: Leon Thompson)

Abbey riding with pro cyclist Megan Baker (Image: Stonham Barns Park)

"To win a race is an amazing feeling, it isn't like most team sports where you can jog along and take a rest.

"Time trials are not easy, you have to manage your body under extreme circumstances, and you have to be strong to push and make your body go faster than anyone else's."

Among her favourite wins, she includes the Paris Roubaix, the 25 Time Trial National Championships and the Isle of Man National Youth series wins.

Abbey wants to become a professional cyclist (Image: Leon Thompson)

Abbey racing (Image: Leon Thompson)

She has also won numerous races regionally, including the Ipswich District Cycling Association Time Trial Championship, winning at both junior and juvenile level.

Abbey, who races for Stonham Barns Park Suffolk Youth Race Team, says that her cycling inspirations are Lizzie Deignan and Mark Cavendish.

Abbey's father and Suffolk Youth Team Race coach, Leon Thompson, said: "Abbey has trained hard this season fighting to keep herself in form after she had Covid.

Abbey collecting an award (Image: Leon Thompson)

Abbey has won numerous local races (Image: Leon Thompson)

"Abbey with her outstanding skills means she is one of the young cyclists to watch."

Stonham Barns Park is sponsoring Abbey for the third year as she works her way to becoming a professional cyclist.

Her long-term aim is to compete at the World Championships and the Women's Tour de France. 

Abbey races for Stonham Barns Park Suffolk Youth Race Team (Image: Leon Thompson)