Becci Skelton

Becci describes herself as ‘a 35 year old normal lass from north Lincolnshire’ (flattest place on earth) who first started riding when she was about 29 because her mates were going on a lads’ bike weekend away to Dalby Forest and she didn’t want to get left out. So, she treated herself to a £600 Cube Hardtail bike in preparation for the weekend. On that first ride, Becci crashed into a tree and snapped the forks in two… it was love ever after.

Since the Dalby Forest weekend Becci has started riding at a local spot called Hamilton Hill In Lincolnshire, literally the only hill for miles. She entered a small downhill mates race there and came second... out of two! The progression from there is noticeable. After a few more ‘mates’ races, it was then on to Downhill mountain bike national races. Becci will always be eternally grateful to the small sponsors she picked up at this stage of her journey – when she started training seriously for downhill, got some good results at nationals and moved up into the elite category after two seasons.

At the start of 2017 she told her mum she was going to enter the Fort William World Cup and would take her there to watch. Sadly, a few weeks later her mother was diagnosed with cancer and passed away a month before the World Cup. However Becci did compete in the World Cup and ever since her desire to make her family proud has been her driving force. Becci trains hard, whilst working a full time job as a personal trainer and sports masseuse, and is consistently ranked in the top ten nationally. 

Morning to night, that’s pretty much all I think about. It’s an adrenaline buzz. It makes crappy days good. It’s an emotional release. It’s a haven for awesome people doing awesome things.

Becci Skelton on cycling

Cycling has been a force for good for Becci, who says: "‘There is no better feeling then being on my bike; it’s just pure passion and obsession. Morning to night, that’s pretty much all I think about. It’s an adrenaline buzz. It makes crappy days good. It’s an emotional release. It’s a haven for awesome people doing awesome things. It’s family. And it’s me.’

Nominated by Ros Harper because "Becci is a fantastically fit, fast and fearless downhill mountain biker. She has gained sponsorship recently and is seldom off the podium at races. She has participated in Ninja Warrior on the TV and sometimes displays her crazy strength, agility and riding skills on social media. Becci shows us that it takes hard work, guts and talent to be a top rider. She has a great sense of humour - I love her 'northern lass' style. Totally inspirational."

What is 100 Women in Cycling?

Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling is an annual list celebrating inspirational women who are encouraging others to cycle.