Born with a condition that affects her muscles, Debbie was advised by a surgeon only to cycle. From here her journey with cycling began. While racing, Debbie saw an opportunity for a race team which supported riders with their mental health, including eating disorders - Active Edge racing was born. Debbie also established Giro d'Abruzzo Tours, helping people improve their cycling skills and mental health. Debbie is the Head of Expo at the Tour of Cambridgeshire.

Debbie Rycraft said…

"Born with a love for sport, but also with a condition that affected my muscles, by the age of eight, this condition acerbated, effecting my knees and I became disabled for three years. I then managed to walk again and continued with sport.

"In 2016, my surgeon suggested stopping all sports and just cycle. With this, my life changed. I started with cycling short distances, then cycling holidays and sportive's. 

"I competed in the Tour of Cambridgeshire, where I qualified to compete in the finals in the UCI world championships, Australia representing GB. Living in Thailand, I started racing and became the Thailand champion. While racing, I saw there was a need for a road race team which supported riders with their mental health, including eating disorders, so I formulated Active Edge Race Team, UK. We competed in the UK and International, with podium finishes. 

While racing, I saw there was a need for a road race team which supported riders with their mental health, including eating disorders, so I formulated Active Edge Race Team, UK

Debbie Rycraft

"During which, I developed Giro d'Abruzzo, Cycling Tours, Italy and then Valley Escapes, Spain. Here, I help people improve their cycling skills, mental health, overall fitness, including helping a female get back on her bike after an accident, support professional injured riders in rehab and help families ride together.

"Due to the pandemic, in the UK I managed a bike shop, where I continue to help children who are just starting to cycle to novice/amateur teenagers to adult riders wanting to get into cycling.

"In my spare time, I’m the Head of Expo at The Tour of Cambridgeshire, which is a well-established UCI road cycling event, Peterborough, where you can just ride for fun, have a social gathering or race in the Worlds. This year there will be more of a family festival theme, including glamping. Along with the sponsors, I’ll work closely with, Youth Dreams Project, who will be facilitating cycling for the children."

Nominated by…

Debbie was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by Kevin Walters, who said: 

"Debbie has been instrumental in breaking down barriers for women being one of the first race team managers of a mens team in the world. She is a brilliant cycle coach plus life coach helping numerous women (and pro-cyclists) back on their bikes giving them confidence and knowledge to help them move forward.

"Debbie is always looking to expand cycling for all not only in the UK but abroad (Italy/Spain) giving people a different safe challenge and encouraging them to experience the joy of cycling. She has raced herself for GB and now encourages all levels of cyclists from the shop she manages and the tour company of which she is a director.

From families to pro riders Debbie is the perfect person to get you on or back on your bike. She certainly helped me and I will be forever grateful

Kevin Walters

"Debbie is presently engaged with the Tour of Cambridge organisation setup and brings all things she loves about cycling to this great event. From families to pro riders Debbie is the perfect person to get you on or back on your bike. She certainly helped me and I will be forever grateful.