​Loughborough Lightning Cycling

Loughborough Lightning is one of the UK's leading womens cycling teams.

Loughborough Lightning is the women’s elite national road team based at Loughborough University, comprised of both current student-athletes and and non-university riders. We are competing at top UK domestic level in the in the national road, circuit and tour series, and competed in several UCI races in Belgium and Italy in the 2023 season. Loughborough University underpinned its commitment to women’s sport with the launch of the new Lightning Cycling franchise in 2021.

British Cycling

Elite Development Team

Riders

Check out this year's team.

Race Schedule

See the full list of races and competitions.

Loughborough Cycling Festival

Find out more about our upcoming events.

Team behind the team

Find out more about the team keeping the riders 'race ready'.

Loughborough Cycling Academy

Learn more about our University Performance Cycling Academy
Dave Nichols

“The path to the pinnacle of world sport is not an easy one for any aspiring young athlete. For too long cycling culture has held the dogmatic belief that elite cycling and higher education are not compatible, and that talented young people must choose between education and sporting careers. I have no hesitation in saying that what we are doing at Loughborough University is ground-breaking, culture-challenging, and paradigm-shifting. Through Loughborough Lightning we are re-engineering the fabrics of how cycling teams of the future will operate. With the creation of the new Women’s Tour de France, there has never been a more exciting time to be pushing the boundaries of possibilities for women's sport on the world stage, backed by world-leading research, development and innovation at Loughborough University.”

Dr Dave Nichols Team Manager
Endurance Coaching

World-class coaching and performance support

Our team enjoys the un-parralled coaching and performance support of the Loughborough Cycling Academy, ensuring every rider reaches their potential.
weights inside Powerbase gym

World-class training facilities

We utilize the multi-sport ecosystem across campus, with access to world class training faciltities.

Hazlerigg building at night, the fountain in front is spotlit in purple

World-leading cycling research and innovation

Our team benefits from close collaborations with Loughborough Universities academic schools across sport science, aero-engineering, sports technology and data science.
cyclists in a race
Lightning Cycling team
Loughborough Sport gazebo and warm up set up
cyclists racing the photo has background blur

Join the team

Lightning Cycling is open to both Loughborough University students and non-students. 

Current or prospective students should apply through the Loughborough Cycling Academy application form.

All other applicants should apply through the link below, and send a copy of their cycling CV to d.nichols@lboro.ac.uk.

Applications for the 2024 season are now open.

Apply here for 2023 season

Loughborough Cycling news

Sophie Capewell competing for Loughborough in BUCS. Image provided by Still Sport Photograhy.

Capewell sets new British record at Cycling World Championships

Loughborough’s involvement at the Cycling World Championships started in perfect fashion as current student Sophie Capewell set a new British record in the women's team sprint.

Loughborough Lightning

Loughborough Sport extends partnership with Computacenter

Loughborough Sport are delighted to confirm that its long-standing partnership with Computacenter has been extended.

le col's logo

Loughborough and Le Col agree strategic partnership

Loughborough University has agreed a strategic partnership with leading performance cycling brand, Le Col.

More Lightning Cycling news

Loughborough Lightning merchandise

Make sure you look the part whilst watching Loughborough Lightning this season in our brand new merchandise range. With vibrant coloured hoodies and replica tops, you will feel part of the Lightning family instantly.

Shop Lightning merchandise Buy Lightning tickets

Club Sponsor