Behind every successful season is a dedicated group of talented riders, experienced support staff and passionate volunteers. Our 2026 squad brings together proven performers from the British National Series alongside exciting new talent, all united by the ambition to compete at the highest level across the UK and Europe. Get to know the riders who will represent Shibden Apex RT throughout the 2026 season as they continue their journey towards the professional ranks.
Russell Stewart
Team Principal
2025 has been another fantastic year for the team. We continue to grow and expand our offering to riders. It’s great to have Will Thompson join the team as our sports science advisor and data analyst. And next year he will take on the role of permanent DS which is exciting as we look to challenge for more podiums in Europe. Junior racing is becoming more professional as World Tour Teams such as Decathlon, Visma, FDJ Groupama, Red Bull enter the scene. One of my key roles is to secure more sponsors and funding for the team.
Will Thompson
Director Sportief
A Graduate of Leeds University in Sports Science and a Cyclist who has raced at Junior and now Elite level my passion is to use data and science to coach riders to perform at their best. Plan for 2026 as DS: I’m excited to take on the role of DS. It has always been my ambition to Direct my own race team, and this is a great opportunity. We have a great base of 2nd year Juniors, and we have hand picked the new first year intake. I’m looking forward to working with Pete to get the boys ready to race in March 26.
Pete Williams
Technical Advisor
Background: A chartered physiotherapist with over a decade racing in the International Pro Peloton, years of experience and knowledge combine so our juniors are ready to race at the highest level. Pete has raced World Tour events, 11 x Tour of Britain (Several King of the Mountains and Sprint Jerseys won) and 5 x Tour de Yorkshires. Plan for 2026: Our aim has always been to seek continual development in our riders. We have established a strong team ethos with riders working for each other in the peloton. Our goal is to deliver consistent results in each race competing with the best in Europe and support Will as he takes on the DS role.
Will Brown
2nd Year. UK National Series Stage winner at Tour of Mendips, multiple top 10 Stage / GC finishes in the UK National Series races as a first year in 2025. One of the best performing 2025 first year riders in the UK. Will has learned a lot from racing in Europe and we will be working with him to convert his UK race results into European podiums as he looks for a pro contract in 2027
Steffan King
1st Year. Welsh Development pathway rider. Also rode with GKR at U16 level so good riding relationship with Oliver. 6th place at Scarborough as a U16 rider demonstrates his talent to climb. Steffan is expected to perform well at UK Nationals and on the more challenging hiller races we will ride in Europe
Sam Stewart Ball
2nd Year. Welsh Development Pathway. Represented Wales in UK National Series races. Climber, Multiple top 5 stage results in Junior Tour of Wales in 2025. Fantastic team player, growing in confidence and looking for a pro contract at the end of Junior racing. Sam will be targeting podiums in 2026 at Cicle, Penn Ar Bed and the mountains of Classic Region SUD
Ollie Gunn
1st Year. Joining from GKR racing as a U16 to join us. Podium at Hogg Hill UK National Series and 1st at Hillingdon. Intelligent rider with good U16 results. High expectations for Oliver in 2026 in the UK and in Europe.
Lucus Lillistone
1st Year. Coming to cycling slightly later than his peer group, Lucas family has a DNA in cycling with his father and grandfather before him cycling at a high level. His power stats are very impressive. He has had some impressive stage results as U16 youth rider and we expect him to grow significantly and be challenging for podiums in his first year in the UK.
Jamie Rabbett
1st Year. British Cycling Colne GP U16 winner. Regular in top 10 in U16 UK National Series races. Excellent 10 mile TT results as an U16. Sprinter with good power stats. Shibden Apex RT U16 rider
James Canham
2nd Year. On the British Cycling Olympic Development Pathway. Multiple top 20 results last year in the UK and European races. Improved significantly over the period and has been challenging for the white jersey last year and is looking to represent GBR in Nations Cups this year and secure podium places in the UK and Europe to secure a professional contract at U23 level. His strength is positioning and sprinting which he has shown to good effect in 2025.
Harrison Hendy
1st Year. Already experienced in racing at U16 level in Belgium. Harrison has shown his ability and has had multiple top 5 GC and podiums in Belgium as a U16 rider already. Good power stats and a great team player.
Elliot Speedie
2nd Year. On the British Cycling Olympic Development Pathway. Represented Scotland and GBR at European level. Multiple top 20 results last year in the UK and European races. Looking to represent GBR in Nations Cups this year and secure podium places in the UK and Europe. Fantastic engine, superb team player has played a key role in helping the team get results in 2025. Aim to secure a professional contract at U23 level so he will be fully focused on racing for podiums
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Races
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Countries
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Podiums