Racing at the Sharp end
Izzy's Australian adventure
A cyclist who trained with Poole Wheelers will compete in the final race of her Australian trip on Sunday.
Izzy Sharp rides for Lidl-Trek, an American women’s cycling team that races in the top division of the sport.
The 19-year-old is in her second season as a professional, and started 2025 racing across South Australia and Victoria.
But the Southampton resident grew up racing at Slades Farm Velodrome in the colours of Poole Wheelers cycling club.
Sharp said: “We had a busy schedule, which meant I really needed to stay focused whilst I’ve been here.”
Sharp began her 2025 season at the Tour Down Under, the opening event of the WorldTour calendar.
Her Australian team-mate Amanda Spratt finished 7th overall at the three-day race, whilst Sharp failed to complete the final hilly stage.
Results for the team would improve at the Schwalbe One Day Classic, with French sprinter Clara Copponi winning the one-day event.
Sharp played a key role for Lidl-Trek in the circuit race around Adelaide, chasing down breakaway riders before handing over to Copponi and her sprint train.
Copponi delivered another top-5 finish for Lidl-Trek at the Surf Coast Classic, the penultimate round of the Australian early-season racing, with Sharp crossing the line in 74th place.
Despite racing for a team that placed second in the world in 2024, Sharp still looks back fondly on her time in Dorset.
The teenager added: “Poole Wheelers taught me about working in a team atmosphere, mixed me with the boys and introduced me to full-on racing. It was a huge aspect in making me who I am now.”
Sharp started off as a budding swimmer in Southampton, but gradually fell out of love with the sport.
However, after attending triathlon events, she found cycling to be the discipline that was most enjoyable.
Sharp began competing at local events near Southampton, but trained with the Wheelers at Slades Farm velodrome.
Her coach was Jeremy Gill, who still teaches budding youngsters track cycling in Poole.
Gill said: “You could instantly tell that she was an immensely talented rider, but she’s also incredibly driven.”
Poole Wheelers introduced Sharp to road racing abroad, initially at youth tours of Belgium and the Netherlands.
After winning classifications at both races, the Southampton resident started to attract interest from other teams and sponsors.
Results kept flowing, with victories on the track and on the road, including a European under-23 Championship title in the Madison discipline.
2023 was Izzy’s most successful season on the road, winning Gent Wevelgem Juniors and taking a Silver Medal at the Junior World Championships Time-Trial.
With results to back up the talent, multiple professional teams debated offering Sharp a contract.
Sharp elected to sign with Lidl-Trek, who compete at the biggest races in the world.
In 2024, Sharp raced in Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Spain and the United Arab Emirates, with Lidl-Trek ending the year in second place in the UCI Team rankings.
“I have no doubts that Izzy will race the Tour De France in the future.”
What next?
Despite huge track success, Poole Wheelers are yet to have a former rider line up at Le Tour.
The Tour de France is the most prestigious event in the 27-race Women’s WorldTour calendar.
World Tour races with lower worldwide reputation can offer young riders a chance to test themselves against the best cyclists on the circuit.
Despite the challenge, Izzy continues to enjoy her time on the bike, and stays in contact with friends and opponents met in Bournemouth.
Jamie Whitcher raced with Sharp throughout her time in Dorset, and has been on the books of multiple Belgian development teams.
Whitcher said: “It was always really relaxed when we trained together. We occasionally still do ride together. We always have a really good laugh.”
The 20-year-old has been successful domestically as a youngster, and believes he can replicate the rise of Sharp.
The pair have raced together on the track in the UK and on the road around Europe.
Jamie and Izzy both wore leader's jerseys at the International Belgium Youth Tour in 2018. (Credit: Kim Whitcher)
Jamie and Izzy both wore leader's jerseys at the International Belgium Youth Tour in 2018. (Credit: Kim Whitcher)
Sharp’s progress acts as inspiration for Whitcher, with both having dreams of becoming World Champion on the road.
Whitcher added: “It’s cool to see that she’s really enjoying it. Seeing how much she enjoys being in that situation drives me to keep aiming for the top.”
Sharp will complete her early-season racing in Australia at the Cadel Evans Road Race on Sunday.
The race, spanning 142 kilometres, starts and finishes in Geelong, with 300 UCI points on offer for the winner.
Lidl-Trek will pin their hopes on Clara Copponi, who will attempt to take her second win in a week.
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