The inaugural is fast approaching. It's time to get to know the Scotland Team riders as they prepare to race around the county across three stages from the 9 - 11th August. Here's Sophie Lankford...

How did you get into bike racing? Can you describe your first racing experience?

SL: I did triathlon when I was 11 but I was predominantly a swimmer until the age of 17. My brother and my dad did a few races and got me to try, I was hooked! I switched my focus from swimming to cycling, this is my 6th year racing. 

You dominated at the Scottish National Track Championships, won a round of the British Circuit Series and have been competitive in recent road races. What is your favourite kind of race and why?

SL: I think my favourite race is the individual pursuit, as it’s really just down to you and the clock, I quite like time trialling too. I also do obviously enjoy crits - they’re just so fast and pretty technical that it’s a 60 minute adrenaline rush. 

With the Women’s Tour of Scotland fast approaching, what are you doing to prepare for this race?

SL: I’ve been focusing a lot on circuit racing this season, so I’ve had to quickly introduce some endurance training. I’m spending this week doing kermesse racing in Belgium, then will do the next round of the National Series which is set to be very hilly! 

Which stage of the race are you most looking forward to and why?
SL: That I’m really looking forward to starting in Glasgow, as it’s where my Mum and my Grandma are from and with family still living there, it’s a home start for me! 

With the race going over three days, how will you recover after each stage and prepare for the next?

SL: I’ll always have a good recovery drink after the race, maybe a massage and then just chill out before the next stage! Fuelling is obviously really important between stages and you need it to recover but also for energy stores for the next day. 

How does it feel to be part of the Scotland Team alongside Olympian Katie Archibald?

SL: I’m really excited to be part of the Scottish team, which is something I’ve always wanted to do, even when I was a swimmer. It’s an honour to race alongside Katie, she’s so experienced at a young age, that hopefully I can learn from her and also Neah Evans. 

Finally, what advice would you offer other women who are interested in getting into bike racing?

SL: I think you’ve just got to bite the bullet and get racing. There’s lots of racing available and also women-specific race training that can help you gain confidence. 

It can be worth investigating if there are women in your local club that race and you can drop them a line or just have a chat - cycling is nice and approachable like that! 

Finally, don’t put too much pressure on yourself and just enjoy it. 

Good luck to Sophie as she takes on the Women's Tour of Scotland.

The inaugural Women's Tour of Scotland will take place across three stages from the 9th to the 11th August 2019. Find out more information HERE.