Unveiling the Future of Cycling: "Billy Ladle: Just Your Average 14-Year-Old Two-Time National Champ

Billy Ladle @billys_cycling

Two-Time National Champ

Exclusive Interview: With Billy Ladle featured by blancabikes.com

Eddie: Billy, tell us a bit about yourself.

Billy: I'm Billy, from Yorkshire, and I've won the British national championships twice, which is pretty cool.

Eddie: You've been cycling since you were one and racing since four. What are your earliest memories on the bike?

Billy: Honestly, I can barely remember being that young, but my dad and granddad were both big into cycling. I remember my dad running alongside me, pushing me down our street. Fell off a few times, obviously, but I got the hang of it quick enough. From then, I just loved being on a bike.

Eddie: You're a third-generation cyclist. How has this family history shaped your cycling journey?

Billy: It's definitely helped a lot. I never really got the chance to ride properly with my granddad, but my dad raced when he was younger, so cycling's always been around me. Having someone who knows the sport inside out definitely made it easier to get started.

Eddie: With over 200 race victories, which win means the most to you?

Billy: The national championships this year at Cyclopark in Kent was massive for me. I'd been training for it like mad all year, and it was the big goal, so crossing that finish line first was just amazing.

Eddie: You're coached by your dad. How does this affect your training and race preparation?

Billy: It's pretty laid-back compared to some of my mates with other coaches, but it works for me. My dad knows exactly what I need, so it's like having my own personal trainer every day. Plus, it's great fun.

Eddie: Balancing training, competition, school, and a social life at 14 must be tough. How do you handle it?

Billy: Yeah, it's tricky sometimes. Luckily, school finishes pretty early, so I've got time to get my rides in and tackle homework afterward. I'm doing alright now, but GCSEs might change things up a bit.

Eddie: Competitive cycling is demanding physically and mentally. What challenges have you faced?

Billy: Trying not to overtrain is tough. Like, if I have a rubbish race, all I wanna do is push myself harder, but I've learned I need to chill out sometimes. It’s not easy, but I know rest is as important as training.

Eddie: You've shared your dream to race in the Tour de France. How are you preparing for this?

Billy: Right now, I'm just trying to win as much as I can over the next couple of years, get onto a decent junior team, and hopefully make it into an under-23 squad. Long-term, going pro and racing big events like the Tour de France is the dream.

Eddie: Any pro cyclists you look up to?

Billy: Definitely Mads Pedersen. He's fast, can sprint and handle tough races, and that's exactly how I'd like to ride. He's pretty sick to watch.

Eddie: Any pre-race rituals or routines?

Billy: Nothing too crazy. Usually eat something a couple of hours before, listen to music, chill out a bit, and then jump on the rollers for a hard warm-up. Just keeping things relaxed really helps me.

Eddie: What advice would you give other young cyclists?

Billy: Just train hard, give it everything you've got, and don't be afraid to talk to people. Building connections is massive—if you never ask, you'll never get.

Eddie: Finally, what's your experience at Blanca Bikes been like?

Billy: Blanca Bikes has been wicked. They sort everything out so I don't have to worry about anything. Xabia is great for training—the roads are super smooth and the climbs are brilliant. It's just perfect here.

Wrap-up:

Meeting Billy was a real pleasure. He's a proper, humble, respectful lad who clearly appreciates everyone around him. You can instantly see the amazing bond he shares with his parents—they're genuinely invested in his future and support him wholeheartedly. Huge shout-out to them for raising such a grounded, talented young athlete. Keep an eye on Billy—he's definitely one to watch!