Ribble Outliers unveil squad and bike for 2026 gravel race season
The UK’s leading gravel race team, the Ribble Outliers have unveiled their squad and kit ahead of the 2026 race season.
Featuring a former pro skateboarder and the 2025 Three Peaks champion (beating Lachlan Morton along the way), the team’s eclectic roster look all set to build on the success of their debut season.
Last year saw the Outliers deliver over 20 podiums aboard their Ribble-Ultra Grit bikes, including gold medals at UCI World Series and Gravel Earth events. For 2026 the Outliers will grow from six to seven riders with the additions of Abi Smith and Josie Millard.
After four years competing in the Women’s UCI WorldTour, Abi brings a wealth of experience, with six national titles spanning road, time trial, track, hill climbing and gravel. The current British National Gravel Time Trial Champion enters the fold ready to take on her first full season dedicated to gravel racing.
Josie joins the team following a highly unconventional route into cycling. A former professional skateboarder and the first woman to be named European Skateboarder of the Year, Josie has swapped four wheels for two and is now fully committed to gravel. The 2026 season marks her first year as a professional cyclist.
“Skateboarding taught me that limits are there to be pushed! ,” said Josie. “Gravel racing demands the same.
“Different surface, same mentality. I’m here to learn, race hard, and see what’s possible when you step outside your comfort zone.”
Abi and Josie will be joined by five more athletes who are returning for the second season, bringing a mix of proven winners, former road professionals, and emerging talent:
- Metheven Bond – Stepping up from semi-pro to chase his first professional podium
- Harry Tanfield – Former WorldTour pro and current British National Gravel Time Trial Champion.
- Ben Thomas – Four-time national champion and instrumental team contributor
- Sophie Wright – 2025 Gravel Suisse winner and the UK’s top-performing women’s gravel racer
- Jenson Young – 2025 Three Peaks champion and UCI Gralloch gold medallist
First season, first class
The debut season was about proving it could be done. Jenson Young beat Lachlan Morton at the Three Peaks Cyclocross Challenge, setting a new course record in the process. Sophie Wright took gold at Gravel Suisse, while Harry Tanfield made the move from road to gravel, and Ben Thomas delivered consistent results all year.
Together the Ribble Outliers cementing their place as the UK’s leading gravel team and among the highest-ranked outfits in the world.
Looking ahead to 2026
The Ribble Outliers will race a full international calendar in 2026. The goal remains the same: racing hard at the highest level, supporting the growth of gravel racing, having fun, and representing what it actually takes to show up and perform, week after week.
Gravel racing is about the adventure – the terrain, the conditions, the challenge of racing on surfaces that change by the mile. It rewards those who get stuck in, adapt, and keep pushing. That’s what the Ribble Outliers are all about.
Partners
Supporting the team this year will be kit sponsors Kalas, Schwalbe, Restrap, POC, SRAM, Zipp, TrainingPeaks, Selle Italia, and Presta. Precision Fuel and Hydration will be providing nutrition for the team, while title sponsors Ribble – of course – provide the bikes.
A special mention must go to the team’s Ribble Ultra-Grit, which for our money is one of the best-looking rigs on the start line. The aerodynamic lines of the frame – which has clearance for 50mm tyres – are brought to life in the team’s hot pink livery.
The Outliers team version of the Ultra-Grit, equipped with SRAM’s top-tier RED XPLR AXS wireless groupset, power meter and Zipp 303 carbon wheels, is now available for purchase priced £6,499.
“We’re really proud of the incredible results the Ribble Outliers delivered last year,” said David Stacey, Commercial and Marketing Director, Ribble Cycles.
“Gravel racing is a unique combination of challenges which gives the sport an unpredictable, exciting edge that we love, and there’s no better proving ground for our bikes. With a packed calendar and a new rider roster, we’re excited to get started with the 2026 season.”