GABRIELLA Shaw celebrated her return to the All Terrain Cycles racing team in style, finishing in eighth place in the National Circuit Race Championship in Birmingham last weekend.

Gaby, who grew up in Bramhope and like Lizzie Armitstead was a student at Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley, has been competing since she was 13 after being spotted by British Cycling and selected as part of the British Talent Team programme.

The 24-year-old was part of Yorkshire cycle retailer All Terrain’s team back in 2012 before joining a women’s team in Belgium and, more recently, spending three years riding for Podium Ambition which this year became a professional outfit.

This season, Gaby is ranked ninth nationally in the elite category and also won the East Yorkshire Classic in Beverley a few weeks ago, as well as having come seventh in the Otley Women’s GP.

“Having had a fairly difficult year, riding in fewer competitions than I would have liked, I couldn’t be happier to be back in the All Terrain fold and coming in the top ten last week proves that I made the right choice,” said Gaby.

“With Tony Booth and the All Terrain team, I have total free rein with no pressure.

“Tony genuinely loves supporting local talent – from kit and bikes to expert bike fitting and advice on achieving the most aero dynamic riding position, the guys at All Terrain have the specialist knowledge to help me succeed. I am very grateful for their support and for giving me more racing opportunities.”

Tony Booth, managing director of All Terrain Cycles, said: “Having watched Gaby cycling for a number of years, it’s no surprise that she has performed so well in one of the UK’s most prestigious competitions.

“While it’s fantastic that young cyclists have the opportunity to ride for professional teams, there’s no doubt that it puts a lot of pressure on them, which sometimes holds them back – the key is to ensure that cycling continues to be enjoyable and then the results will follow.

“I know that Gaby has the talent and discipline to succeed and I’m delighted to be able to give her the environment she needs in order to progress her cycling career.” Gaby added: “Cycling has already given me some great opportunities. Last year I took part in the women’s Tour of Britain and I’ve been all over the world racing.

“My aim is to achieve good results in the last few races of the season – I’m still fairly young for a cyclist and I want to race at the highest level and achieve all I can.”