Lizzy Banks is a rising talent on the road racing scene. As the current British Universities and Colleges Hill Climb champion she goes up hill very fast. She is also full of energy, talks a lot and is, with respect, a bit daft. She’s serious as well though and will be stood on many a podium in the coming years, that’s for sure.

Name: Lizzy Banks (née Stedman)

Age: 26

Hometown: Sheffield (adopted). Originally Malvern.

Live: Sheffield

How long have you been cycling: I have been racing for 2 years. Before then, cycling was just a really useful means of transport.

Career highlight so far: 3rd place at the Manx GP 2016. It was the first round of the British National Women’s Road Series and it was great to get a good result early in the season. It was a fantastic course too as we did two laps of the rock with the great climb up Snaefell and the roadside support was fabulous all the way around.

Biggest influence on your cycling: My husband, Gabriel. He is incredibly supportive and has sacrificed so much just to get me to this point. Sport can be incredibly selfish. You give up so much yet at the same time you demand so much, be it time, financial support or emotional support for the highs and lows. Gabriel is my consistent voice of reason and encouragement, happy to sacrifice every weekend to drive me all over the country, do all the cooking, make sure everything is ready before the race and patch me up when it doesn’t quite go to plan!

What are your ambitions in the sport: To ride for Great Britain in the Olympic games and to one day become the world road race champion (no harm in aiming high…. right?!).

Who do you most admire outside of cycling: I’m a bit stumped on this one. I’ve never really had heroes as they only tend to let you down and my opinions of those I don’t know are fickle as they are only based upon what you can read or watch in the media.

Away from cycling what would be your preferred career: If I ever finish my degree (I’ve been at it since 2010…) and continue in the medical profession I would like to be an anaesthetist, however, If i had my time again I would definitely train as a carpenter and furniture maker.

You’re stranded on a desert island with three famous people (dead or alive) of your choice. Who are they? Rene Redzepi, to forage all the food and serve up some tasty delights. Ray Mears, for his survival skills. Stephen Mangan, to provide the comedy. I was hoping to get a woman in there to balance the sexes but I think it’s such a perfect choice that there is no need.

Favourite Holiday Destination: Mallorca

Should pineapple as a pizza topping be outlawed: Yes

When were you last inebriated: Can’t remember, I’d had too much to drink 😉

Your house is on fire. What one possession do you save: The cats. Whichever one is stupid enough not to do a runner. Marcus would have probably fled by now, so I’d have to save Delia.

One word, any word: Food

Lizzy. Fast on the Road, Fast on the Track

Multiple Choice

Strictly or X Factor: Strictly
Ketchup or Brown Sauce: Ketchup. It has to be Heinz
Cats or Dogs: Cats. Obviously.
Ant or Dec: Dec
Fish and Chips or Lentil and Cashew Nut Roast: Fish, Chips and Curry.

And finally (this is the deep question!) if it all ended tomorrow how would you sum it up?: It’s been turbulent.

Lizzy can be found on twitter @ElizzyBanks. Give her a follow, she’s entertaining!

Lizzy with team mates Felicity Gledhill and Rosie Walsh