Innovation & Equipment

Elsie’s Arms
Trying new connections
Technology

Innovation through necessity

For Elsie Hughes, cycling success has always depended on more than training and talent. From her earliest rides, adapting equipment to suit her limb difference has been essential — not to gain an advantage, but simply to race on equal terms.

Rather than accepting limitations, Elsie and her support team have taken a practical, creative approach: identify the problem, test solutions, refine, and move forward.

This process of innovation has become a defining part of her journey.

Early adaptations

As a young child learning to ride, Elsie used simple adaptations — padding on the handlebars and careful positioning — which allowed her to develop balance and confidence alongside her peers.

As she began racing, however, it became clear that riding one-handed affected posture, comfort and control, especially at higher speeds. The focus quickly shifted from basic adaptation to performance-focused solutions.

Cycling prosthetics: evolving with the rider

Elsie has used specialist cycling prosthetics from an early age, evolving as she has grown and as her racing demands increased.

Key developments include:

  • Improved posture and alignment, allowing her to ride faster and more efficiently
  • Ball-and-socket attachments, providing greater freedom of movement and control
  • Lightweight, durable designs suited to racing across disciplines

Support from organisations such as Steeper Group and NHS limb centres has been instrumental in helping Elsie compete on equal terms with able-bodied riders.

Solving the cyclo-cross challenge

Cyclo-cross presented a unique problem. The discipline requires riders to:

  • Dismount and remount repeatedly
  • Swap bikes mid-race
  • Handle unpredictable terrain and occasional crashes

Traditional prosthetic attachments made rapid bike changes almost impossible.

Working with designers at Hope Technology, a bespoke solution was developed. The result was a quick-release handlebar attachment that allows Elsie to:

  • Securely connect to the bike while racing
  • Instantly release and remount during bike changes
  • Maintain control under heavy loads and technical conditions

This innovation transformed Elsie’s ability to race competitively in cyclo-cross and off-road events.

Track cycling and aero innovation

Entering national para track racing introduced new technical challenges.

Track events allow — and demand — the use of:

  • Aero bars
  • Fixed riding positions
  • Disc wheels and high-speed setups

Elsie required a unique solution that would allow her to:

  • Start races in a stable base-bar position
  • Transition smoothly into an aerodynamic “ski bar” position
  • Remain secure while riding at speed

Through collaboration with engineers and designers, a custom dual-position attachment was developed. This system enables Elsie to change position mid-race — something critical for time trials and pursuit events — while maintaining safety and control.

This setup is now used regularly in her para track training and competition.

3D printing and rapid prototyping

Innovation has also included the use of 3D-printed components, allowing:

  • Rapid prototyping
  • Lightweight, discipline-specific designs
  • Ongoing refinement as Elsie grows and her racing evolves

These solutions are tailored specifically to Elsie’s needs and represent a forward-thinking approach to adaptive sport.

Why this matters

Elsie’s equipment journey highlights something important:
innovation in para sport benefits everyone.

The solutions developed for Elsie:

  • Improve accessibility and inclusion
  • Demonstrate what’s possible with collaboration
  • Show how engineering and sport can work together creatively

For partners and sponsors, this is an opportunity to be part of a story that combines performance, technology and real-world impact.

Looking ahead

As Elsie continues to develop, her equipment will continue to evolve:

  • Refining aero setups for elite para track racing
  • Improving versatility for road racing and longer distances
  • Enhancing durability and speed for off-road disciplines

Innovation will remain central to her progress — not as a workaround, but as a competitive strength.