Supporters & Partners

Podium

It takes a team

No athlete succeeds alone. Elsie Hughes’ journey has been shaped by an extraordinary group of people and organisations who have shared expertise, time, encouragement and belief.

This page exists to say thank you — and to recognise the vital role these supporters play in helping Elsie compete, progress and dream big.

Governing bodies & coaching

  • British Cycling
    Elsie is part of the British Cycling Para pathway and receives coaching support through the Para Programme. Their guidance has been instrumental in her progression into national para competition and preparation for future international racing.

Engineering, innovation & equipment

  • Hope Technology
    Hope Technology have played a crucial role in developing bespoke solutions for Elsie, particularly for cyclo-cross and off-road racing. Their willingness to innovate has enabled Elsie to race competitively in disciplines where rapid bike changes and durability are essential.
  • Proactive Prosthetics & Crispin Orthotics
    Proactive Prosthetics sponsored Elsie with a state of the heart 3D printed arm, which Elsie uses for her track bike, this is a prototype and Elsie is testing, she’s their crash test dummy. Asad Khan is Elsie’s arm man. From her second arm onwards, he has been the main player in designing and developing Elsie’s cycling arms. He designed her track racing arm. Crispin Orthotics made the arm. 
  • NHS/Steeper Group
    Through specialist prosthetic support and collaboration with NHS limb services, Steeper Group have helped provide cycling-specific prosthetic solutions that have significantly improved Elsie’s comfort, control and performance.
  • Independent designers & engineers
    A number of individuals have contributed time, ideas and technical skill — from rapid prototyping to 3D-printed components — helping adapt Elsie’s equipment as her racing demands evolve.
  • Koalaa arm – Elsie uses this arm for riding her road bike. She uses an arm called the Sarah Pro, which is attachment that has a thumb on a spring, so Elsie can swap her hand positions on her bike. She also uses this for her PT sessions, using different hand attachments.
  • Fit 2 Ride – Local bike fit expert, James from Fit2Ride, has help Elsie with her bike positioning since first rode a proper bike. James has spent many hours with Paul, having discussions about how to get Elsie riding her bike with her Prosthetic and increasingly on how to help her ride faster. Elsie’s position isn’t the same as able bodied rider, and certain bikes just don’t suit her riding position.
  • ENV Graphics | NW Based Signs And Graphics Company
    Kevin and his team have given Elsie some blingy helmets, with personally designed helmet wraps
  • Giant Halifax – local bike shop, always great at providing support and advice as well as helping to keep Elise’s bikes running smoothly.

Strength & Conditioning

@velocitycyclecoaching – Elsie’s Strength & Conditioning coach

Clubs & grassroots support

  • Shibden Cycling Club & Secret Training
    Elsie’s current club and team. She rides on the Track and Road in Secret Training colours and in Cyclo-Cross in Shibden CC colours.
  • Pedalsport Cycling Club
    Elsie’s home club provided coaching, encouragement and a supportive environment where she was treated simply as a cyclist. The club’s inclusive ethos was central to her confidence and development. Elsie joined Pedalsport around the age of 5. Elsie joined their Go Ride system, where she developed the basic cycling principles and race craft. Everyone should join their local British Cycling Go-Ride club, where you get a very good foundation for future adventures.
  • Local coaches and volunteers
    From track sessions to muddy winter races, Elsie has benefited from countless hours of support from coaches and volunteers who believe in developing young riders the right way.

Charities & community

  • REACH
    REACH has been an important source of support for Elsie and her family, offering connection, reassurance and community for children with upper limb differences and their siblings.

Family support

Behind every young athlete is a family making sacrifices.

Elsie’s parents, Paul and Emma, have supported her at every step — travelling the length of the country, managing logistics, solving problems and keeping the focus on enjoyment as well as ambition. Her older brother, George, has also been a constant presence, sharing the sporting journey and support that comes with it.

Working together

Elsie’s journey sits at the intersection of:

  • Sporting performance
  • Engineering and innovation
  • Inclusion and opportunity

We are always open to conversations with organisations and individuals who share those values.

Whether through:

  • Sponsorship
  • Equipment and technical support
  • Engineering collaboration
  • Coaching or expertise

Your support could help shape the next stage of Elsie’s career.

Get in touch

If you’re interested in supporting Elsie or learning more about her journey, please visit the Contact page or get in touch directly.

Thank you to everyone who has helped — past, present and future.