GETTING TO KNOW JESS OLDHAM

Hey! My name is Jess Oldham I’m 16 years old and absolutely love cycling, I’ve been riding bikes for 3 years now and starting was the best decision I’ve ever made! I compete in Cross Country Mountain Biking, Cyclocross and a little bit of road racing. 

How did you get into cycling?

My dad (Paul Oldham) and older brother (Dec Oldham) have been racing as long as I can remember, but I only rode a bike until around the age of 5 as I never really clicked with it, until I started in 2023 and haven’t looked back since!! For me I love the thrill of fast trails and exciting new courses in MTB but also the mud involved in cyclocross! 

Who inspires you?

My dad and brother are huge inspirations for me as I look up to them daily and have seen their achievements growing up, as well as all those world class cyclists who show their pure passion for the sport which makes me want to push that much more to hopefully get to that level one day!!

Favourite place to race and why?

One of my favourite British courses to race on was at Woody’s Bike Park as I loved the flowy descents and the long uphills! 

What are your aspirations?

I hope that I can keep pushing myself and improving to hopefully be able to compete at a world class level in the future!! 

What is you go to race day breakfast?

My go to race day breakfast is rice pudding which gets me ready for the busy day of racing ahead!

Favourite place to ride and why?

I love riding at Gisburn forest during the summer months for MTB training, as it’s close by and has some really fun off-piste trails too.

Do you do any other sports?

When I was younger I did lots of running and gymnastics, which I stopped in 2023 to focus on my cycling.