Eilish Gilbert

I started racing in 2018 when I finally got fed up of being the “bottle girl” for my twin and previous TORQ athlete Heulwen, and decided I wanted to give it a go myself.

My first year went well and I moved into the Elite category in 2019 where I had some good results. I recently finished my accountancy qualification and am now looking forward to finding out what I can achieve on the bike now I have a little more spare time on my hands to train

James Pickering

I’m really excited to be joining the Torq team for 2022! After some good results in 2021, I’m looking forward to seeing how well I can do with the support of the team.

This year will be my 2nd full year of elite racing, and my first as a senior. I’m going to be competing in the National series and am really looking forward to applying myself to some more endurance based events such as Torq in your sleep.

I currently live in Sheffield and am studying Sport and Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam. I spend most my days out on my bike in the Peak District so if you see me be sure to say Hi!

Joanne Thom

Hi, my name is Joanne Thom.

I moved to XC MTBing from the road a few years ago and in my first year managed to win the British Champs and the British Series in the Expert Class. The next couple years I’ve steadily improved in the Elite Category regularly finishing in the top 5 with a 2nd being my best placing to date.

Being part of the Torq Performance Team for 2022 season has helped up my game and I’m enjoying every minute so far.

Alex Powell

I am a South Wales based rider who has an abundance of off road riding from my doorstep. I have been riding mountain bikes for 10 years but only started racing properly in the 2019 season.

I have recently progressed from the expert category to elite for the 2022 season after finishing 3rd overall in the expert category in the National series. I am really excited for the opportunity to be able to compete against some of the country’s best riders, on top courses while representing Torq.

I am also really looking forward to the new National mtb marathon series and this is a big focus for me this, along with the welsh mtb marathon champs at the end of the season. I feel the marathon style races suit my riding style as I enjoy the long days in the saddle.