Edinburgh’s Lauren Dickson has put pen to paper on a two-year-deal with FDJ-Suez to become the latest Scottish road rider to join the premier echelon of world cycling.
The Handsling-Alba rider has impressed massively this season, winning the Lincoln Grand Prix to set up an incredible run of results – including third at the Tour of Norway against WorldTour opposition and ninth at the Tour de Feminin – riding in support of teammate Kate Richardson – who claimed the Scottish team’s maiden UCI victory.
The Scot made her debut at the Tour of Britain in June – her only WorldTour race to date – and instantly impressed in an attritional race – battling through a torrid Queen Stage in the Scottish Borders to finish in the Top 20 overall of a stacked peloton.
On completion of the deal, Lauren said:
“When I signed for Alba, Bob said the team focuses on developing riders. I’m very excited and honoured to confirm that I’ve signed a two-year contract with the world’s number one team FDJ-Suez, a dream become reality. Stepping up from club level and progressing to WorldTour in 18 months is, I believe, a testament to Alba’s development pathway.
No words can describe how grateful I am for the opportunities provided, the support and friendship from my teammates, and the generosity and efforts of our sponsors and staff.
It is hard to choose my favourite moment with Alba, there are so many, both on and off the bike. Perhaps my first UCI podium at Pointe du Raz, winning the Rapha Lincoln GP, Tour of Norway’s GC podium, or Kate winning the Tour de Feminin GC.
Looking forwards, I endeavour to give my all and continue learning and progressing with FDJ-Suez. My long-term ambitions are to race the Grand Tours, but next year I want to focus on perfecting race craft and doing my best for our leaders.”
A former triathlete, Dickson found cycling later than most, entering her first road race in April 2024.
After an excellent second place Lancaster Grand Prix and backing it up with bronze at the Scottish National Road Race Championships in August, Lauren would join Handsling-Alba for the end of 2024 and 2025, where more success would come.
Second place at the final National Road Series event at Ryedale and victory at Ben Cruachan to become Scottish Hill Climb Champion – combined with a strong winter that would include a first venture onto the track would set up the Girona-based Scot for continued development.
Lauren will now look at Grand Tour for the next two season, including the very appetising prospect of a Tour de France Femmes Grand Depart in the UK in 2027.
Lauren has received coaching from Scottish Cycling, and additional support from sportscotland institute for sport and Evan Oliphant, Endurance coach at Scottish Cycling said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to see Lauren join FDJ-Suez. The quick progression has come from her determination and willingness to learn and progress. She thoroughly deserves to join the WorldTour and we’re all looking forward to seeing where she progresses too.”
The move also comes as a huge boost for Scotland’s only UCI road team Handsling-Alba, with team manager Bob Lyons, adding:
“We are delighted that Lauren has signed a two year contract with FDJ-Suez. It has been a delight watching, and being a part of, her development this year. She has had an incredible season and this move is just reward. Her future is very bright indeed and we will be hearing her name a lot in the coming years.
The team was set up to create a platform for development, with the team’s major focus being the rider and getting the best out of them. It is pleasing to see that the implementation of a somewhat different strategy is bearing fruit. Good luck Lauren.”