A Shaw Thing

Having garnered an impressive cabinet’s worth of silverware over her career, Julia Shaw is now looking to share her expertise with youngsters hoping to break through to the big leagues.

- Frazer Snowdon

With more than 30 national time trial championship trophies on her mantelpiece, Julia Shaw looks set to retire from racing following a successful 2016 season. Having won the National Circuit Championships, been named as CTT’s Champion of Champions, and won medals in the National 50 and National 10 over the last 12 months, the 51-year-old would certainly be going out on a high.

But Shaw won’t be leaving the sport altogether, with plans to develop a coaching business.

“I’ve been thinking of retiring for a while, but I’m still not 100 per cent,” she admitted. “I’ve had some time off for an operation, but at the moment it’s not looking good for retirement as I’m back on the bike already, rehabbing!”

Originally a triathlete, Shaw turned to cycling to make the most of her best discipline. It quickly became apparent that she was talented, and she secured her first national title in the 2004 National 50-mile Championship, an event she would eventually win nine times.