13-year-old cyclist diagnosed with cancer meets her hero Geraint Thomas
Evie Hartley, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the start of the year, got to grill her favourite rider
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter


At the start of 2021, 13-year-old cyclist Evie Hartley was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour.
Evie, hugely popular member of Ilkeston Cycle Club in Derbyshire, has been undergoing intensive chemotherapy and has spent long spells in hospital since her diagnosis.
To offer a boost to Evie during her treatment, British team Ineos Grenadiers decided to step in and give her a surprise - a Zwift session with her favourite cyclist, 2018 Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas.
Ineos said: “At the start of 2021, 13 year-old Evie Hartley was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour. Ever since, she's inspired everyone around her and tackled her treatment head on.
“So, with the help of her favourite cyclist, we put together a little treat for her…”
During their virtual ride, cycling fan Evie asked Thomas for some tips on how to turn professional, she explained her dream of visiting the Alpe d’Huez and the Tour of Flanders.
Evie’s cycling Ilkeston CC, winner of the 2020 Club of the Year at the Cycling Weekly Awards, have launched a fundraising campaign to support Evie’s chosen charity, Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia group, which funds research into cancer treatments for children and young people.
So far, the club have raised a staggering £9,549 for the charity, with plans for more fundraising events in the works.
You can view the fundraising page here. (opens in new tab)
>>> Five things to look out for at Amstel Gold Race 2021
Emma Pilgrim, who set up the fundraising campaign, said: “Evie is a valued member of Ilkeston Cycle Club. Not only a talented member of our youth academy but also a regular at our club events, often racing against adults (and keeping them on their toes). The younger members of the academy look up to her and the older members are inspired by her.
“Evie is totally inspirational, graciously accepting her reality with optimism, determination and maturity beyond her years and even in the darkest of times she continues to light up a room with her smile and positivity.”
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Nathan Haas' Purple Rain steed for SBT Gravel
Yet another custom Colnago for the Australian as he prepares to tackle SBT GRVL and the remainder of the UCI Gravel World Series
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Reserve 25|GR Gravel Wheels reviewed
Reserve 25|GR Gravel Wheels reviewed: lightweight yet bombproof carbon hoops for the roads less traveled
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers sign 18 year-old time trial and track talent Josh Tarling
The 18-year-old is a two-time Welsh national track champion, and finished second in the 2021 junior worlds time trial
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Ineos set to launch new Kenyan cycling academy with Eliud Kipchoge - the first man to run a marathon under two hours
The multinational chemicals company will work in partnership with Ineos Grenadiers and Eliud Kipchoge
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Have you heard the one about why Australian track riders dye their hair blonde? Ineos Grenadiers's Luke Plapp reveals all as he seeks world track and road glory
The Ineos Grenadiers youngster is expected to be one of the peloton's strongest time triallists in the ensuing seasons
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Tom Pidcock and Geraint Thomas to make season debuts at Volta ao Algarve
David Gaudu, Remco Evenepoel and Tobias Foss will also race in Portugal from tomorrow
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Who is Kim Heiduk, Ineos Grenadiers' young German signed to bolster their sprint and Classics options?
The 21-year-old spent three years at the U23 team Lotto-Kern Haus
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-