Nicole Frain Joins Ridley Racing Team with an Eye on Gravel Classics
Ridley Racing Team has strengthened its lineup with Australian gravel cyclist Nicole Frain. The 32-year-old former Australian road champion will compete in gravel classics in 2025, following a successful season that saw her secure second-place finishes in The Gralloch and Houffa Gravel. Frain aims to take her career to the next level with Ridley Racing Team and develop her versatility further.
In mid-October, Ridley Racing Team introduced itself to the press as a squad of four riders (Felipe Orts, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Daan Soete, and Lore Sas). It was immediately evident that the team planned to expand further to achieve its ambitions. Ridley Racing Team seeks to excel across all disciplines, both in men’s and women’s events, making Frain an ideal fit.
Frain hails from Tasmania, an island southeast of Australia. She began cycling only in 2018, debuted in Europe three years later at Paris-Roubaix, and spent five years in the professional road peloton. Her most significant victory came in January 2022 when she won the Australian National Championships, outpacing Grace Brown. Frain also competed in the inaugural edition of the revamped Tour de France Femmes.
Her curiosity and adventurous spirit led her to gravel racing last season, where she excelled with second-place finishes in the RADL GRVL, The Gralloch, Gravel Grit ’n Grind, and Houffa Gravel. She also claimed victory in the opening stage of the Tour de Charente-Maritime Féminin, demonstrating her ability to balance multiple disciplines effectively.
In mid-October, Ridley Racing Team introduced itself to the press as a squad of four riders (Felipe Orts, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Daan Soete, and Lore Sas). It was immediately evident that the team planned to expand further to achieve its ambitions. Ridley Racing Team seeks to excel across all disciplines, both in men’s and women’s events, making Frain an ideal fit.
Frain hails from Tasmania, an island southeast of Australia. She began cycling only in 2018, debuted in Europe three years later at Paris-Roubaix, and spent five years in the professional road peloton. Her most significant victory came in January 2022 when she won the Australian National Championships, outpacing Grace Brown. Frain also competed in the inaugural edition of the revamped Tour de France Femmes.
Her curiosity and adventurous spirit led her to gravel racing last season, where she excelled with second-place finishes in the RADL GRVL, The Gralloch, Gravel Grit ’n Grind, and Houffa Gravel. She also claimed victory in the opening stage of the Tour de Charente-Maritime Féminin, demonstrating her ability to balance multiple disciplines effectively.
Rik Verbrugghe (General Manager)
"The combination of Nicole’s talent and our staff’s expertise could lead to an incredible journey. We will support her across disciplines, hoping that transitioning between terrains helps her grow as a complete rider."
Right Team at the Right Time
Frain’s arrival aligns with Ridley Racing Team’s vision. “The team’s approach to cycling and its objectives align closely with mine,” said Frain. “That’s why I was thrilled when they approached me. I love the philosophy of combining all disciplines—it’s one of the first teams to take such a comprehensive approach to off-road racing.”
“I only truly discovered gravel racing in 2024, and since then, I’ve wanted to progress further,” Frain continued. “The interest from RRT came at the perfect moment. I’m excited about debuting in milestone events like The Traka, Unbound, and The Rift, which promises a unique experience at a special location. After finishing as a runner-up so often last year, I hope to take another step forward.”
“I also want to develop as a rider. Cyclocross is entirely new for me, and it’s a very challenging discipline to master. There’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m surrounded by the best people and am eager to give it my all!”
Although Frain’s background is in road cycling, her focus in 2025 will be off-road. “The expertise of the team’s sporting staff will be invaluable as I refine my gravel and road racing techniques. I also plan to compete in some UCI road races to maintain my condition and speed.”
Frain will begin her season in Australia with the national championships and RADL GRVL. The rest of her schedule will be determined in collaboration with the team, with plans to debut in The Traka and Unbound. The season will culminate with the Gravel World Championships in Nice.
“I only truly discovered gravel racing in 2024, and since then, I’ve wanted to progress further,” Frain continued. “The interest from RRT came at the perfect moment. I’m excited about debuting in milestone events like The Traka, Unbound, and The Rift, which promises a unique experience at a special location. After finishing as a runner-up so often last year, I hope to take another step forward.”
“I also want to develop as a rider. Cyclocross is entirely new for me, and it’s a very challenging discipline to master. There’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m surrounded by the best people and am eager to give it my all!”
Although Frain’s background is in road cycling, her focus in 2025 will be off-road. “The expertise of the team’s sporting staff will be invaluable as I refine my gravel and road racing techniques. I also plan to compete in some UCI road races to maintain my condition and speed.”
Frain will begin her season in Australia with the national championships and RADL GRVL. The rest of her schedule will be determined in collaboration with the team, with plans to debut in The Traka and Unbound. The season will culminate with the Gravel World Championships in Nice.
Richard Groenendaal (Sporting Director, Ridley Racing Team)
"Nicole has already shown she has the physical ability to deliver top performances. We will fully support her gravel racing journey, honing her technical skills. Cyclocross is in our team’s DNA, and we are ready to help her in this discipline as well. It’s exciting to have a top-tier female rider on the team. Moreover, Nicole’s experience will make her an excellent mentor for Lore."
