Local cyclist Alec Sorby has signed with Spanish outfit Natural Greatness-Rali-Ale for 2027, as he embarks on his first year in the under-23 category.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a strong campaign both domestically and internationally as a junior, but will now take his talents abroad with aims to catch the eye of some of cycling’s elite teams.
Speaking after the squad announced his arrival, Sorby said: “I’m really excited to join the team. It’s been my dream to become a professional cyclist, due to the abundance of role models in the sport on our island, and this is definitely a step in the right direction in making my dreams come true.”
No Free Lunches
A consistent 2026 campaign for the Douglas man earned him a spot with the development team, recording top-20 results at both the Tour of the Mendips, where he also collected a stage podium, and the Junior Tour of Ireland.
Further top-30 finishes at the Cadence Junior Road Race and Race Un Hivern A Mallorca Arta solidified his standing as one of the more promising British junior prospects, and ensured he’d be plying his trade with a successful development squad come 2027.
He’ll be the latest graduate of Dot Tilbury’s acclaimed youth cycling setup to make the leap abroad.
Pastures New
Sorby’s next venture is based in Alicante, and supports a mix of Spanish and international riders. Having signed on the dotted line, the Manxman can expect to be thrust into top quality action come next season, with the team contesting the domestic Copa Espagna races as well as events further afield such as the Tour of Panama.
It’s not a squad lacking in pedigree, either. The team finished second overall in the national U23 ranking this year, having won the prestigious Memorial Valenciaga and Challenge Alicante races over the course of a stellar season.
Joining him on the mediterranean coast will be riders including Dutchman Pascal Cutler, who bagged a brace of top-five finishes at the U-23 World Track Championships, and fellow brit Will Brown, fresh off the back of a 2026 campaign during which he represented Great Britain twice on the road.