Ellie Gunnell: The thriving BMX rider spurred on by Geraint Thomas Cycling Trust support

13-year-old Ellie Gunnell is thriving in the BMX world, based at Wales’ largest indoor skatepark, RampWorld, in the heart of Cardiff.  

It’s a passion for Ellie, who hasn’t been riding all that long.  

“I got my first BMX during lockdown,” she told us. “So, I’ve been riding for about three or four years.” 

She is now a household name in Cardiff’s RampWorld, having made friends with her fellow regular attendees while utilising the facilities as often as possible courtesy of the support provided by the GTCT. 

“I love it there,” she commented. “It’s great to have it as a training facility; the people are great, and you’ve got everything there you need to improve.”  

And despite the infancy of her career, Ellie is progressing incredibly positively and has even started competing – and winning.  

Pictures in this article and on GTCT social media channels are of Ellie riding at Adrenaline Alley in Corby.

“I won BMX FS National Champion in 2023,” she confirmed proudly, “and came second last year.” 

Alongside those competition successes, her rapid progression is all the more noteworthy when taking into account her inclusion in the 2024/2025 British Cycling National Freestyle Academy.   

“The grant from the Geraint Thomas Cycling Trust has really helped me get there,” she stated. 

“I’ve just been able to ride whenever I want, and I haven’t had to worry about the cost of getting in. That support has been amazing, and so important for me in so many ways; it’s allowed me to do what I love!” 

The GTCT is thrilled to see Ellie thrive so well thanks to our support, and wish her the best of luck as she continues to compete in the BMX discipline!  

If you are interested in applying for support, click here.  

And if you want to support the GTCT in our work, click here.