Bikes were always part of James’ life in the South Lakes. His grandad rode in the local touring club, his dad spent his youth around trials and motocross bikes, and James and his brother grew up riding laps near home — first four miles, then eight, then further as they got older. But while his brother joined the cycling club early, James was busy excelling elsewhere. “I was pretty set on my fell running and athletics,” he says. “I was too good too young, maybe; I got over it by 16.”
As he began drifting away from running, his dad encouraged him to give cycling a real go. When he became a junior and was finally allowed into proper road races, James found himself perfectly suited to the sport. “I was small and crazy,” he laughs. “So he thought I’d prefer going uphill.”
He progressed quickly, representing Great Britain at the Junior World Championships in his second year and then stepping into the under-23 ranks with real ambition. “After that, I didn’t look back.”
James talks fondly about riding simply for the joy of it — a feeling that still defines him. “I’ll always enjoy being outside, discovering places, seeing the world from two wheels,” he says. “Compared to being in a car or a bus, it’s a different experience… the smells, the sounds, the freedom.” He sees racing as something entirely separate: intense, stressful, adrenaline-fuelled, but something he loves just as much.
That passion translated into one of the most memorable moments of his career in 2019, when he finished 11th at the Vuelta a España in only his second year as a professional. “I had no expectations,” he says. “I wasn’t even supposed to be doing the Vuelta. But as the race went on, I just kept improving. It was overwhelming at the time — something I never anticipated so early.” From then on, he established himself as a reliable climber and loyal teammate, delivering strong GC performances of his own and helping leaders through the hardest moments of WorldTour races and Grand Tours.
After spending his entire career with one team, joining Team Picnic PostNL marks a fresh start. “It’s a bit nerve-wracking,” he admits. “I want to set off on the right foot — integrate well with the staff, the coaches, the riders. But I’m excited.” He’s especially looking forward to working with the team’s young GC talents. “They have huge potential and I think a few of them can make big steps. If I can help guide the younger lads and share a bit of experience, that’s something I’d really enjoy.”
Describing himself as “chatty, always smiling, and a realist,” James is exactly the kind of rider who helps bind a group together, someone who values camaraderie, accountability, and the shared joys and challenges of life in the peloton.
Looking ahead, his hopes for the coming seasons are simple: “If I can show from the start what I’m capable of — help the leaders when needed and take any chances that come my way — that would make it a great year.”