Background
James is the daughter of David James and Christine Harris, and has an older sister, Rachel, who is a racing cyclist, and also has two younger sisters. Ffion and Megan, and a brother, Gareth, who are all keen cyclists.
James is the daughter of David James and Christine Harris, and has an older sister, Rachel, who is a racing cyclist, and also has two younger sisters. Ffion and Megan, and a brother, Gareth, who are all keen cyclists.
James attended King Henry VIII School Abergavenny.
James rides for Wales and the Great Britain Cycling Team, and currently rides for the Velosure–Giordana. Early career
James started her cycling career at the Abergavenny Road Club. James stated that the toughest point in her career to date was just before the 2008 European Junior Championships, when she contracted glandular fever and was unable to compete.
She followed this up in August by winning the keirin and sprint at the UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships, and a silver in the 500-metre time trial, as well as setting a new world record for the flying 200 metres.
The framed Rainbow Jersey is kept at her home. Professional career
She was nominated for the 2010 British Broadcasting Corporation Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year, only to lose out to Gareth Bale.
James was under contract from 2011 with the British professional cycling Velosure–Giordana. She was selected for British Cycling"s Olympic Development Programme, but was then fast tracked for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
James enjoyed horse riding, and competed in show jumping, but no longer participates due to the risks associated interfering with her cycling commitments.
James stated for her pre-race rituals that she enjoys Electronic dance music whilst doing her roller warm up. She uses Reggae and Reggae fusion whilst waiting. Her favourite place to ride her bike is Pollença, Mallorca.
Her role models are Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton.
James was first spotted by the Welsh Talent Team, she is now a member of British Cycling"s Olympic Podium Programme.