Sport has shaped Frankie for as long as she can remember. Growing up in England, she played field hockey from a very young age and eventually competed internationally. At the same time she excelled academically and was equally drawn to training, learning and understanding how the body works. Running, studying and competing were all part of her daily life. As she puts it, she’s never thrived when her brain isn’t fully engaged.

Her academic path took her to Loughborough University, one of the world’s leading performance sport environments. She first tried finance but quickly realised she needed something with more purpose, so she shifted into a joint degree in Maths and Sports Science. Frankie went on to complete a master’s degree in Medicinal Exercise, focusing on how physical activity can be used to support people undergoing cancer treatment, individuals living with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, and those managing diabetes or obesity. Over time she found a clear motivation running through her studies. She wanted to use exercise to make people’s lives better.

Cycling entered the picture almost accidentally. She originally used the bike for rehab after a hockey injury, but surrounded by Loughborough’s rich endurance environment, she became increasingly curious. She began exploring training principles, applying what she learned in the gym and on the bike, and gradually found herself pulled into the sport. That curiosity grew into a research opportunity, and she was awarded a position to pursue a PhD examining blood flow restriction training, also known as BFR. BFR involves creating a temporary restriction of blood flow, which produces a hypoxic environment similar to altitude and can speed up physiological adaptations.Frankie describes it as a valuable tool both for elite athletes seeking marginal performance gains and for time-crunched athletes who want an effective workout in less time.

Her PhD, however, coincided with another shift. As she became stronger on the bike, she realised she had a chance to pursue racing more seriously. This required a difficult decision. Continuing in academia meant stability, a house, an income and a clear long-term path. Pursuing cycling meant uncertainty, limited financial security and the risk of not being good enough. It also meant embracing something that could only be done for a finite number of years. Eventually, she chose to step fully into racing. She decided she never wanted to wonder “what if” for the rest of her life. Although she paused the practical lab work of her PhD, she continues to read, study and learn, staying connected to the topic even as she races. 

Her racing career developed quickly and she began competing internationally, travelling to new countries and experiencing the world of elite cycling first-hand. Through this journey she discovered another passion: coaching. Frankie had already spent time helping other athletes and consulting on training approaches, and she found that guiding people through their own sporting journeys gave her the same sense of purpose that originally drew her into exercise science. She also realised that her own experiences as a dual-career athlete put her in a unique position to understand the realities that many athletes face. Balancing work, training, relationships and life stress is different for each person, and she believes strongly that coaching should reflect the role sport plays in someone’s life. For some it is the primary focus. For others it supports health, mental wellbeing or long-term quality of life. Understanding this context is fundamental to how she coaches. 

Frankie is also passionate about representation in endurance sports. She remembers how difficult it was to find female coaches when she first entered cycling and how meaningful it can be for athletes to work with someone who shares similar experiences. At the same time her scientific training gives her a structured, analytical approach to developing athletes, and coaching has strengthened her own racing as well. She says coaching has helped her understand the importance of long-term planning, realistic expectations and respecting the purpose of every session. Not everything needs to be ridden at one hundred percent effort, and not every athlete can or should be at peak form all year. 

Outside of coaching and racing, Frankie enjoys a quieter rhythm of life. She loves cooking, baking and especially anything involving oats, and she considers herself a dedicated dog walker whenever the chance is given. Her partner is a professional cyclist as well, and they are currently spending time in Calpe before relocating to Girona, where they hope to settle once their race calendars allow. 

Joining Team EF Coaching feels like a natural next step for her. Coming from performance environments that value collaboration and shared expertise, she appreciates being part of a coaching team where ideas are exchanged and every coach brings something unique to the table. She first connected with EF through other riders and immediately felt aligned with the mindset and culture. She is excited to work with athletes who are curious, motivated and eager to learn, whether their goals involve improving health, preparing for a major event or discovering how far they can develop as cyclists. 

Frankie brings a unique combination of scientific depth, lived experience and genuine care for the people she works with. Her journey shows that performance is not only about physiology, but also courage, reflection and choosing a path that aligns with who you want to become. We are thrilled to welcome her to Team EF Coaching and look forward to the impact she will have on athletes of all levels.

Ready to work with Frankie or explore coaching with Team EF Coaching? Get started today.