Pedla joins Meridian Blue Cycling

as Apparel Partner

Meet Meridian Blue Cycling, one of the newest teams to join the ProVelo Super League.

But this isn’t just another race team—it’s a development program designed to create real opportunities for Australian women in cycling.

Since 2021, Meridian Blue has been dedicated to supporting Juniors, U23, and Elite riders, helping them progress while navigating the challenges of high-performance sport. More than just race results, the program focuses on whole-person development, ensuring that every rider grows both on and off the bike.

By lowering barriers to progression and fostering a supportive team environment, Meridian Blue Cycling has become a pathway to professional cycling. With a commitment to racing in Australia and introducing riders to the international peloton, the team is paving the way for a new generation of female cyclists.

Meet the team

Alyssa Polites

Having locked in a competitive summer in Australia after a couple of years in the Women’s World Tour Alyssa is super keen to take on the new racing format and dial in some form on her pathway back to Europe. Well known for her aggressive racing style, Alyssa has multiple Australian championships on the track and road. Alyssa famously won the U23 🇦🇺 National Road Race in 2022 at Buninyong while at the same time snatching a bronze in the elite category! Alyssa has ridden for GreenEdge at some of the biggest races in the world including the Tour de L’Avenir Femme in August this year. She has been a long time training partner with Mia and they are both club mates with Vegas at Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club.

Sophia McBride

We’re excited to bring Sophia in to the 2025 team after a strong 2024. Building on a strong third place at the 2024 Tour of Mansfield, Sophia has continued to hold on her natural affinity for climbing over 2 months in Italy at the Down Under Cycling Academy.

Mia Williams

Mia was one of the first women to ride in the 99 Bikes Women’s Academy, and won teh Junior National Road Series in 2023 in the two blues team colours. After a big 2024 in France catching podiums on the continent and racing Coupe de France with Entente Cycliste Thaonnaise, Mia is back in Australia to build on the momentum she has carried into first year U23. We are pumped to get her on to some of these ProVelo Super League circuits and hilly one day races. Ready to flick the switch 🚀

Rhylee Ackeroyd

We are pumped for Rhylee to join the squad as our first New Zealand 🇳🇿 team member. A strong and tenacious rider, Rhylee comes in as a final year U23 rider who has a penchant for breakaways. After a couple of years at @watersleyrdcyclingteam in Holland, Rhylee’s focus this summer is @provelosuperleague Ready to make an impact 💥

Vegas Henry

We’re very excited to help with the development of Vegas and her introduction into the main peloton. As a state representative in both triathlon and road cycling for the past couple of years, there is plenty to look forward to for this talented 16 year old. At @meridianbluecycling she will have the opportunity and time to progress with her new singular focus on cycling, at the same time as completing her year 11 study priorities. Developing talent is in our DNA 🧬

Jess Pratt

We’re happy to introduce the current Maltese national Champion Jess to our squad for the 2025 ProVelo Super League roster. Jess is a qualified nurse, previous Zwift Academy winner and previous member of the AusCycling Development team. After a big year in Belgium and with the experience of 8 years in the international peloton, Jess brings experience and mentorship to our U23 focused-squad. Jess has been known to sneak off up the road as well as making her presence felt at the pointy end of the circuit races that we’ll see plenty of in PSL25.

Kirsty Watts

We’re thrilled to have this superstar from NZ joining the team for her first year of U23. Coming in from a big 2024 with Black Magic Women, Kirsty is reigning U19 NZ Champion in ITT and Road Race. She finished 19th in the ITT at the World Championships in Switzerland and a double silver in the Oceania ITT and RR. The ProVelo Super League is a step up and is a platform where we know we will see great things from Kirsty

Keely Bennett

Coming in for the remainder of PSL25 is one of the biggest talents in Australian Cycling. Keely is the reigning NRS Champion, Australian Madison Champion and multiple national medalist. We’re super excited to add Keely to the squad. She has consistently performed on the National Stage and has been dominating the local Crit scene this summer.

Images and words courtesy of Meridian Blue Cycling

At Pedla, we share Meridian Blue Cycling’s vision for progression in the sport. Our passion lies in supporting the next generation of riders, providing them with the tools to push their limits and redefine what’s possible. Cycling isn’t just about performance—it’s about the culture, the style, and the stories that shape the journey. With a deep-rooted obsession for innovation, we’re proud to align with a team that values both elite performance and personal growth, ensuring the future of women’s cycling is brighter than ever.

Be sure to follow along Meridian Blue Cycling’s journey. They’re going places.

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