This May’s Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) will see a landmark entry as Katy Sunter, Jess Alford and Louise Alford join forces to compete as a relay team, sharing the challenge of one of the toughest Trials competitions in the world.

The trio will each ride two days of the iconic six‑day event, sharing the physical and mental load of the SSDT in a format that reflects both innovation and resilience.

Riding as number 100 they will ride the following days;

·       Jess Alford – Monday and Thursday

·       Louise Alford – Tuesday and Friday

·       Katy Sunter – Wednesday and Saturday

Together, the trio brings a wealth of SSDT experience, alongside powerful stories of returning to the sport while balancing motherhood, careers and family life.

Jess Alford (30) (Louise’s sister in law) is a five‑time SSDT competitor, last riding in 2019 before stepping away from the event to start a family. Now a mother of two, Jess’s return highlights the realities faced by women riders juggling childcare, work and limited time to train—yet still finding the drive to compete in the sport that she loves.

Louise Alford (28) has competed in the SSDT twice, her first attempt in 2018 resulted in a torn cruciate ligament in her knee, forcing her to retire on Wednesday and taking considerable time away from the sport. Louise did manage to return in 2019 to complete the event. That injury inspired Louise to study physiotherapy which has meant she has had to focus on her career and not able to return to the SSDT since 2019. Louise’s rest days during the week won’t be very relaxing as she engages Auntie Lou mode and look’s after Jess’ two children.

Katy Sunter (41) is one of the most experienced women ever to ride the SSDT, with an incredible 16 finishes to her name. She last rode in 2023, before having her little boy, and since then has hoped that Jack, now two would see his Mummy ride the Scottish. Balancing motherhood, work and preparation for the unique demands of the Highlands isn’t easy so the relay team offers the opportunity for Katy to show Jack what she can do. Her experience brings invaluable strength and leadership to the team. Katy had hoped to make it to 20 SSDT’s but the reality of becoming a Mum at this stage in her life has proved that ‘bouncing back’ takes time and sleep.

A vital part of this relay effort is the strong support network behind the riders. All three of their partners—Dan Thorpe, Chris Alford and Dan Tuley—are themselves competing in this year’s SSDT. As experienced riders, they will not only be tackling the event in their own right but also offering constant encouragement, practical help and a watchful eye over the women throughout the week. Their practical and emotional support—both on and off the bike—has been instrumental in making this relay entry possible.

Special recognition also goes to the families of the three women, who will play a huge role during what promises to be a very busy week. Acting as part of the wider backup team, they will be on hand to support the riders while also caring for and putting the grandchildren to bed. Their behind‑the‑scenes efforts are another reminder that competing at this event is very much a family effort.

The Scottish Six Days Trial is renowned not just for its terrain and mileage, but for the organisation and preparation required. For women—particularly mothers—this often means fitting training around jobs and family life, relying heavily on strong support networks to make participation achievable.

Speaking ahead of the event, Sunter said:“The support we have around us makes everything possible. Our partners and parents are a massive part of this journey—from minding the children to being there at the end of each day. Riding as a relay team lets us support one another, and we hope it shows other women that there are different ways to keep competing, whatever stage of life you’re in.”

Please cheer the girls on throughout the week, and support not only this trio but all the women competitors taking on the challenge of the Scottish Six Days Trial.

Any videos and photographs are welcomed and can be tagged on social media via the following accounts:

Facebook – Katy Sunter Thorpe, Louise Alford, Jess Alford 

Instagram – @Katysunter, @Loualford_, @Jessalfordx