Biography
Dr. Lesley Ingram-Sills BSc (Hons), PhD, FHEA is a Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Science and the Well-Being Theme Lead at the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland (MTBCoS), based at Edinburgh Napier University. She also serves as the Programme Leader for the MSc in Applied Sport Science, where she mentors the next generation of performance scientists.
A former World Cup cross-country mountain bike racer, Lesley brings firsthand elite-level experience to her academic and coaching roles. Her applied sport science expertise has been pivotal in supporting endurance athletes, including coaching record-breaking cyclists and Commonwealth Games competitors. Notably, she contributed to the training of Mark Beaumont, who set the world record as the fastest person to cycle around the globe.
Lesley’s research drives a smarter, more inclusive future for cycling, blending cutting-edge data with real rider experiences. She has led pioneering work on e-bikes, shaping crucial guidance for their safe and effective use. Her trail therapy research breaks new ground in understanding how mountain biking can support mental well-being. In addition, she is at the forefront of research into vibration exposure, uncovering its physiological impact on riders to enhance performance and safety across the sport.
A passionate advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), Lesley integrates these principles into all facets of her work. She co-chairs the Women in Cycling group within Cycling Industries Europe and serves on the Steering Committee for the Women's Network of IMBA Europe.
Lesley's public engagement and knowledge exchange work have raised the University’s profile globally, with invited presentations at international summits and ongoing partnerships with major cycling stakeholders.