Published: 08 February 2013
Scottish Power Partnership Announcment
ScottishPower has today (Friday 8 February) announced a six-figure investment in the future of Scottish Cycling which will also see the iconic Scottish brand become an Official Partner of Scottish Cycling.
The sponsorship is the largest of its kind ever committed to Scottish Cycling and complements ScottishPower’s commitment to supporting home-grown talent and improving the quality of outdoor facilities available throughout the country.
Speaking at today’s announcement, Keith Anderson, Chief Corporate Officer of ScottishPower, said: “We hope our commitment to cycling in Scotland will help to inspire a new generation of riders following a tremendous Olympic Games in London and the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in our hometown of Glasgow.
“Cycling can play a huge part in leading a healthy, active and greener lifestyle, so in addition to supporting the best young riders in the country, we’re already looking at ways to help get more people, of all ages, outside and having fun on their bikes.”
As a direct result of the sponsorship, Scottish Cycling will nurture the potential Olympic and Commonwealth medallists of the future by establishing the ScottishPower National Youth Racing Series and employ a dedicated development officer to run the programme. This will provide some of Scotland’s most talented young riders, aged 8 – 16 years, with access to multi-discipline regional level racing throughout Scotland.
Craig Burn, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, added: “Today’s announcement is a significant boost to the sport of cycling in Scotland. The ScottishPower National Youth Racing Series will enable our best young riders compete against each other on a regular basis and our development officer will be able to support event organisers and volunteers to put on the highest quality competition opportunities for youngsters throughout the season.
“Not only that, but the commitment from ScottishPower to help us improve outdoor facilities and encourage people of all ages and abilities to get on their bikes is very encouraging. Scottish Cycling is looking forward to working with such a proactive partner in the years ahead.”
Today’s announcement was backed by professional cyclist Rab Wardell and Delhi 2010 road race competitor Eileen Roe – both of whom are aiming to be selected for Glasgow 2014. They were joined at Strathclyde Park - where they will be competing at the Scottish National Cyclo-cross Championships on Sunday (10 February) – by some of the young cyclists who will benefit most from today’s announcement.
Wardell, one of Scottish Cycling’s elite Mountain Bikers and Level 2 cycling coach, said: “The programme of national youth racing will be a great benefit to the sport, providing youngsters with the opportunity to compete with their peers and hone their racing skills in a true competitive environment.
“As a coach and rider myself, I see this as a fantastic opportunity and believe that the support of a full-time development officer post will be a great benefit to volunteers and event organisers by helping to raise the standard of competition in Scotland.
If you or your club want to get involved please contact bob.macfarlane@scottishcycling.org.uk
Thanks to everyone that came along to help us annouce this!
ScottishPower National Youth Racing Series* (Phase 1 Calendar of Events)
- 20 April Mini Downhill Round 1: Newmilns, Kilmarnock
- 5/6/7 April Road Race Youth Tour of Scotland, Strathallan School, Perth
- 04 May Mini Downhill Round 2: Fort William
- 19 May Mini Downhill Round 3: Stirling
- 1 June Mini Downhill Round 4: Perth
- TBC Mini Downhill Round 5: Dumfries
- 18 May Track Race Discovery CC Youth Omnium, Caird Park, Dundee
- 25 May Road Race East Fortune, Edinburgh
- TBC Mini Downhill Round 6: Peebles
- 1 or 2 June Track Race Edinburgh BC Youth Omnium, Meadowbank, Edinburgh
- 8 June Mini Downhill Final: Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William
- 15 or 16 June Track Race Glasgow Youth Omnium, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow
- 16 June Road Race Golspie
- TBC July Road Race Bellahouston Park, Glasgow
- 24 August Road Race Ellon Village, Aberdeenshire
- TBC August Road Race Paisley Town Centre
- TBC September Road Race Closed Road Circuit, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow
* = Provisional
