An increased number of girls are to compete at the Scottish Cycling Youth Tour of Scotland this year after a 20% rise in female entries from 2016, making the number of girls and boys team the closest to equal they have ever been.
The event, which takes place from 7th- 10th April, is now in its sixth year after being established in 2012 following the success of the 2011 British Inter-Regional Road Championships and has become one of the highest regarded youth events in the UK.
The Youth Tour of Scotland is one of the only residential youth stage races in the UK, offering riders the opportunity to ride in teams with the support of team managers. Throughout the weekend the participants get the opportunity to compete at the highest level on closed roads, whilst also being able to socialise with others, and listen to talks from experienced riders and coaches. These factors have shown to be key drivers in the growth of the event and in particular girl’s participation which is very encouraging in that age category.
Throughout four stages of competition almost 140 riders will have the chance to compete for individual stage wins, points competition, King & Queen of the mountains, best Scottish rider and team awards.
With the support of Perth & Kinross Council and Strathallan School, the event has grown in size and popularity, providing fantastic racing in the Perthshire countryside with some of the best Youth riders from across the UK and beyond.
Craig Burn, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling said:
“We are incredibly pleased to see that the number of girls entering the Youth Tour of Scotland has increased by 20% this year which gives credit to our staff, clubs and volunteers who work hard to promote the sport across the board.
Women and girls are a focus in our strategic plan, with projects such as Women on2 Wheels and a strengthening Scottish National Women’s Road Series attracting more females into the sport and encouraging girls to continue cycling into their teenage years.
Scottish Cycling works hard to develop the sport across multiple disciplines and at all levels, from grass roots to the performance development programmes. The Scottish Cycling Youth Tour of Scotland is very much a focal point in not only the National Youth racing calendar, but in our aims of developing the sport too.”
To find out more about the Youth Tour of Scotland please go to our website at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/youthtourofscotland or follow the event on Facebook or Twitter.
