It's been a busy summer for Scottish Youth and Junior riders both on and offroad, with young people competing in races around the UK and further afield. Lots of brilliant results and amazing experiences were had by all. Here are some of the highlights
British Cycling MTB Inter-Regional Championships
Hadleigh Park, Essex
Scotland East won the overall, well clear of second place England Westmidlands, while Scotland West just missed the podium taking a fantastic forth.
Coach Fraser Johnston was thrilled with the teams performance; "We saw was real resilience, team work and determination across both teams. Really strong mix of riders, some who have a lot of race experience and new riders who experienced Inter-Regionals for the first time and really rose to the occasion."
This event clearly demonstrates the exceptional strength and depth of the Mountain Bike pathway in Scotland, producing some of the best young riders in the UK.
2018 School Games
Loughborough
This year, the competition consisted of a combination of two cycling disciplines and it proved to be a real test of all round skills for the young riders. A team of eight riders attended the event for Scotland. Eva Young, Rebecca Saunderson, Morven Yeoman and Imani Pereira James for the girls, and Daniel Kain, Oscar Onley, Ross Birrell and Aaron King made up the boys team. Overall the team finished 5th with highlights being Imani’s win in the elimination, Oscar 2nd in the road race from the break and Ross finishing 8th in the road race breaking away from the bunch with 1.25 laps to go and holding the chase off to the line.
School Games Full Results Booklet
HSBC National Youth Series
Pembrey & Brands Hatch
Scottish results were good in Pembrey with Imani Pereira James taking 2nd in the B girls, and 2 boys in the B boys race. Oscar Onley and Adam Mitchell 2nd and 3rd in amongst 6 Scots in the field at the newly opened Pembrey circuit.
Another long haul for 10 Scottish riders heading down to brands hatch with the highlight being Imani coming 2nd in the B girls.
Youth Tour of Wales
Gwent, Wales
In August, a team of Scottish riders traveled to Wales to compete over five stages at the Youth Tour of Walea, one of the most prestigious and challenging youth stage races in the country. The standard of racing was exceptionally high, with the team riding well, developing bunch riding skills and building confidence.
Screentek International North West Youth & Junior Tour
Morecambe
A Scotland Junior Womens team featuring Zoe Watters, Estelle Fuller and Anna Mcgorum headed to Morecambe for the North West Tour. A further three Scottish riders were present riding for Team 22 (Ellie Park, Anna Shackley and Abby Stewart). It was a really tough weekend with a windy prologue challenging all riders. A wet, windy and hilly stage really split the field up with a front group of only approximately 15 riders staying together before a tough flat stage over some rough roads ending in a bunch sprint.
In the other groups there was a strong Scottish representation with 11 A boys, 2 A girls with Eva Young 3rd in the prologue. 7 B boys with Alfie Atterton 2nd on Stage 2. 3 B girls with Imani 2nd in both the prologue and 3rd stage. 3 C boys and 1 C girl also took part.
The North West Tour was a fantastic experience for all riders, building confidence in riding in the bunch and tackling challenging conditions.
Youth Road Race Series
The Youth Road Race Series came to an end last week after a fantastic summer high quality events and competitive racing. A huge thank you to all our amazing Event Organisers for making these races happen and providing racing opportunities for young people.
Find the full list of series results here.
To see the Club Competition Series results click here
To see the Inter-Regional Competions results click here
2018 UEC MTB Youth European Championships
Pila - Valle d'Aosta
In late August, 12 Scottish youngsters headed to Italy for the European Youth Championships. There were 500 riders competing in the event which included a Team Relay, Individual Time Trial and Cross Country Race. The team took 8th in the Team Relay event and enjoyed an action packed weekend of riding in Italy.
What's coming up?
Youth Olympics
The Great British Cycling Team are taking a small team of riders to the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires which take place from 6th – 18th October. Scots, Sean Flynn and Anna McGorum will join the team to compete in the combined cycling event.
The Youth Olympic Games provides crucial multi-sport experience for aspiring Olympians and will give the stars of the future a fantastic opportunity to meet with and race against young people from all over the world.
More information can be found here.
Endurance Camp
In October, a group of Junior & U23 performance development riders will head to the north of Scotland for a week long training camp. Stay tuned for updates on how they get on.
