Images: EGO Promotion
It was an eventful weekend for Scotlands yung mountain bikers as they headed off to sunnier climbs to test their early season form.
A group of Scottish riders and coaches headed to Banyoles near Girona last week to participate in a training camp which included some valuable race experience.
A brilliant weekend of racing took place at the Copa Catalana. The 6.5km circuit was varied with lots of changes in pace and short, steep climbs. Sean Flynn was 3rd in the u’23, Anna McGorum took 5th and Anna Flynn came home in 8th place.
The Banyoles Junior World Series was also taking place at the Copa Catalana. Charlie Aldridge finished 6th while Rory McGuire, Jamie Johnston and Jonte Willins had strong rides.
The great results kept didn't stop there. The Great Britain Cycling Team won the team prize, with results from the Scotland and GB riders contributing to this. Overall, it was a very successful weekend of racing with lots of experience gained and lessons learned from these young riders.
Meanwhile, Scottish MTB star Isla Short was competing in the Sunshine Cup in Cyrus. Reflecting after the race Short shared,
"There’s always a lot of anticipation before the first race of the season because it’s finally time to put the winter hours of training into practise. The Cyprus Sunshine Cup was the perfect way to get my first year in the elite category off to a start! Four days of racing included a short ‘downhill’ prologue, two big days in the mountains and an XCO race to finish. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to technical skills this winter and it felt great to see that not only have I made huge steps there, but that another year of hard work has boosted my physical level too. I came away with 10th place in the overall and some consistent and positive performances. It feels very nice have the pressured removed that I’ve had in my last years as an U23 rider and to spend 2019 focusing on the process, taking small steps and finding my feet. I’ve got an incredible support network around me this year in terms of programme support and equipment, which has had a hugely positive impact on my approach to racing, and the racing itself. Being able to mix it up with some big names at the Sunshine Cup has given me a lot of confidence for the season ahead, and reassurance that my body and mind feel fresh, happy and ready to race. I've got a full World Cup schedule in the diary and a couple of early season races across the water, but my plan is to remain healthy and fast through the season so I will spend a bit more time at home, at domestic and local events, before things get really busy during the summer."
This weekend will see five top Scottish riders compete as part of the Great Britain Cycling Team at the World Track Cycling Championships in Poland.
