After the success of the Scottish National Criterium Championships last year, the streets of Stirling will be alive once again for Crit Under the Castle – this time for the British Youth Series.

On Sunday the 18th of June, Stirling Bike Club will be running the 4th edition of the ever popular Crit Under The Castle, this year sponsored by Morrisons Jaguar.

This bicycle racing extravaganza takes place around the city centre of Stirling, with several different races taking place throughout the day.  This year the under 14 and 16 races form a part of the prestigious British Youth Series.

Criterium road racing is an exciting format of cycle racing, held over a short course, usually in a city centre. This affords an awesome spectacle in a format designed to make the races short, fast and great to watch.

The mile-long closed road circuit starts at the Albert Halls and heads out around the Kings Park area, before returning to the main pedestrian precinct, up a tricky cobbled climb on King Street, and then back to the Albert Halls.  For the first races the finish is back at the Albert Halls, but the Elite Men and Women’s races have a long steep climb all the way up to the finish on the Castle Esplanade giving a spectacular backdrop to end the day’s racing as the sun sets behind Stirling Castle.

In the adult categories some of Scotland’s top riders will be racing to see who will become King and Queen of the Castle. In an effort to promote cycling for all, in keeping with Stirling Bike Club ethos on equality, there are equal prize funds for both Male and Female races.

Spectators can walk all around the circuit and stand right at the side of the road to cheer on the cyclists as they race by. There will be an event village at Dumbarton Road by the Albert Halls with stalls, attractions and live commentary.

Norrie Petrie, Event Organiser said:

“We work closely and are supported well by Scottish Cycling and Stirling Council to organise the event and are looking forward to bringing Stirling to life, as part of the Alive In Scotland campaign. We also delighted that Active Stirling have arranged for a vibrant Events Village adjacent to the Albert Halls to give the opportunity for our visitors to find out more about Stirling, getting into cycling and much more.”

Craig Burn, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling said:

“Scottish Cycling works with clubs across Scotland to help develop and grow the sport. Stirling Bike Club is an excellent example of a club which has grown year on year and their event Crit Under the Castle is a testament to that. After a successful Scottish National Championship last year, we are delighted that they have brought a British Series event to Scotland. Youth development is incredibly important for the sport and therefore it is one of our aims to bring more British level racing to Scotland. We look forward to seeing the streets of Stirling lined with spectators cheering the riders on.”

Racing Schedule:

12:30 4th Category Men

13:20 Juniors

14:10 Under 14 Girls

15:20 Under 14 Boys

16:30 Under 16 Girls

17:55 Under 16 Boys

19:20 Women

20:10 Elite Men

For more information on the event please click here.