Over 1,000 young Scots have taken part in competitive racing since ScottishPower became an official partner of Scottish Cycling earlier this year.
In the first six months of the partnership, the new ScottishPower National Youth Racing Series has hosted around 115 hours of competition over 20 events in four cycling disciplines (road, track, mountain bike and BMX).
Events have been staged all over the country making the sport accessible to as many youngsters, regardless of geographical location and the partnership has also enabled Scottish Cycling to employ a dedicated Development Officer to run the Series.
Additional funding has also been made available to buy essential event kit such as signage, high-vis vests, race numbers and marker poles. The partnership has also extended its support to major youth events by purchasing a chip timing system which allows a large volume of riders to have their times recorded as accurately as possible, ensuring the best possible platform for competition.
Keith Anderson, Chief Corporate Officer at ScottishPower, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that so many young people have had the chance to experience competitive cycling in the most encouraging of environments. Our events are of a high standard, and we hope that those who take part will go on to fulfil their potential and maybe event represent their country one day.”
Scottish Cycling Events Development Officer, Bob McFarlane, said: “The first six months have been a terrific experience, helping clubs to put on top class events for some of our aspiring young cyclists. No matter what discipline they’re most interested in developing, we have the tools to support and encourage them and that’s what the partnership is all about.”
Martin Mulholland, Event Organiser at West of Scotland Cycling Association, said: “The funding from ScottishPower to provide a chip timing system for our races has been a huge asset to us. Being able to publish full and accurate results the same night is fantastic. It’s been a very good investment already.”
Last month, ScottishPower further established their support for cycling in Scotland when they became official sponsors of the Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup which attracted around 20,000 people to the Nevis Range for two days of incredible action from 300 of the world’s greatest downhill stars.
For further information please contact Stuart Martin, Stripe Communications, on 0131 561 8620, 07540 372528 or email scottishpower@stripecommunications.com
Notes to editors:
About Scottish Cycling
Based at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, Scottish Cycling is the recognised national governing body for cycling in Scotland.
Scottish Cycling work across all six cycling disciplines: BMX, Mountain Bike, Cyclo-Cross, Road, Track and Cycle Speedway. From encouraging people to ride their bikes for the first time, to helping Scots compete on the international stage. Scottish Cycling also works in partnership with British Cycling to provide support across all levels of the sport in Scotland, as well as helping to nurture home-grown talent to compete at a world and Olympic level as part of a successful GB cycling team.
Scottish Cycling Fast Facts
- 133% growth in Scottish Cycling’s membership since 2009
- 73% increase in the number of organised mass participation sportive events since 2009
- 34% increase in racing licencing holders since 2009
- 23% increase in the number of competitive events since 2009
- Over 150 affiliated clubs in Scotland
For more information please visit www.scottishcycling.org.uk