2026 Inch Park Youth CX

Edinburgh RC put on the 2026 version of the longstanding youth cyclocross under near-clear September skies. A new course this year included the 'Schuss', 'The Glove' and 'Spiral of Doom'. Everyone was thrilled to have GB Women's and Men's Elite Champions and race alumni, Anna Flynn, Cameron Mason along with mtb champ Innes Mcdonald to support our stars of the future. After the event Cammy was mobbed by autograph hunters

At the other end of the race-experience spectrum sat the dozen or so students of Portobello High School. They were never going to challenge the experienced riders but what they lacked in pace, they made up for with grit & determination to finish (which almost all did). One of their team even went home with a cowbell for third place. Congratulations! It was fantastic to see young people from groups traditionally underrepresented in competitive cycling taking part, racing and volunteering, and we would love to see more of this at future races.

The day began with an hour's coaching for novice women before their race. ERC coaches Douglas Kyles, Ian Duncan and champion Anna led sessions aimed to give the riders confidence before their race. Category winners were Imogen Hammond (junior, Glasgow Riderz), Oana Dragomir (senior, Velociposse) and Louise Humphreys (M40+, Hervelo Cycling). Full results are given below.

The final race was for youth As & Bs who battled out for points which will elevate their starting grid places in future races. These points may be even more valuable than the cowbells awarded to these on the podium. Riders getting onto the podia were, U16 Open; Josh Stewart (Harrogate Nova Race Team) & Lewis Bailie (Tyneside Vagabonds CC); U16 Female; Ella McQueen (Falkirk Junior Bike Club), Ally Clifford (Falkirk Junior Bike Club) & Ishbel Bennett (Stirling Bike Club); U14 Open Cobey Stewart (Harrogate Nova Race Team), Alex Faraday (Edinburgh RC) & Cody McPeake (Falkirk Junior Bike Club); U14 Female, Abbie Boyle (Royal Albert CC), Sophie Tomb (Glasgow Riderz) & Heather Bailie (Tyneside Vagabonds CC).

Sandwiched between the Youth CD&E and Youth A&B races was the one-lap challenge TT in aid of C-R-Y to remember our late club member Ben Forsyth. With the Elite CX champion on the start sheet, there was only ever going to be one winner but youth rider Josh came closest!

Women's race

Youth E/ Under 8s

C-R-Y Challenge 1-lap ITT