Youth Update August
by Douglas Kyles
July was a quiet month for the youth section with riders and coaches away for intensive training camps in sunny far-flung locations such as Morzine, Gdansk and Sherwood Forest Centre Parcs! August saw riders return to action with some notable results.
On the road we saw 2 more rounds of the ERC organised Richard Moore series.
In the 23rd July race, notable results were 3rd place for Stuart in Youth E open, 2nd places for Ruan and Charlotte in the Youth D open and girls races, and the Buffalo award for Dara in the Youth C open race.
In the final race of the series on the 12th August, Dara light up the youth C race taking the prize for most prime points during the race.
Up at the Ellon Crit, congratulations to Victoria on her fine 3rd place finish and Mateo who competed in his first race. Riders up North also enjoyed an SC cluster coaching session on the Saturday followed by ice cream and a swim at the Stonehaven outdoor pool. A nice weekend in the sun.
The final notable results on the road both belonged to Finn Revell. In the Scottish Youth Circuit Championship at Tulliallan, Finn broke away from the field to solo to victory in the Youth D race. He then followed this up in the North West Youth Tour with a magnificent 3rd place finish in GC having secured 2nd in the queen stage alongside solid results on the TT and Crit.
The final race in August was on the MTB with the Scottish Champs at Ae Forest. Shout out to Isaac for his 3rd place in the u10 open race, with his sister Aoife just missing out in the u8s. Maggie and Charlotte podiumed in the u10 B final, and Stuart in the u8 B final. On the Sunday, Eilidh rode to a fine 2nd place finish in the u14 girls race, capping an incredible first season of racing MTB.
Upcoming events
Looking forward, we have one final race on the road, the Ignite Crit in Glasgow. After this, thoughts turn to other disciplines including the much awaited (especially by the author) return of cyclocross!
The club will be hosting their annual CX race on the 27th September at Inch Park. This is a fantastic grassroots event, with races for women and youth riders. Entries can be made here
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/324850/2025-ERC-Inch-Park-CX
In addition, for 2025 there will also be a one lap CX TT, proceeds from this will go to the Cardiac Risk in the Young Charity. The coaches have been practicing, come along and see if you can beat them around the course. Enter here
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/324909/2025-Inch-Park-MTB-ITT
The annual ERC Hill Climb takes place on the following day at Arthur’s Seat. This is open to all ages, but for youths is a new addition to the club age group championships. Entries are open now.
https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/events/30953-arthurs-seat-hill-climb
As we approach the CX season, the clubs coaching efforts in this discipline will start to ramp up, ably led by Joe Faraday we are looking to support younger newer racers, while also challenging our older riders as they prepare for 2 Scottish rounds of the National Trophy.
To support this, we will have a guest coach visiting on the 13th September. Keith Stocker, a familiar face (and voice) on the CX scene, will be hosting 2 sessions, firstly a coaches CPD session in the morning, then an extended session for our young riders in the afternoon. This is a fantastic opportunity for the club to learn from a very experienced CX and MTB coach. If any coaches wish to attend, please reach out to Joe or myself.
As ever, the sessions could not take place without our fantastic squad of volunteer coaches. Should anyone wish to join, please get in touch with Alastair Webb, we are particularly looking for female and younger coaches to ensure we can support our diverse group of young cyclists.