The future of the sport looks amazing; this year Peebles Cycling Club (PCC) celebrates their 10th year of running the dirt crit series which has helped deliver names such as Grant Ferguson, Katy Winton, Isla Short and Lucy Grant to the international stage. With a misty and deceptively chilly cloud enveloping Glentress, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the PCC organisers, over 130 children and a forest full of proud parents for the first of the 2016 six-race series.
For the past few years Tweedlove has embraced the first round of the series into the festival, enforcing the incredible community spirit and inclusiveness that exists in ‘Bike Valley’. At the start line Islabikes had a fleet of their new Pro Series range on display (with many a parent hiding wallets from their children’s view) and the PCC had a very tasty home baked cake stall to keep the young shredders on a sugar high until racing was over!
Utilising a stretch of forest drive and Glentress’ flowy Blue Velvet trail, this was a flat out course and left no place to hide. As the competitors were called up to the start line, the focus in the eyes was evident. The age group determined how many laps would be raced, ranging from one to four, with the 13-16 year olds having an additional technical section added in for extra spice.
Under 8 was the youngest age category and, as they lined up in a multitude of colour, heart strings were pulled and there was a simultaneous ‘ahh’ from the crowd– this was grass roots racing done with the most spectacular sportsmanship.
There were smiles, tears, hugs, sprint finishes and handshakes in huge quantity, with every wee racer giving it their all. Crowds lined the track, cheering on these young kids irrespective of what club they are part of. Friends from school became arch enemies on the bike, but one thing drew everyone together; a love of bikes, and racing bikes in such a friendly and encouraging environment.
There were some impressively quick riders that would provide a significant adversary to many an adult racing the same course. As the top three in each category took to the podium one thing really touched me; each one shook the hand of the other podium placers. A small thing but says a great deal about our sport, especially in this small corner of Scotland. Mark my words, there were some real stars of the future racing here.
Under 8 Girls:
- Kate Mckean
- Kate Milne
- Emma McCracken
Under 8 Boys:
- Isaac Beard
- Louis Thornley
- Finn Crouther
8yr Girls:
- Niamh Waters
- Daisy Wilkinson
- Maisie Mowat
8yr Boys:
- Nic Jackson
- Stan Nisbet
- Bryn Davies
U10 Girls:
- Rudie Shearer
- Martha Cooper
- Freya Gibson
U10 Boys:
- Innes McDonald
- Ben Allan
- Luis Ryder
U12 Girls:
- Emily Carrick-Anderson
- Christina McGorum
- Ruby Smith
U12 Boys:
- Cole Nicholson
- William Brodie
- Ben McMullen
U14 Girls:
- Emily Hunter
- Jen Watt
- Elena McGorum
U14 Boys:
- Corran Carrick-Anderson
- Jonte Williams
- Callum Johnson
U16 Girls:
- Anna McGorum
- Megan Wilkinson
Words: Tom Nash, Pictures: Ian Linton