There have been significant challenges for cycling events in the last few years, however data for Scotland is showing positive trends, bucking trends seen elsewhere in the UK. We plan on sharing more detailed insight into these trends throughout the calendar compilation process, as this helps inform decision making, especially when it comes to date planning.
To set the scene, below is a snapshot of participation against number of events for January-September over the last nine years.
In August and September we engaged with clubs in each region to discuss their ideas for next year, and suggestions for different event formats that have come up throughout the year, as we continue to try and develop the calendar to give everyone the opportunity to find their place within the sport, and just as importantly, give events the best chance of success.
We have to face reality though, in that since the COVID pandemic people’s behaviours have changed. Over the last three years we have seen big variances in entry numbers, events such as the Scottish Downhill Association Series consistently selling out, whilst other events, such as road races, have been cancelled due to low entry numbers. Organisers give up hundreds of hours of their time to put on events, and to make them viable riders must support them – we’ve had a number of organisers come to us this year worried about making a financial loss, which ultimately comes out of their pocket.
This winter the HUPcc Scottish Cyclocross Series is trialing an early bird entry model, to encourage riders to enter races earlier. The idea behind this is that three weeks out organisers can sleep easy knowing they aren’t at risk of making a financial loss, or cancelling their event, and it allows them to add extra bells and whistles to their events to improve the race day experience for all involved. Only time will tell if this proves a success.
For 2025 we have already developed a template draft calendar with suggested dates for key Scottish National level events, and what we know so far of British Series events across the disciplines, which is available to download below. This will evolve as more British events are confirmed, and there are further steps in our calendar compilation process to discuss adjustments that might be needed.
Event submission forms are currently open, and all organisers and club secretaries should have received these directly. We would like to hear from everyone with plans to deliver events next year, and would encourage anyone with ideas of running an event to fill in the forms below if you have not already done so. The deadline for completing the forms is the 16th October.
Following on from this, we will be hosting online meetings for each discipline, to discuss changes where needed to avoid clashes between events that could impact the appointment of officials, rider entries or volunteer recruitment. Input from all members of the community is welcomed.
Off-Road date setting meeting: 22nd October 18:30-20:00
Road date setting meeting: 23rd October 18:30-20:00
Further details of how to join these meetings will be circulated later this week.