Published: 26th Apr 2024 Images: Scottish Cycling

Born again Braveheart Cycling Fund supports first three riders

The Braveheart Cycling Fund is synonymous with supporting up and coming riders in Scotland, and after a few years hiatus it’s back and supporting three riders in 2024.

The first of the three recipients for this year had a standout 2023, and is one of the most exciting young riders in Britain at present. Winning no fewer than four medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, two of which gold, and four Scottish titles in December, we’re delighted to be supporting Calum Moir.

The second rider receiving support is part of the Scottish Cycling Performance Pathway and rides for Alba RT, where she has enjoyed a brilliant start to 2024 with runner-up finishes at the opening two rounds of the British Road Series, putting her into the Series leader’s jersey. Fighting back from surgery to win two Scottish titles in 2023, Eilidh Shaw has a bright future ahead of her on the roads, we have no doubt about that.

Of the difference the award will make, Eilidh said:

“It means so much to be supported by the Braveheart Cycling Foundation and I’m really grateful. I remember taking part as a youth in the Braveheart fundraising ride in Kilmarnock in 2016 – the event was very exciting at the time, having the chance to ride alongside supported riders that I really looked up to.

“I’m looking forward to putting the funding to good use throughout this season as I build towards the biggest races of the season.”

Finally, Braveheart has teamed up with Ride Like Rab to support an off-road rider, with a very bright future. Honouring the impact Rab made on the cycling scene in Scotland, we are delighted to be working with them to give a young rider the chance to progress to the level that Rab reached.

Having already represented GB in cyclocross, this young rider has an incredible amount of talent on the MTB, and we look forward to seeing them fulfil that potential this season. Congratulations Innes McDonald.

Established in 2003 by Brian Smith and Alan Miller, Braveheart now sits within the charitable framework of the Scottish Cycling Foundation, past recipients including the likes of Katie Archibald, Neah Evans and Callum Skinner to name but a few.

The last financial award was made in 2019 to reigning U23 Cross Country Mountain Bike World Champion Charlie Aldridge, so we’re delighted to see the fund back with a bang, supporting three riders in 2024.

Funding for 2024 has been made possible thanks to raffle money at the 2022 and 2023 Scottish Cycling Awards evenings, donations from the late Andy Matheson’s funeral, individual donations and money from the aforementioned Ride Like Rab initiative.

After an open application process, Scottish Cycling Performance staff and Trustees of the Scottish Cycling Foundation reviewed the riders nominated before selecting three very worthy recipients.

A second round of funding will open for further applications in the autumn. This is only possible thanks to the very generous donations received, so if you want to support the next generation of Scottish Cycling talent, please consider donating here: www.scottishcyclingfoundation.org

Heroes don’t just happen.