What a year it has been for junior rider Erin Boothman. In her first season as a junior rider, the former East Kilbride RC rider claimed a brace of World Junior Track titles, including a storming world record as part of the team pursuit quartet.
The road and track rider is now part of the Great Britain Cycling Team Olympic Development Squad and has already started to make her mark this winter, breaking the Scottish Individual Pursuit record by a full three seconds Next Gen Sola Track Meet in Norway.
On the difference the award will make Erin said:
“I am both delighted and honoured to receive a Braveheart award this year. The hall of fame of previous recipients includes many of my absolute heroes. Several have inspired me, guided me and are now key to my ongoing development. I hope to follow in their footsteps in terms of cycling achievement and also follow their examples of encouraging other riders, thank you!”
Track and road rider Elliot Speedie will be joining the junior ranks next year after a series of strong rides throughout the season. The Edinburgh RC alumnus was on fine form at the Youth Tour of Scotland – claiming the Blue Jersey for Best Scottish Rider and has been at the forefront of racing in the British Youth Circuit Series.
Speedie has also represented Scotland in 2024, making his debut at the School Games in Loughborough. He said of receiving this support:
“It’s great to be a recipient of Braveheart Fund – it’s encouraging to know that the financial support for young riders such as myself is now available, especially in a sport that can be financially demanding.”
MTB Cross-Country rider Freya Mowbray joined the Great Britain Olympic Development Programme this autumn after an excellent season for Scotia Offroad RT. Mowbray claimed both Scottish and British National MTB XC titles this summer, as well as representing a Scottish team at the European Youth MTB Championships in Sweden.
The 16-year-old, who also tests herself in cyclocross and enduro, will be looking to make her mark on the junior category next year.
Last but not least is promising BMX rider Harrison Bell, who is leading the way for the Scots BMX racers on the British scene. Bell, who rides for Clydebank-based Western Titans, has made great progress this year, his grit and determination has consistently seen him make A Finals in the Superclass category at the National Series rounds across the UK.
The Braveheart Cycling Fund supports up and coming cycling Scotland in Scotland with financial aid to ensure they have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Past recipients of Braveheart funding include Katie Archibald, Callum Skinner and Neah Evans among many. Prior to our quartet announced in November 2024, Eilidh Shaw, Calum Moir and Innes McDonald were awarded funding earlier back in the spring of 2024.
More information on the fund can be found here