This morning saw Scotland’s rising stars take to the trails of Nevis Range – adjacent to the course that their idols would race down later in the day.
The course saw some excellent racing with 60 riders from across Scotland fighting it out for a special Santini Race The Worlds jersey.
The Under 12’s saw Lily Cant and Millar Davidson take the victories, with times of 1:41.5 and 1:28.0 respectively. Joining Cant on the girls’ podium was Mia Jackson and Izzy Blackman. Freddie Stevens and Hamish Cairns claimed the silver and bronze medals in the U12 boys’ event.
Discovery Junior CC’s Lexa Whyte was victorious in the Under 14 girls event with over five seconds between her and Isla Cant, and Isla McConnell, who will take home the silver and bronze medals.
Sam Maclaren was victorious in the Under 14 boys’ field. Maclaren who came through Ben Wyvis Cycling Club in Strathpeffer hopes to become the next elite rider to come through the Highland club, following in the footsteps of road and track stars Finn Crockett and Fin Graham. Monty Palmer and James Carrol rounded out the Under 14 podium.
Megan Holme was crowned Race The Worlds Under 16 champion after beating the rest of the field by just over four seconds, with Lacey Holmes and Ruth McDougall rounding out the podium.
Sworley Swabey was the last rider out of the gate and in the dramatic fashion was able to oust Finlay Barr from the “hot-seat” in his final run to take the title, with Alex Prevan in third place.
The riders were awarded their medals and prizes on the UCI World Championship podium – being the first riders crowned champions on the biggest stage of all.
There was also a bonus for the top two riders of each category – Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16, with the Scottish Downhill Association inviting each of the riders to join their performance academy for 2024.
A massive thanks to Jess Stone for taking time out to award the riders with their Santini Jerseys and Champs Coo’s, and to the Commissaries and Volunteer teams for making the event run so smoothly, Race The Worlds will be back on Sunday for the Dirt Crit final.