Published: 18th Dec 2023 Images: Scottish Cycling

Swiss Bliss for Richardson as Mason battles in Belgium

Cameron Mason was in action as the Belgian festive season kicks off with a double-header, while Kate Richardson and Iona Moir were competing in Switzerland at the Grenchen Cycling Challenge.

Cameron Mason was once again flying the saltire in Belgium as a double-header of Cyclocross racing kickstarted the hectic festive schedule or Kerstperiode.

Saturday’s third round of the X2O Badkamers Trofee in Herentals saw the Scot fight his way though the field, after a slightly sluggish start to fight it out for the podium in a stacked field including Tom Pidcock and Mathieu van der Poel.

Mason’s strong ride was rewarded with a fifth-place finish which keeps the Scot in third place in the series standings, giving him an excellent opportunity to claim the series victory, as he is just over one minute behind Lars van der Haar.

Sunday saw the short trip to Namur – with a surprisingly drier course than one would normally associate with the classic race – facing the riders. After a big effort the previous day, Mason produced a solid ride but came home in 13th place in the World Cup round.

A busy Kerstperiode will see the Scot race a number of World Cups before heading back home for the British National Champs at Callendar Park in Falkirk in January.

Entries for Falkirk are still open here.

From Belgium to Switzerland now, as Kate Richardson and Iona Moir were in action in Grenchen at their annual Track Cycling Challenge in the Tissot velodrome.

Richardson was on fine form, claiming a fantastic second in the Points Race, only behind the American Jennifer Valente to round off 2023 in style. The Lifeplus-Wahoo rider has gone from strength to strength this season, making her debut in the UCI Track Champions League as well as a number of appearances in Great Britain kit including a brace of gold medals at the Under 23 European Championships.

The sprint events saw Moir claim ninth in the Keirin and 11th place in the Sprint, against some top opposition to round off her 2023 on a high.

RACE National

While there was limited racing on the home front this weekend as we wrap up for the Christmas break, with track riders enjoying Pies and Pursuits, and the latest round of the Cumbernauld Centurions Winter Series taking place at Broadwood.

While over in the Kingdom, 31 young riders took part RACE National Cycle Speedway session at Fife Cycle Speedway. The riders were put through their paces by coach Stevie Crowther and the team at Fife Cycle Speedway, as ever their support is much appreciated.