Hundreds Compete in 2024 Scottish Schools’ Mountain Bike Championships

Around 400 Secondary School pupils from across Scotland descended on Comrie Croft in Perthshire last Thursday (Thursday, 12 September) for the 2024 Scottish Schools’ Mountain Bike Championships (SSMBCs).

Leading independent day school, Morrison’s Academy in Crieff partnered with Comrie Croft and Scottish Cycling for the event which was named Event of the Year at the 2023 Scottish Cycling Awards ceremony.

Now in its second year, the S1-6 competitors came from 60 schools across Scotland, traveling from as far north as Banff all the way down to the Scottish Borders. They were split into three race categories - Junior (S1/2), Intermediate (S3/4) and Senior (S5/6) - with female, male and mixed team races taking place over the course of the day.

The championships aim to increase opportunities for young established racers to compete against peers in grassroots competitions, as well as encourage novice riders to get involved with the sport. Olympian Charlie Aldridge, a former pupil of Morrison’s Academy, was on hand to spur riders on and congratulate them.

Andrew Donaldson, Founding Director of Comrie Croft said: “Following the success of the inaugural event last year, we were excited to be partnering with Morrison’s Academy and Scottish Cycling once again to host the Scottish Schools' Mountain Bike Championships. After the recent success of Charlie Aldridge at the Olympics - who started his own mountain biking career at Comrie Croft - it’s great to be able to support the next generation of first time and more seasoned racers.”

Joint headline sponsors for this year’s event were Alpine Bikes & Endura while Tradstocks Scottish Stone - which designed and made the trophies - was sponsor of the winners’ medals.

Andrew McGarva, Rector at Morrison’s Academy said: “It’s been amazing to see so many school pupils taking part in this year’s SSMBCs and the talent on display at Comrie Croft was phenomenal. This exciting partnership gives mountain bikers of all abilities the chance to step out of their comfort zone, build confidence, acquire new skills and establish friendships. After cheering on Morrisonian Charlie Aldridge at the Olympics this summer we were delighted to welcome him to our event where he cheered on and inspired all of the young competitors.”

Paul Newnham, Scottish Cycling’s National MTB Coach, continued: “With students from across the country competing for their schools on the trails, SSMBC offered an exciting day of racing. The inspiration of Olympian Charlie Aldridge growing up on these trails will hopefully drive some of them forward to one day competing for their country.”

www.morrisonsacademy.org

www.comriecroft.com

www.comriecroftbikes.co.uk