A cyclist participating in the Scottish Cycling Tour Series

A racing certainty

How does a sport turn inspiration into participation? 

A big part of the Scottish Cycling strategy to develop a nation of cyclists is encouraging people to get involved in major cycling events, thereby turning inspiration into participation.

The return of the Tour Series to Motherwell and Aberdeen in May 2017 brings an ideal opportunity to ensure everyone can get in on the action.

This will be the first time the Tour Series has held a round of the unique, team-based series in Aberdeen and the second time two rounds have come to Scotland. The Tour Series will descend on Motherwell on 23 May and Aberdeen on 25 May.

Scottish Cycling Tour SeriesWorking closely with Active Schools teams and local councils, Scottish Cycling are making sure it is not just professional teams who are able to participate and they are hosting a variety of events on the closed road circuits.

Craig Burn, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, says: “When major events come to Scotland, Scottish Cycling work in partnership with local authorities and our clubs to make sure we can maximise the opportunity for all our members to enjoy the celebration that they bring.

"We are delighted to have two rounds of the Tour Series again this year, meaning that opportunities are accessible for everyone across the country.”

Scottish Cycling West, in partnership with local clubs and volunteers, will again be running an afternoon of support events in Motherwell prior to the Tour Series.

The support events will include a youth race for A & B category riders (boys and girls) which is expected to be fast and competitive. There is a women-only race – for all category of riders  and entries are encouraged for this event to ensure its success.

The final support event will be the Men’s 2/3/4 race which last year proved to be highly competitive, with close bunch racing. You can enter the Motherwell support events here.

The North Lanarkshire Active Schools team is also undertaking its third year of organising the schools participation event. 

Graeme Shaw, Active Schools coordinator, says: “Year on year the numbers for this event have increased and we are aiming to have approximately 120 primary pupils taking to the road to experience the thrill of road racing and getting the opportunity to pose for pictures on the winner’s podium.

"The event has been the catalyst for developing cycling within the Motherwell schools.

"We ensure the schools who are involved on the day all undergo Bikeability Level 1 Training delivered in partnership with our local i-bike officer, as well as free safety checks provided by the Councils Road Safety Officers.”

Scottish Cycling North East will be making sure there are events for all at the Aberdeen stage with youths aged 8-16 racing alongside a 3/4 category race and a 2/3/4 category race. You can enter any of these events here.

Aberdeen City Council is also working to provide local events before the Tour Series with Active Schools ensuring access to the closed roads in the city centre. 

Find out more

Visit the Tour Series website

The sportscotland Active Schools network consists of over 400 managers and coordinators dedicated to developing and supporting the delivery of quality sporting opportunities for children and young people.

Share links

Related Articles

South Lanarkshire Leisure - Active Schools Team

Building a workforce

South Lanarkshire’s Active Schools team harness potential of students

Read More
Active Schools Aberdeenshire

The next generation

Active Schools Aberdeenshire look to create participation opportunities 

Read More
Rock Up and Ride .png

Active Schools spotlight: Fun, Fitness, Active Travel

Active Schools Aberdeenshire encourage young people to be active every day through ‘Rock Up and Ride’ programme

Read More