Braveheart Cycling Fund Returns to Support Young Scottish Riders

The Braveheart Cycling Fund has been revitalised to support young cyclists across Scotland. This iconic sponsorship initiative provides grants for essential items such as equipment, coaching, and travel. The fund will host its first fundraising ride and dinner since 2016 on October 18, 2025, in Kilmarnock.

Scottish cycling icon Pippa York has praised the return of the Braveheart Ride, calling it a “vital lifeline” for emerging talent. York, who gained fame as Robert Millar, is celebrated as one of Britain’s finest road cyclists, known for winning a Tour de France stage and the prestigious Polka Dot jersey in 1984. She noted that while the fund was inactive for several years due to various reasons, it remains “something special” for young riders.

York emphasised the increasing costs associated with cycling, stating, “If you don’t fit the model that British Cycling’s elite programmes are built around, especially the track-focused pathway, it’s easy to be left on your own.” The return of the Braveheart Fund is seen as a crucial alternative for young riders seeking support outside of traditional structures.

Established in 2004, the Braveheart Cycling Fund has played a significant role in nurturing the early careers of numerous top Scottish cyclists, including Katie Archibald, Callum Skinner, Anna Shackley, and Neah Evans. York pointed out that the fund is instrumental in discovering and developing future stars, such as Oscar Onley, who has thrived outside the conventional track system designed to prepare athletes for Olympic medals. She remarked, “The system is against young road riders, and that’s a big reason we don’t produce more cyclists like Oscar or Tom Pidcock from England.”

Reflecting on her own journey from Glasgow’s cycling clubs to the professional ranks, York explained that early support can be the difference between a rider continuing or giving up. “It’s very easy to lose riders at that stage. You need people who can explain not just the training, but how to handle setbacks, how to behave, and how to stay motivated.” She added that the Braveheart Fund assists with all these crucial aspects.

“Without the help I got, I couldn’t have afforded to travel or buy the right equipment,” York stated. “You can’t become a cyclist if you don’t have access to the tools and the information you need. That’s where Braveheart really matters – it gives young people a chance to learn, to develop, and to see what’s possible.”

The Braveheart Ride will commence from St Joseph’s Academy in Kilmarnock, featuring a scenic route covering 87 kilometers through the picturesque East Ayrshire countryside. The accompanying Braveheart Dinner will take place that evening at The Park Hotel in Kilmarnock, with guest appearances from Olympians Grant Ferguson and Jack Carlin, as well as former professionals like Evan Oliphant. Notably, commentator Brian Smith, who helped establish the fund, is also expected to attend.

Gerard Eadie CBE, founder and chairman of CR Smith, expressed pride in supporting the relaunch of this impactful event. He emphasised, “CR Smith has always believed in investing in people and potential, and the Braveheart Fund captures that perfectly. It’s about more than developing cyclists – it’s about giving young people the confidence and opportunity to pursue their ambitions.”

Former president of Scottish Cycling, Kathy Gilchrist, who is organising the Braveheart Dinner and Ride, echoed the sentiment. “The Braveheart Fund has played a huge role in developing some of Scotland’s brightest cycling talents over the past two decades. Its return is fantastic news for the sport. Not every promising rider fits into a national performance pathway, so having a fund that provides direct, practical support at grassroots level is invaluable.”

Tickets for the ride and dinner are now available on the Scottish Cycling Foundation website. The Braveheart Ride costs £35 for adults and £20 for youth riders. Dinner tickets are priced at £65 per person or £595 for a table of ten, with all proceeds directed to the Braveheart Cycling Fund.