Braveheart Ride fund returns to help young Scottish cyclists

An iconic sponsorship fund has been revived to support young Scottish cyclists across the country.

The Braveheart Cycling Fund provides direct grants for equipment, coaching and travel, for young Scottish cyclists.

The fund will hold it’s first rid and and fundraising dinner since 2016 on Saturday, October 18 2025.

Scottish cycling legend Pippa York hailed the return of the Braveheart Ride describing it as a “vital lifeline” for Scottish talent that might otherwise fall through the cracks.

York, who competed as Robert Millar, became one of Britain’s greatest ever road cyclists with a Tour de France stage win and the coveted Polka Dot jersey in 1984.

Cycling legend Pippa York has hailed the return of the Braveheart Ride and Dinner. Chris_candid_camer

She said that while the fund disappeared for a while for “all sorts of reasons” it was always “something special”.

York added: “Cycling has become very expensive, and 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. Braveheart gives young riders another, very important, route.”

Founded in 2004, the Braveheart Cycling Fund has supported the early careers of many of Scotland’s top riders, including Katie Archibald, Callum Skinner, Anna Shackley, and Neah Evans.

She added that the fund plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of off-track talent which could include the next Oscar Onley.

The Braveheart Cycling Fund was first founded in 2004. Chris_candid_camer

She said: “Oscar is an exceptional rider, but he also wasn’t part of the traditional track system that is set up to win Olympic medals. The system is against young road riders, and that’s a big reason we don’t produce more road and BMX cyclists like Oscar or England’s Tom Pidcock.”

Recalling her own journey from Glasgow’s club scene to the professional peloton, York explained early support was the difference between giving up and breaking through.

She said: “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. Braveheart helps with all of that.

“Without the help I got, I couldn’t have afforded to travel or buy the right equipment,” she said.

“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 start from St Joseph’s Academy in Kilmarnock, offering one scenic route 87km – through East Ayrshire’s countryside.

The Braveheart Dinner will take place that evening at The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock, featuring guest riders including Olympians Grant Ferguson, and Jack Carlin, alongside former professionals such as Evan Oliphant. Commentator Brian Smith, who helped establish the fund, will also be at the dinner.

Gerard Eadie CBE, founder and chairman of CR Smith, who once had the chance to pursue a cycling career himself, said he was proud to help relaunch an event with such impact.

He said: “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. We’re proud to play a small part in bringing this event back and supporting the next generation of Scottish talent.”

Kathy Gilchrist, former president of Scottish Cycling and organiser of the Braveheart Dinner and Ride, added: “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. We’re delighted to see it back.”

Tickets for the ride and dinner are now on sale on the Scottish Cycling Foundation website.

The Braveheart Ride costs £35 for adults and £20 for youth riders. Dinner tickets are £65 per person or £595 for a table of ten, with all proceeds going to the Braveheart Cycling Fund.