Olympic hero and triple gold medal winning cyclist, Chris Hoy, and John Scott, Chief Executive of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, today joined ScottishPower Renewables to launch their sponsorship of Scottish Cycling.
Sponsored by ScottishPower Renewables for the second year running, the company has invested £65,000 towards youth development as well as support for ongoing events and competitions across the cycling disciplines including the SuP6R Six, Youth Circuit and Criterium Series.
The sponsorship has been designed to support the foundations of Scottish Cycling and help identify and nurture Scottish talent with a view to developing the Talent Team structure to include support for mountain biking as well as track. Ultimately representing Scotland on an international scale.
This year, ScottishPower Renewables’ investment will provide additional coaching resources at a regional level through an academy structure aimed at gifted riders who are either too young for the Talent Team or those who show strong potential for progression.
Keith Anderson, director of ScottishPower Renewables – the UK’s largest onshore windfarm developer, said: “We’re delighted to continue our support of the development of cycling in Scotland. It is fundamental that talent is identified and nurtured at both a grassroots and youth level.
“The programme of events, incorporating the Youth Circuit Series, provides both the platform and opportunities for emerging talent. It also helps young riders achieve their goals with the necessary coaching support and additional race experience. With the spotlight firmly on cycling, we hope youngsters will take the opportunity to develop their talent further.”
Jackie Davidson from Scottish Cycling, added: “We’re delighted that that the partnership with ScottishPower Renewables has been extended. The sponsorship provides additional investment on the coaching side this year, which will help secure the development of Scottish youth cycling moving forward.”
Chris Hoy said: "I am extremely delighted that ScottishPower Renewables is continuing with its support of Scottish Cycling and I'm especially pleased that they have found additional funding to help nurture new talent.
"The achievements in Beijing of Team GB's cyclists has already created a huge new interest in the sport and I hope that this funding can go someway into growing the number of talented cyclists we have in Scotland."
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NOTES TO EDITORS
The Youth Circuit Series gives youngsters the opportunity to test their ability against riders from across Scotland and it is hoped that the programme of cycling events will encourage greater youth participation in the sport at a club, regional and national level moving forward.
The Talent Team was formed in October 2006 and represents riders across all disciplines. This year, the Team has been extended to cover all cycling disciplines to include downhill and cross-country as well as track. The Scottish members of the Talent Team excelled at Scottish and British Championship level this year with Kenta Gallagher crowned youth champion and Hamish Creber securing junior champion at the British Mountain Bike Cross Country Championships in Exmoor in July 2008. Callum Skinner took the British Sprint title at the British Track Championships in Newport in August 2008.
For more information on Scottish Cycling and details of the 2009 Series events, visit www.scottishcycling.com