Hundreds of Secondary School pupils from across Scotland are taking part in the Scottish Schools’ Mountain Bike Championships (SSMBCs) being held at Comrie Croft  in Perthshire next month (Thursday, 12 September 2024). 

Leading independent day school, Morrison’s Academy in Crieff is once again partnering 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 SSMBCs have almost 300 S1-6 pupils signed up from 60 schools across Scotland. The competing teams are traveling from as far north as Banff all the way down to the Scottish Borders and will be split into three race categories – Junior (S1/2), Intermediate (S3/4) and Senior (S5/6) – with female, male and mixed team races scheduled for 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. With 53 girls and numerous riders new to mountain biking currently signed up to this year’s event, it’s set to be another truly inclusive National Championship. 

Andrew Donaldson, Founding Director of Comrie Croft said: “Following the success of the inaugural event last year, we are very 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 are Alpine Bikes & Endura while Tradstocks Scottish Stone – which designed and made the winners’ trophies – is sponsor of the winners’ medals. 

Andrew McGarva, Rector at Morrison’s Academy added: “This exciting partnership gives pupils from across the country the chance to share their love of the outdoors and mountain biking, as well as giving those new to the sport an opportunity to compete. Last year’s event saw an overwhelming level of uptake from schools and glowing feedback from pupils, teachers and parents, so we’re delighted to be doing it all again. 

“We all cheered on Morrisonian Charlie Aldridge at the Olympics and if we can inspire more young people to take up cycling through this event I will be delighted. Whether the pupils are regulars on the race circuit or new to competitive riding, the SSMBCs allow them to step out of their comfort zone, build confidence, discover new strengths and passions and build new skills and friendships.”

Paul Newnham, Scottish Cycling’s National MTB Coach, continued: “With students from across the country competing for their schools on the trails, it is looking to be 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.”

The SSMBCs are open to spectators. As a Trash Free Trails Community Hub, Comrie Croft aims to achieve a Trash Free Trials Approved – Gold Standard Event which is the highest sustainability standard. All visitors are encouraged to use water refill stations, recycle and take litter home. Its on site cafe and bike repair shop will be open to participants and spectators.