A Scottish rider competing with British Cycling North East and a Welsh rider have won VIP treatment at the Tour of Britain in September after taking home the yellow jersey’s at the Youth Tour of Scotland. Dylan Hughes, 15 and Ella Barnwell, 15, were the overall winners of the four day stage race which took place in Perthshire last weekend. Around 140 cyclists took part in the event which attracted entries from across the UK and Europe.The Scottish Cycling Youth Tour of Scotland, which returned for a fifth consecutive year, saw teams from Belgium, Isle of Man, Ireland and Wales competing in the event, with some roads around Perth being closed to accommodate the cyclists and hundreds of spectators.The stages of the cycling tour included routes around Forteviot, Coupar Angus and Strathallan School, Forgandenny. Winners jerseys were presented by Mike Williamson from Perth and Kinross Council, Strathallan School’s Director of Sport Audrey Syme, Scottish Cycling’s Head of Performance Gary Coltman and Head of Development Vicky Strange. Bob MacFarlane, Events Officer for Scottish Cycling and organiser of the event said: “I am incredibly proud of all of the riders who took part in the Youth Tour of Scotland, the event has gone from strength to strength each year and the talent who come from all over the UK and Europe has upped the competition too. “On behalf of Scottish Cycling I would like to give huge congratulations to all of the riders who took part and a thank you to the communities of Forteviot, Forgandenny and Coupar Angus, Perth and Kinross Council, the volunteers and commissaires and also Strathallan School for helping to make a fantastic weekend of racing. Here is to next year!” Tour of Britain Race Director Mick Bennett said: “We’d like to offer our congratulations to Dylan and Ella on their victories in the Youth Tour of Scotland and look forward to seeing them at the Tour of Britain September. We know much determination and training will have gone into their wins and hope it’s a sign of future success for them both. It would be fantastic if in years to come we are welcoming them back to the Tour of Britain or Women’s Tour as a competitor or maybe even a future winner!” Ella Barnwell, 15, Team Wales A said: “I am very proud to have won the Tour of Scotland. The stages were tough with top competition and challenging weather conditions. It was really well organised and myself and my team really enjoyed and look forward to coming back next year. I look forward to the Tour of Britain VIP experience as we go and watch as a family every year it will be great to get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.” The opening stage of this year’s Tour of Britain takes place in Scotland on Sunday 4 September, from Glasgow to Castle Douglas. Further details of the stage will be announced in the coming months. An overview map of Stage One can be downloaded here. VIP Hospitality is available at all eight stages of the Tour of Britain with a range of packages available and prices starting from just £36. For more information please visit www.thetour.co.uk/hospitality |
The Tour of Britain Stage 1 of the Tour of Britain, British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, will come to Scotland in 2016. The opening race in the eight-day series will depart from Glasgow City Centre on September 4, concluding in the scenic Dumfries and Galloway town, Castle Douglas. The Tour of Britain 2016 is funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council, EventScotland and Glasgow City Council. |