Off to a flying start

The first race of the 2026 Scottish Downhill Mountain Biking season was held at Innerleithen on the 25 & 26 April.  Stunning weather on both days made for some great racing and spectators could enjoy cheering on the riders without getting wet or eaten by midges.

Rob Forrest, CEO was in attendance and presented the winning riders with their medals.

Academy 2026

As in previous years the SDA committee had selected both men and women to benefit from the GreenPower sponsored Academy.  This years’ riders are drawn from the ranks of the Juniors, Youth and Juveniles as many of the ‘senior riders’ have already been through the Academy.

The Academy employs home grown trainers to work with the riders to improve their bike handling skills and to show them how to work out the best lines down the hillside. This year Calum McBain and Sam Conroy were doing the coaching.

Colin Houston, Chairman of the Scottish Downhill Association Committee sent on some of the messages he received following the announcement of this years’ riders:-

“I’m super excited to be on the 2026 Academy, thank you for this opportunity.”

Harry

“I am delighted to be given this opportunity. Thank you! I am looking forward to my training sessions”.

Logan

“I’m looking forward to the coaching sessions, it’s great to have 3 different coaches with all different skill sets. Thank you so much again”.

Lachlan. 

“Absolutely buzzing to be given this opportunity by you guys!”

Tom