• Scottish cycling legend York says fund will help young riders who ‘don’t fit’ in a system dominated by track success. 
• Scots businessman Gerard Eadie CBE proud to help bring event back as CR Smith provides vital sponsorship 
• Still time for cycling enthusiasts to join ride and dinner alongside stars including York, and Olympians Jack Carlin and Grant Ferguson and Charlie Aldridge

SCOTTISH cycling legend Pippa York has hailed the return of the Braveheart Ride and Dinner – almost a decade after it was last held – describing it as a ‘vital lifeline’ for young Scottish riders who fall outside the traditional elite performance system.

York, who 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, said she was ‘delighted’ to see the event return as a source of crucial funding and support for Scottish talent that might otherwise fall through the cracks.

The Braveheart Cycling Fund, which provides direct grants for equipment, coaching and travel, will hold its first ride and fundraising dinner since 2016 on Saturday, October 18 2025, thanks to the support of Scottish home improvements firm CR Smith, whose sponsorship has made the event possible. CR Smith founder Gerard Eadie CBE is a long-term supporter of Scottish Cycling.

York said: “The Braveheart Fund disappeared for a while for all sorts of reasons, but it was always something special – the only fund in Scotland that directly supports young cyclists without going through the official system. It’s great to see it back.

“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.”

Scottish Cycling is on a high following 22-year-old Kelso rider Oscar Onley’s remarkable fourth place at the 2025 Tour de France, and York said the fund plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of off-track talent.

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.”

York, 67, who still rides several times a week, said she is looking forward to joining the event, where she will take to the road alongside some of Scottish Cycling’s top talent, as well as keen amateur riders taking part on the day. She said: “I’m hoping for good conditions and good company. Being around enthusiastic riders is contagious – it brings out that childish excitement again. Events like this remind you why you fell in love with cycling in the first place.”

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. 

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. Its tagline, ‘Heroes Don’t Just Happen’, reflects its belief that champions are built through opportunity, support and community.

The latest generation of riders benefiting from the fund includes Erin Boothman, Ahron Dick, Daisy Wilkinson and Evan Marsh. Marsh said: “The Braveheart Cycling Fund has been there for me at the start of my cycling season this year. I can honestly say their support made a difference, and I’ll always be thankful for it.”

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. 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.

For tickets and more information, visit scottishcyclingfoundation.org/braveheart-cycling-fund.

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