Aldridge set to go on tour

One of Scotland’s flagship youth cycling races is to be contested over parts of Strathearn this weekend.

The Youth Tour of Scotland, now in its sixth year, will take place between April 7 and 10 with elite riders from the UK, Ireland and Isle of Man battling it out in Forteviot, St Davids and Forgandenny – including Crieff’s Charlie Aldridge.

With the support of Perth and Kinross Council and Strathallan School, the event has grown in size and popularity.

Four stages of racing in the local countryside are provided with winners set to receive VIP treatment at the Tour of Britain this September.

Sarah Macintyre, events manager for Scottish Cycling and organiser of the event, said:“I am really looking forward to seeing all of the riders who are going to be taking part in the Youth Tour of Scotland this year.

“The event has gone from strength to strength and the talent who come from all over the UK and afar raise the bar each year.

“We are delighted that the Tour of Britain is going to be offering prizes to our winners again this year. The Tour of Britain is an event which inspires participation, and is an aim for many young talented road riders.

“On behalf of Scottish Cycling I would like to wish all of the riders good luck and extend 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.”

Stage one, the Forteviot Road Race, takes place on Saturday morning with road closures in operation from 9.30am to 2.30pm.