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New stage race headlines 2025 Scottish road racing calendar

Scottish Cycling's 2025 road racing calendar introduces new events like the Mennock Pass Stage Race and Andrew Matheson Memorial Road Race

Scottish Cycling has revealed the 2025 road racing calendar, with the Mennock Pass Stage Race making its debut as a headline feature. This entirely new event will take riders to Wanlockheadโ€”the highest village in Scotland at 405 metres above sea levelโ€”for a two-day climbing challenge that looks set to favour climbers and endurance specialists. Alongside it, the Andrew Matheson Memorial Road Race, also a fresh addition, honours its namesake in a competitive spring showcase. Meanwhile, the possible return of the Hugh Dornan Memorial Road Race and rumours of a new National A event add further intrigue to what could be a transformative year for Scottish road racing.

The 2025 Alba Road Race Series

The Alba Road Race Series continues to set the benchmark for domestic competition in Scotland. Designed for elite riders in the open category, these National B races comprise the highest level of road racing in Scotland. The 2025 calendar reflects both continuity and bold innovation, with four rounds confirmed:

  1. Gifford Road Race
    Date: 15th March 2025
    Host: Edinburgh RC, East Lothian
  2. Andrew Matheson Memorial Road Race
    Date: 25th May 2025
    Host: Musselburgh RCC, Humble
  3. Mennock Pass Stage Race
    Date: 14th-15th June 2025
    Host: Torvelo Racing, Wanlockhead
  4. Drummond Trophy
    Date: 20th September 2025
    Host: JG CC, Strathaven

The Mennock Pass Stage Race brings a dramatic new dimension to the Alba Series. Its base in Wanlockhead, the highest village in Scotland, suggests this stage race should favour climbers. The brand-new Andrew Matheson Memorial Road Race honours its namesake and is set to establish itself as a key fixture in the spring racing calendar.

While the new races are cause for celebration, the fate of some long-standing classics is a mixed picture. It is understood that the Hugh Dornan Memorial Road Race, a beloved fixture, is set to return in 2025, with further details expected in the new year. However, the status of the Straiton Struggle, another much-loved race, remains unclear. Together, these races represent a rich heritage in Scottish road racing, and their future will be closely watched by riders and fans alike.

Image: The Press Room

A New National A Event?

There are whispers that Scotland could gain a new National A road race in 2025. While details remain unconfirmed, such an event would mark a significant step forward for the domestic racing scene, offering Scotlandโ€™s top ridersโ€”and those from further afieldโ€”a higher level of competition. If realised, this would complement the existing Alba calendar and elevate the status of Scottish racing on the UK stage.

The 2025 Scotia Road Race Series

Complementing the Alba Series, the Scotia Road Race Series provides a platform for developing and amateur riders. It plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of talent, offering opportunities to compete on accessible but challenging courses. The 2025 Scotia calendar includes:

  1. Gifford Road Race
    Date: 8th June 2025
    Host: Edinburgh RC, Eddleston
  2. Mennock Pass Road Race
    Date: 14th June 2025
    Host: Torvelo Racing, Wanlockhead
    • A one-day version of the Alba stage race, giving Scotia riders a taste of the same challenging terrain.
  3. Rothiemay Road Race
    Date: 6th July 2025
    Host: Elgin CC, Moray
    • Introduced in 2024, Rothiemay has quickly become a valuable addition, showcasing the northern reaches of Scotlandโ€™s racing scene.
  4. Drummond Trophy
    Date: 20th September 2025
    Host: JG CC, Strathaven

Scottish National Championships

The Scottish National Championships remain the seasonโ€™s crowning events, bringing together the countryโ€™s best riders to battle for national honours. The 2025 dates are as follows:

  • Scottish National Road Race Championships: Sunday, 4th May 2025 | West TBA
  • Scottish National Circuit Championships: Sunday, 10th August 2025 | Central Belt TBA
  • Scottish National 10-Mile Time Trial Championships: Sunday, 7th September 2025 | Invergordon
  • Scottish National 50-Mile Time Trial Championships: Sunday, 22nd June 2025 | Kineff, Montrose
  • Scottish National Olympic Time Trial Championships: Sunday, 24th August 2025 | Angus

See the latest domestic calendar here.

Featured image: The Press Room


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