Gifford opener to signal start of Scotland’s domestic road campaign
The East Lothian race will once again provide the opening reference point of the year, as riders line up for the first rounds of both the Alba and Scotia Series on 28 March.
On Saturday 28 March, the Gifford Road Race returns to East Lothian, once again marking the beginning of the Scottish road racing season and hosting the opening rounds of both the Alba Series and the Scotia Series.
Organised by Edinburgh Road Club, the event is established as one of the most important early-season fixtures north of the border. Now firmly embedded in its three-race format, Gifford has become a place where winter miles are first tested in anger, where form, intent and ambition are often laid bare.
Last year’s edition provided a clear illustration of that. Scottish National Champion Logan Maclean opened the Alba Road Race Series with a decisive breakaway victory on the rolling East Lothian circuit, setting the tone for his season. Earlier in the day, Paralympic tandem champion Jenny Holl (Loughborough Lightning) claimed the women’s E1234 race, underlining the growing depth and competitiveness of the women’s field.
The day begins with the regional Open 3/4 event, held over four laps of the fast, eight-mile circuit. For riders new to road racing – particularly those stepping up from club riding or winter training blocks – it offers a first proper test over 50 kilometres of open-road competition.
The organisers say that interest is already strong and, with nearly 50 entries confirmed more than six weeks out, they are encouraging early sign-ups. The Open 3/4 race sold out more than two weeks before the 2025 event, and demand is expected to follow a similar pattern this year.
Image: Charles McSherry
At lunchtime, the women’s race returns over the same four-lap course. Introduced as a standalone event in 2025, it attracted the largest women’s road race field in Scotland since COVID. Its inclusion in the 2026 Scotia Series should only strengthen that momentum.
Importantly, Edinburgh RC stress that the race remains open and suitable for all women, regardless of experience. With prizes for both experienced and novice riders, every place will matter – whether contesting the win or racing to complete a first road event.
Reduced-rate entry is available to students, juniors and women, and riders without a full race licence can purchase a day licence on the day with a valid British Cycling membership.
The afternoon concludes with the elite open race, contested over nine laps – 120 kilometres – as part of the Alba Series. As a National B event, it is open to riders of 3rd Category and above and traditionally draws many of the strongest riders in Scotland, alongside visitors from south of the border keen to make an early-season statement.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top six in each race, with additional prizes for Under-18 and Masters (40+) riders.
On Saturday 28 March, the Gifford Road Race returns to East Lothian, once again marking the beginning of the Scottish road racing season and hosting the opening rounds of both the Alba Series and the Scotia Series.
Organised by Edinburgh Road Club, the event is established as one of the most important early-season fixtures north of the border. Now firmly embedded in its three-race format, Gifford has become a place where winter miles are first tested in anger, where form, intent and ambition are often laid bare.
Last year’s edition provided a clear illustration of that. Scottish National Champion Logan Maclean opened the Alba Road Race Series with a decisive breakaway victory on the rolling East Lothian circuit, setting the tone for his season. Earlier in the day, Paralympic tandem champion Jenny Holl (Loughborough Lightning) claimed the women’s E1234 race, underlining the growing depth and competitiveness of the women’s field.
The day begins with the regional Open 3/4 event, held over four laps of the fast, eight-mile circuit. For riders new to road racing – particularly those stepping up from club riding or winter training blocks – it offers a first proper test over 50 kilometres of open-road competition.
The organisers say that interest is already strong and, with nearly 50 entries confirmed more than six weeks out, they are encouraging early sign-ups. The Open 3/4 race sold out more than two weeks before the 2025 event, and demand is expected to follow a similar pattern this year.
At lunchtime, the women’s race returns over the same four-lap course. Introduced as a standalone event in 2025, it attracted the largest women’s road race field in Scotland since COVID. Its inclusion in the 2026 Scotia Series should only strengthen that momentum.
Importantly, Edinburgh RC stress that the race remains open and suitable for all women, regardless of experience. With prizes for both experienced and novice riders, every place will matter – whether contesting the win or racing to complete a first road event.
Reduced-rate entry is available to students, juniors and women, and riders without a full race licence can purchase a day licence on the day with a valid British Cycling membership.
The afternoon concludes with the elite open race, contested over nine laps – 120 kilometres – as part of the Alba Series. As a National B event, it is open to riders of 3rd Category and above and traditionally draws many of the strongest riders in Scotland, alongside visitors from south of the border keen to make an early-season statement.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top six in each race, with additional prizes for Under-18 and Masters (40+) riders.
Share this:
Discover more from The British Continental
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.