Mark Stewart and Erin Boothman will join fellow cyclists to raise funds for Scottish talent.

Newly crowned world champions Erin Boothman and Mark Stewart will join some of Scottish cycling’s biggest names at the Braveheart Ride and Dinner this weekend, as the fundraising event moves to Stirling for the first time. The event on Saturday 24 October will see amateur cyclists and supporters ride and dine alongside leading figures in the sport, including Tour de France legend Pippa York and Olympic medallist Jack Carlin.

Erin Boothman secured gold in the women’s team pursuit and Madison at last week’s UCI Track World Championships in Shanghai, while Mark Stewart claimed the men’s points race title at the same championships. Other Scottish cycling names, including Grant Ferguson, Christina McKenzie and Evan Oliphant, are also announced for the event.

The fundraiser, backed by headline sponsor CR Smith, aims to help promising young Scottish cyclists progress towards professional careers. Participants can choose between two rides through the countryside around Stirling, Perthshire, and Clackmannanshire, followed by an evening dinner at the Stirling Court Hotel.

The move to Stirling follows the event’s return last year after an absence of almost a decade, with organisers hoping to build on the enthusiasm generated by Scotland’s cyclists at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Kathy Gilchrist, trustee of the Braveheart Cycling Fund, said: “There is real excitement about bringing Braveheart to Stirling, and we’ve had strong interest from people keen to be part of the day. Having Erin, Jack, Pippa, Grant, Charlie and Evan involved gives supporters another great reason to join us.”

Ms Gilchrist added: “This is a chance to bring together people who love cycling, celebrate what Scottish riders have achieved and help those working towards their own breakthrough. Many of the young riders we support balance demanding training schedules with the challenge of paying for travel, equipment and racing.”

Both rides will depart from Wallace High School in Stirling. The longer Brave Ride covers 58 miles with 3,360 feet of climbing, traversing Clackmannanshire and Perthshire towards Dunning before returning to Stirling. The Heart Ride provides a shorter, 32-mile circuit beneath the Ochil Hills. Registration opens at 8.30am, with the Brave Ride starting at 9.30am and the Heart Ride at 10.30am.

CR Smith founder and chairman Gerard Eadie CBE said: “At CR Smith we have always backed youth development and we are delighted to be sponsoring the Braveheart event for young Scottish riders once again this year.”

Founded in 2004, the Braveheart Cycling Fund provides grants to assist young Scottish riders with the costs of equipment, coaching, travel, and competition. This support is crucial at a stage when they may be training at an elite level without earning an income from the sport.

Erin Boothman, 19, from Netherlee in East Renfrewshire, received funding at 16 and 17 before progressing to professional cycling, and was also the recipient of the 2025 Braveheart Trophy. She won bronze medals in the Individual Pursuit and Scratch Race at Glasgow 2026, where five former Braveheart-funded riders, including Elliot Rowe, Kate Richardson, Neil Fachie and Neah Evans, represented Team Scotland. Speaking previously about the fund’s role, Boothman said: “My parents had a big role to play, but Braveheart also helped bridge that gap. The grants help with travel, equipment and all those little things that allow you to keep progressing instead of worrying about how you’re going to afford the next race.”

The evening dinner will feature an auction of cycling and sporting items and will include the announcement of the 2026 Braveheart Cycling Fund Trophy winner. Ms Gilchrist commented: “The dinner gives people a chance to hear from some wonderful names in the sport and catch up with friends, but it also helps fund the grants we can offer next. We would love clubs, businesses and groups of friends to come along. Whether you join the ride, the dinner or both, you’ll be helping us give more young Scottish cyclists the backing they need.”

For entries, route maps, and dinner bookings, visit scottishcyclingfoundation.org/braveheart-cycling-fund.