Yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 25 September) professional cyclist and current under-23 national time-trial champion, Anna Shackley, led a cycling coaching session for children from Loreburn Primary School in Dumfries.
The session took place at The Crichton in Dumfries, which will host the time-trials for this year’s British National Road Championships on Thursday 23 June. That will be followed by the circuit races in Kirkcudbright on Friday 24 June and the road races in Castle Douglas on Sunday 26 June.
Speaking at the session, Anna said:
“I’m very excited to visit The Crichton and see the great course ahead of the British National Time Trials in a few weeks’ time. I’m really looking forward to racing British National Road Championships again and to fight it out with the hopes of retaining my title, particularly in my home nation. With the incredible breadth of British talent out there, I’m sure the race on Scottish soil will be one to remember, for both riders and spectators.”
Cllr Archie Dryburgh, Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee said:
“We’re really looking forward to more world class cycling taking place in our region. We’ve a strong reputation of hosting cycling events within D&G and these championships will be no different. Involving our local communities in the three events is absolutely key to their success and as such we’re in regular dialogue with residents and businesses to ensure we make a real go of this fantastic opportunity as part of an action packed summer of events in Dumfries & Galloway.”
Cllr John Campbell, Vice Chair of the Communities Committee added:
“This event will bring significant economic benefits to the region. They’ll be athletes and officials staying in local accommodation, eating in local restaurants and cafés and using local shops. This coupled with locals coming out to cheer on the athletes in the three different events will help add our unique atmospheric stamp on what is already a prestigious event. As a local, I’m very much looking forward to getting out and watching the action unfold.”
About Anna Shackley:
Anna Shackley, 21, is the current under-23 British National Time Trial Champion and currently rides for UCI Women’s WorldTeam SD Worx. Shackley represented Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and is aiming to win the elite time trial title at this year’s British National Road Championships on 23-26 June, and will also be competing in the road race.
For more information about the British National Road Championships click here, and for route information click here.