TALENTED young Helensburgh mountain bikers have racked up some more impressive results in the latest event in the Scottish Downhill Association's 2023 series.

The riders trekked up to Glenshee in the Highlands to compete in the third event of the year organised by the SDA - the governing body for downhill mountain bike racing in Scotland.

Many of the athletes achieved impressive results with three placing in the top ten, another four placing in the top 15 of their categories, and everyone securing a place in the top 20.

Chair of the Helensburgh Skatepark Project, Jackie Hood, said "What a fantastic turnout of local riders at this event and some impressive results!

“There is some great young talent in the town and these are all young people who regularly rode the local skatepark until it was dismantled.

“Having nowhere in town to ride BMX, scooters or skateboards, they took to their mountain bikes and went up the hill.

“All these riders are doing really well considering there is no local grassroots training available to them.”

After racing in rain and axle deep mud for the last two years, the change to sunny weather was welcome as it left the track dusty and challenging.

The racers practiced all day on Saturday and during Sunday morning before doing two timed race runs with the fastest of the two counting.

In the juvenile category 13-year-old Fraser Cummings came 11th in a time of two minutes and 28 seconds and Struan Smith, also 13, secured 12th place just two seconds slower.

In the youth category, 14-year-old Finn Holling came 11th with a time of 2m 15s while Oliver Hood, 16, achived 10th place in the junior men category, crossing the line in 2m 18s.

Sophie Gibson, 16, was placed 18th in the combined under-18 female category.

In the veteran men's category, Nicholas Holling came fifth in 2m 26s, Lee Gibson achieved seventh place with a time of 2m 32s, and Robin Smith made it down the hill in 3m 14s, securing 14th place in his first ever race.

Jackie voiced her pride at the results, especially given the town does not have biking facilities, and urged Argyll and Bute Council to back the campaign for a new skatepark.

She added: “Many of these boys and girls are looking to move in the British and possibly the World stage in the future so any local training facilities would be a massive help.

“I just hope that Argyll and Bute Council can see the demand for a large concrete skatepark in the town and maybe even a pump track as well to help these inspiring youngsters achieve their goals.”

Argyll and Bute Council responded to Jackie’s comments and stated that they are backing the Skate Park Committee in their efforts.

A representative said: “We are committed to supporting Helensburgh Skate Park Committee to provide the best skate park facility possible for the community.

“We are in discussions with the skate park committee and are supporting the group to find a suitable location.

“This will allow them to attract funding and deliver a high standard skate park to benefit Helensburgh residents and visitors.”