More young riders than ever before took to the trails at Harmeny on 10 June as we welcomed the Edinburgh Schools Mountain Bike Championship back for its second year.
Organised by Edinburgh Road Club (ERC), with support from the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Cycling, the event brought together more than 160 pupils from schools across Edinburgh for a day of racing, friendship and adventure on two wheels.
This year’s turnout was nearly double that of 2025, reflecting the growing popularity of biking across the city ahead of next year’s Tour de France Grand Depart from Edinburgh. Portobello High School and their feeder schools have particularly embraced biking with a large bike programme in honour of the prestigious event which resulted in around 80 young riders attending the Championships.
A course packed with new features
Set within our beautiful 35-acre estate in Balerno, competitors from Primary 7 through to S6 tackled a specially designed cross-country course featuring flowing trails, technical sections and plenty of opportunities to test their skills.
This year’s course was a significant upgrade on last year’s layout. The modifications were led by our Outdoor Education Team, working alongside a former Harmeny pupil who is now a competitive mountain biker and studying off-road course design. Several current pupils also contributed while our Estates Team worked hard to clear routes, create new trail sections and prepare the course safely for race day.
The result was a fun, challenging and varied course with different route options tailored to age groups and experience levels. Judging by the feedback, it was a big hit with riders, teachers and parents alike.
Racing, confidence and community
Although races were held across multiple age categories and followed recognised competitive standards, participation, confidence-building and enjoyment remained at the heart of the day.
One volunteer marshal reflected on what stood out most:
”“The most rewarding part has been seeing the camaraderie between the young people, how they helped and looked after one another while competing."
Volunteer marshal
Throughout the day, friends, families, teachers and supporters lined the course, cheering riders on as they tackled climbs, navigated technical features and sprinted for the finish line. The atmosphere was full of encouragement, determination and plenty of smiles.
”"The event went very well, due to the organisational efforts of Edinburgh Road Club. There were many more riders than last year so marshalling and registration kept us all busy. Even the weather was on our side, the course was nearly all dry, the sun shone and the rain held off until after the last race."
Nick Ball, Senior Outdoor Learning Facilitator
Working together for young riders
The success of the championship would not have been possible without the incredible support of volunteers and marshals who helped before, during and after the event.
Edinburgh Road Club, praised the collective effort that made the day possible:
”"The improved course, created through the hard work of Harmeny staff and pupils, gave riders an even better experience than last year. Events like this simply couldn't happen without the dedication of volunteers, and we'd particularly like to thank Phil Darby and Sue Slater, whose commitment before and during the event was invaluable."
Linda Mclean – Edinburgh Road Club, Race organiser
Looking ahead
The Edinburgh Schools Mountain Bike Championship has established itself as an important fixture in the local sporting calendar, providing young people with an accessible grassroots event where they can develop their mountain biking skills and build confidence in a supportive environment.
For some riders, the championship also offers a pathway to the Scottish Schools Mountain Bike Championship at Comrie Croft later this year. For many others, however, the most lasting memories will be the friendships made, the encouragement shared and the excitement of spending a day outdoors doing something they love.
