All eyes were on the Glenshee Ski Centre for the 2022 Scottish National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships this weekend.

Riders had to give it their all in the first run, as it was made clear to all competitors that the blustery conditions could curtail the afternoon’s second run.

Fortunately, the conditions did not deteriorate to the extent that could force the closure of the chairlift, but a strong headwind affected the riders on the 1.3km course which was formed mostly of mud and peaty bog.

There was a great battle for the win in the Youth Boys with Eli Shearer taking the lead in Run 1 that would not be bettered, with his time of 2:22.427 remaining unbeaten throughout the day. Despite improvement in the afternoon’s run Creag Muir could not better Shearer’s time and had to settle for silver. While Daniel Parfitt was able to win the battle of the West Highland Wheelers riders with teammate Archie Ferguson to claim the bronze medal.

Heather Wilson rode to an excellent victory in the Youth Girls event from Lacey Holmes (Lanark RT) in second, and Megan Lacy (Meedies BC) in third. Jessica Wipat (Tay Titans) won out in the Juvenile Girls from Caragh Muir in second and Megan Horne in third.

In the Junior Men’s, Lewis Duncan produced a brilliant second run (2:22.475) to finish on the top step of the podium. He overtook the morning leader Logan Smith, who also improved in his second run, but his time of 2:23.809 was enough for the silver medal. Charlie McIver narrowly missed out on the silver, with his 2:23.975 only a tenth of a second off Smith’s time. Nina Yves-Cameron (West Highland Wheelers) rode to victory in the Junior Women’s event.

Straight off the back of his UCI World Cup run in Leogang last week, George Gannicott retained his Senior Men’s title in style with his first run time of 2:14.309 setting the early pace. This time would not be beaten by a #SCNatChamps eligible rider, however as defending champion and leader Gannicott rode down his second run with panache to beat Fergus Lamb’s time in Run 2 to claim the prize for the fastest run of the weekend – and the £100, provided by Start Fitness, which came with it.

Meanwhile it was Kerry Wilson (Hunt Bike Wheels) claimed victory in the Senior Women with a time of 2:48.143, from Tiandra Anderson in the silver medal position.

In the Masters Women, Sara Allan claimed the national title; with Shona McKinnon following suit in the Veteran’s category.

In the Masters category for men, Callum McCubbing’s scored the victory with his 2:23.866, while Cameron Turnbull finished in the silver medal position and Andrew Donnachie (Scottish Downhill Association) in bronze.

Mark Maciver won the Veteran Men’s title with his 2:28.420 enough to claim victory on the Aberdeenshire slopes, as John Young pipped Darren Wilson to third position.

A massive thanks to the committee of the Scottish Downhill Association for their time and effort in ensuring a return to Glenshee Ski Centre for the #SCNatChamps. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the marshals and helpers for giving up their time over the weekend to help make this weekend’s event possible.

You can find out more about the Scottish Downhill Association here.