The Scottish Braveheart Cycling Fund has announced the names of the 15 young Scottish cyclists it will support in 2005. After backing road and track riders in 2004, some mountain bikers will be supported in 2005. They include 18 year-old David Young, the British junior downhill champion who placed fifth at the world junior downhill championships in Les Gets, France.
Another rider being supported in 2005 is Aileen McGlynn, the gold and silver medallist at last year's Paralympics in Athens. And the three young Scots - Alex Coutts, Evan Oliphant and David Smith - who recently signed with professional teams will be also be assisted by the fund as they seek to establish themselves. The Braveheart Cycling Fund was established last year to offer financial support to promising Scottish cyclists, primarily to help them train and race abroad. Six riders were assisted in the first year, but with the backing of sponsors and donors and an expanded programme of fund raising events, the fund is this year able to award grants totaling some £15,000 to the fifteen riders. The fund was set up by Brian Smith, the former Olympian and British champion, and is run by a committee of volunteers. Olympic champion Chris Hoy is the fund's official patron and former world champion and record holder Graeme Obree is a supporter.
