Linlithgow Academy pupil Gregor Calvert won the Brechin Cycle Cross to give a new West Lothian Junior Cycle Team its first podium.

The Linlithgow teen moved ahead of his opponents with a feisty performance on the technical Angus course.

And Gregor’s win wasn’t a fluke, as at the recent Linlithgow Cyclo Cross he came second against the reigning Scottish champion.

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He said: “The course was really tricky with deep ruts and twisty corners but I managed to use my off-road skills to keep ahead of the second placed rider, I threw everything at the least lap to cross the line first.”

Gregor is a new signing for West Lothian Clarion Junior team. The squad is based at the new West Lothian Cycle Circuit in Linlithgow, and the outfit has launched a new junior development team for 2025.

After the club’s most successful ever year in 2024 with riders winning 12 Scottish national medals across road, MTB and Cyclo-cross and track, the Clarion want to continue developing riders at under 18s level.

In 2025 five riders graduate from the youth ranks to the new junior team which is bolstered by the experienced 17 year old Rory Fleming.

Team manager Matthew Ball is excited about the club’s new venture. He said: “It's the first time the Clarion have seen five junior riders develop at the same time through our youth academy, and signing Rory makes us a truly regional development squad.”

Ball puts the club’s 2024 success down to its coaching pathway which runs from six year olds right up to 18 year olds, adding: “For the last four years we’ve added an extra weekly coaching session to develop race craft and improve the fitness of our riders, who have always had great bike handling skills.

“These performance sessions now attract riders from the whole region and each year we see more and more riders wanting to continue in cycling.”

Keeping teenagers active is a top priority for the club and Ball said: “The key to performance is consistent training and retaining riders so they get closer to meeting their potential. Our coaching sessions create a fun environment where athletes work hard to improve and come back every week to cycle with their friends.”

The junior squad will target Scottish and British road races plus and an international event with the Junior Tour of Ireland, but the team will also compete in Mountain Bike, track and Cyclo cross events too.

The club is supported by two local business, with West Calder’s Pedal Power donating helmets.

Owner Jonny McBain said: ”At Pedal Power, we support local clubs that foster the next generation of riders. Keeping young people active, inspired, and connected through sport is not just a priority; it’s a privilege.

“The Clarion’s new junior squad is a fantastic initiative that aligns perfectly with our mission to empower future athletes.

“We proudly support this effort and look forward to watching these young riders thrive on and off the bike.”

Main sponsor Drummond Black Consulting have supported the squad’s ability to travel to races.

Owner Richard Pearson said: “Drummond Black Consulting are delighted to be given this opportunity to support youth cycling with West Lothian Clarion.

“As a Transport Planning and Road Safety Engineering Consultancy, a large part of our work involves the design and development of active travel infrastructure and encouraging young people to get involved in cycling perfectly aligns with this work.

“We’d like to wish the team luck in future competition and hope to continue supporting them in the coming years.”