Women’s Hour Goes from Strength to Strength

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Women’s Hour at the West Lothian Cycle Circuit continues to grow, with riders of all abilities coming together to develop skills, build confidence and enjoy cycling in a supportive environment.

The Monday evening coaching sessions are split into three groups, allowing riders to progress at their own pace. From beginners taking their first steps into group cycling, through to experienced riders looking to improve their race craft, there is something for everyone.

While the coaching sessions remain the cornerstone of Women’s Hour, one of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing friendships and confidence grow beyond Monday nights. Riders are now regularly taking part in a wide range of cycling activities together, including mountain bike races, gravel adventures, time trials and the Friday night TCI criterium race series.

Success on the Gravel

Recently, Ailsa and Diane took on the challenging Muck and Mac Gravel Enduro. Conditions were tough, with demanding transitions between the timed stages, but the pair worked together throughout the day before racing each other hard during the three competitive stages.

After almost 50 minutes of racing, Ailsa came out on top by just 30 seconds. Their efforts were rewarded with first and second places in their age category.

Pilgrims Way Adventure

One of the highlights of the season so far was a Women’s Hour bikepacking trip along the Pilgrims Way in Fife.

Starting in St Andrews and finishing in Dunfermline, the ride attracted 16 women and filled up quickly. For many participants it was their first experience of bikepacking, while others were new to riding the type of terrain encountered along the route.

The trail featured muddy walking paths, rough farm tracks and rutted trails, providing plenty of challenge and adventure. Fortunately, the weather was kind, with sunshine throughout much of the weekend.

The group enjoyed an excellent lunch stop at the community-owned café in Ceres before completing around 55 kilometres on the first day. An overnight stay in Glenrothes was followed by a tough second day, with many riders describing the opening 10 kilometres as some of the hardest riding they had ever experienced.

Coffee at Lochore Meadows provided a welcome boost before the group continued to Dunfermline for lunch. While some riders opted for the train home, others extended the adventure by riding through Devilla Forest and returning via Kincardine Bridge, with daily totals reaching around 75 kilometres.

Back at the Circuit

Monday evening coaching sessions have now returned to the circuit. Despite some chilly and windy conditions, early on enthusiasm remains high. Especially now that May has brought some wonderful sunshine

The combination of coaching drills, skills development and plenty of conversation has created a welcoming atmosphere, with new riders joining every week across all three coaching groups.

Pedal and a Pint

The summer programme has also introduced “Pedal and a Pint” evenings. These social gravel rides typically last between 90 minutes and two hours before finishing with some well-earned refreshments.

The rides provide another opportunity for riders to explore new routes, build fitness and strengthen the friendships that have become such a big part of the Women’s Hour experience.

Riding Against the Clock

Several Women’s Hour riders have been taking part in the Friday time trials, while Diana from ERC has been competing in time trials across Scotland.

Her performances have been particularly impressive, with a series of new “PCPBs” – Post Children Personal Bests – showing that it is never too late to chase new goals and achieve personal milestones.

Looking Ahead

Whether it’s racing mountain bikes, tackling gravel adventures, testing themselves in time trials, taking on the TCI Friday night criteriums or simply enjoying a social ride with friends, Women’s Hour riders continue to show what can be achieved when people are supported, encouraged and given opportunities to grow.

Most importantly, the community continues to welcome new riders every week. Whatever your experience level, there is a group for you and a warm welcome waiting at the West Lothian Cycle Circuit.

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2460207034161908/

Successful debut for circuit time trial

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There were plenty of questions ahead of the first event. Would time trialling suit the circuit? Would riders enter? And could a 16km (10-mile) race be run safely on a 1km loop?

By the end of the evening, any doubts had disappeared. The event ran seamlessly, and feedback from riders was overwhelmingly positive

What’s more, half of the field was made up of women and girls, with a great cross-section of the cycling community represented.

The format proved simple to run, requiring only a small volunteer team, making it easily repeatable. Shorter race options also provide a strong entry point for riders new to time trialling.

Could events like this help revitalise time trialling in Scotland? With a safe, traffic-free venue, there’s real potential to introduce new riders to the sport and build a thriving time trialling community.

The event was pitched as a coached session with a short drill at the beginning of the evening followed by some coach-led racing which was timed using electronic chips. The format meant that anyone could take part, even if they’re not a member of a club or registered with British Cycling.

Organiser Matthew Ball said:

“I’m really pleased with how the event played out. It showed we can run a safe TT on the circuit, with no issues around overtaking or congestion.

“It didn’t require a great deal of work, and the volunteer team needed isn’t large, which makes the format easy to deliver again.”

Rider feedback included:

“It was a great first event – the system worked well and there was plenty of space on track.”

“Really straightforward from a logistics point of view, with no issues around overtaking at any stage.”

“A great format that worked really well on the circuit – just a shame about the headwind.”

A 5 race series is planned, so the next step is to build an organising committee to develop series.

Please email cyclecircuitwestlothian@gmail.com if you want to help out

Results

16-lap race

  1. Geoff Martin – 00:24:18 (Course record for TT)
  2. Stephen Miles – 00:25:49
  3. Sarah McCormac – 00:25:54
  4. Derek Simpson – 00:26:27
  5. Karen Outram – 00:27:17
  6. Danny Farrell – 00:28:00
  7. Stephen Beecher – 00:28:20
  8. Alex McDonald – 00:28:26
  9. Alison Caldwell – 00:30:17
  10. Alasdair Fulton – 00:31:41
  11. Mike Thomas – 00:36:33

8-lap race

  1. John-Michael Howison – 00:13:33
  2. Jill McGilvery – 00:14:50
  3. Aileigh Easton – 00:15:04
  4. Iona McDonald – 00:15:24

3-lap race

  1. Charlotte Kyles – 00:05:48
  2. Esmeralda Sirey – 00:06:04

Thanks to everyone who came along to race and support the event – and especially to Colin Chisholm for timekeeping, and Scott at InView Images for the stunning photography.

“Mankind was not meant to have this much fun!”

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As part of the build up to the TCI Friday race series a new handicap race format was piloted at the circuit.

Riders were split into 3 groups of equal ability with the fastest riders setting off first closely followed by the middle group and then the slowest group in a 30 minute race

We followed a format used by the Yomp Bonk Crew at the Brownlee circuit where the fast group is 2 laps behind the slow group, tweaked into two 30 minute races due to the shorter length of the West Lothian Cycle Circuit

Organiser Matthew Ball said “I wasn’t sure how the handicap would pan out but the three groups were well matched and the catch didn’t happen until the last 5 laps”

“The groups stayed together and it was exciting to watch, in the last race especially it didn’t look like the the fast group would make the junction”

“I had a team of experienced volunteers who made everything run smoothly. Hendrik understood the concept and was great at judging when to call 5 laps to go”

“There is space on the Friday calendar for two more handicaps this year so look out for the next on”

Feedback from the riders has been good:

“A cracking event, well done on a good format”

“It was the most exciting racing I’ve seen at the circuit”

“I don’t think mankind was meant to have this much fun”

Thank you to the racers who rode in the spirit of the event, it was an exciting race to watch seeing riders chasing down the groups ahead until the last!

A massive thanks to the volunteers, including Hendrik who officiated and the help and advice of Tarn and the rest of the Scottish Cycling events team

Terrific photos from Kris at Falkirk Photography, many thanks!

TT Series at the West Lothian Cycle Circuit – Public Meeting

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Following a recent survey with an amazing 121 responses, it’s clear there’s an enthusiastic community keen to see time trials at the West Lothian Cycle Circuit — making the most of a safe, car-free facility with super-grippy tarmac.

We’re now holding a public meeting to share the survey results and outline an initial proposal for how a TT series could operate in 2026. It’s a chance to hear what’s planned, ask questions, and help iron out any issues.

📅 Friday 30th January
⏰ 7:00pm
📍 Online via zoom link

👉 Register via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tt-series-at-the-west-lothian-cycle-circuit-tickets-1980739133067?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please share with anyone connected to WLCCA or interested in circuit TTs.

Organising a race at the circuit is simple and it can bring real benefits to your club.

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In 2025, the TCI Friday Race Series and the Richard Moore Youth Race Series showed just how successful, popular, and straightforward it is to run events at our world-class facility.

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re eager to expand the calendar with more adult weekend races and autumn events. With rider numbers growing and demand for racing at an all-time high, this is the perfect moment for more clubs to get involved.

By hosting a race, your club not only contributes to the growth of the sport but also enjoys the rewards of stronger community ties, new networks, and a real sense of achievement.

As Craig Duncan, organiser of this year’s L’Enfer Stage Race, put it:
“Organising at the circuit is simple, rewarding, and fun. It helps build skills, knowledge, friendships, and there’s a fantastic community to support you every step of the way.”

We’d love to see your club on the 2026 calendar. Why not take the next step and bring an event to life at the circuit?

Why it’s great for your club:

Visibility: Hosting a race raises your club’s profile and can attract new members.
Participation: Clubs that organise races often see more members entering events.
Strengthen bonds: Working together on an event builds a stronger, more connected club.
Grow the scene: Your event strengthens the Scottish cycling community.
Experience: Each race adds to your club’s skills and organisational knowledge.

Why it’s easier than you expect:

Proven framework: We provide a robust, easy-to-use risk assessment.
Manageable team size: Events run smoothly with just 12 volunteers, plus timing and comms and first aid
Minimal logistics: With fixed circuit parameters, the setup is straightforward.
Support available: If it’s your first time organising, we can guide you through the process.
Kit: everything you need to run an event is available to use like flags, high viz, tables and numbers, handbook template, costs spreadsheets
Support: Scottish cycling offer event support and are great to work with, especially the advice they offer.

Get in touch to start the conversation — we’d be delighted to work with you.

cyclecircuitwestlothian[AT]gmail.com