With the race happening on Sunday, the same day as the annual Pedal Car race, there was a carnival atmosphere in Ellon, and there was plenty to celebrate when local youngster Fraser Gault continued his reign as series leader by beating Murray Lawson (Edinburgh RC) to win the Youth C boys race.

In the final race of the day, Lusia Steele continued her fine run of form with a first place win in the Youth A girls race. She defeated Forres cycling club’s Georgia Mansfield who finished second.

One of the real success stories at the event was the continued rise of Glasgow Riderz, who are based in the southside of Glasgow at Bellahouston Park.

Although Jonathon Hilbourne was defeated by his team mate Calum Shackley, who finished third, a fifth place finish in the Youth A boys was enough to retain his series leader jersey.

The winner in that race was Aberdeenshire local Struan Pryde who competes for Deeside Thistle Cycling Club. His teammate William Lennox finished second in the Youth D boys race.

Jack Cruden once again defeated all comers, including the impressive Jamie Penny from Discovery Junior cycling club in Dundee to finish first in the Youth B boys race and retain his well-earned series leader jersey.

In the Youth B girls, Anna Shackley, series leader Georgia Ferry and Beth Wilson managed an impressive 1-2-3 finish for the Bellahouston based club, while young starlet Imani Pereira-James continued to shine with a win in the Youth C girls race.

Peebles cyclists did the borders proud, with Elena McGorum finishing third in the Youth C girls race to retain the series leader jersey. Her sister Christina was the winner in the Youth D girls race, closely followed by teammate Emily Carrrick-Anderson.

Lewis Gray, also representing Peebles CC, managed to defeat series leader Jonathon Hilbourne to finish second in the Youth A boys race.

Larkhall based Royal Albert Cycling Club were pleased to make the long trip north as they came away with an impressive win, thanks to a storming race by Youth E boys winner Struan Shaw. He defeated Ellon local Nicol Dall who finished second.

Bob MacFarlane, ScottishPower National Youth Racing Series Events Officer for Scottish Cycling, added: “There was a real buzz about the community in Ellon on Sunday, the pedal car race always brings in the locals and I am sure many people will have been impressed to see some of Scotland’s most talented young cyclists compete at an event of such scale.

“It is very encouraging to see 98 youngsters make the trip north and give it everything. The races are just a part of it, as we are very proud of the efforts all our cyclists put in during the week and all-year round to be able to compete at such a high level.

“ScottishPower’s investment in youth cycling in this country allows us to grow our youth series. Events such as the Ellon Youth Criterium are key as regular competition is the base for growing the sport at every level.

“The work the clubs do is so important and I would like to congratulate Glasgow Riderz, Johnstone Wheelers, Ythan CC and Deeside Thistle on their performances this weekend.” With 174 affiliated clubs across the country and more than 650 events to choose from it has never been easier to get involved. Visit www.scottishcycling.org.uk to find out how to contact your local clubs and find out more about the range of racing and coaching opportunities.