Falkirk’s Callendar Park set to host 2024 British National Cyclo-cross Championships this weekend

Home to the 14th century Callendar House, the country park has been a spectator and rider favourite on the National Trophy Series calendar, with last year’s round seeing Millie Couzens and Scottish rider Cameron Mason taking victories there.

Elite and under-23 riders from across Britain will navigate the course on Saturday in a bid for the coveted national champions’ jerseys, as will the junior and open veteran 50+ and 60+ riders. On Sunday, youth riders, female veterans and open veteran 40+ riders will be racing.

A host of local riders will take part across the weekend, with Linlithgow rider Cameron Mason looking to retain his national title this weekend, having taken the win at last year’s nationals in Cumbria.

Mason has had a strong season, finishing second at the UEC European Cyclo-cross Championships, and securing top 15 finishes in UCI World Cups.

Falkirk Junior Bike Club will also play a significant role, helping with the running and organisation of the event.

Callum McNicol, Scottish Cycling’s Events Delivery Officer, formerly FJBC’s Development Officer, said: “This isn’t just a seismic moment for cycling in Falkirk but actually for Scotland as a whole. You don’t really see this level of the sport coming here.

"This is simply the best of the best and it is popular worldwide. The eyes of so many will be on Callendar Park. You see in other countries like Belgium, the whole place shuts down to work around the cyclo-cross event.

"In terms of the local area, it is brilliant for the likes of FJBC and it allows the younger riders to experience an international level course in their back garden. They will get to race on it and actually meet the biggest and best cyclo-cross riders.

"Seeing everything come together is incredible. We couldn’t have gotten to this point without the excellent work of our volunteers who have done so much to bring everything together. It has been in the making since March last year.

"We can showcase the scenery on offer at Callendar Park and it a massive boost to local tourism too and I am sure many cycling enthusiasts will be making their way to the district this weekend.”

FJBC member Arran Drackford, 14, added: “It is amazing to have such a massive event on my door step. Knowing that we as a club have played a big part of making it happen is really special too.

"The club is getting its name out there and it is actually that I am getting to take part in a British-run race event. You get to see your idols and you can follow their lines and learn from the best."

Elite races will be broadcast live on the BBC Sport website while junior races will also be streamed in full on the British Cycling YouTube channel.