The recent closure of TweedLove has sparked significant discussions about the future of enduro racing in Scotland. As the dust settles, a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing the sport emerges. Here's an update on the latest developments and what they mean for UK mountain bikers.

The Current Landscape

TweedLove's departure left a significant void in the Scottish enduro scene. In response, several key players have stepped forward:

1. Doon Tha Brae events initiated discussions with established race organisers and DMBinS/Scottish Cycling.
2. DMBinS and Scottish Cycling announced plans for a volunteer-led Scottish Enduro Association (SEA).
3. Existing event organisers have formed an informal association to collaborate on the sport's future.

Concerns and Criticisms

The announcement of the SEA has been met with mixed reactions:

• Lack of consultation with experienced enduro organisers
• Questions about the viability of a volunteer-run model
• Concerns about potential over-regulation impacting the sport's accessibility (NB Enduro reduced massively the barriers to entry for getting riders to enter racing so let's not reverse that)
• Doubts about the ability to maintain race quality and frequency

Potential for Positive Change

Despite these concerns, there are opportunities for improvement:

• The SEA could evolve into a more inclusive body, similar to the British Enduro Mountain Bike Association (BEMBA) but tailored to Scottish needs (fyi: BEMBA was set up as a collaborative organisation formed by key mountain bike enduro organisers as an unofficial governing body)
• Collaboration between experienced organisers and new volunteers could create a stronger race series
• Public funding maybe could become more accessible, addressing a long-standing issue for event organisers

The Way Forward

A crucial meeting is now scheduled between DMBinS, Scottish Cycling, and various Scottish event organisers. This gathering represents a chance to:

1. Bridge the gap between grassroots organisers and governing bodies
2. Develop a more collaborative approach to enduro's future in Scotland
3. Address concerns about volunteer burnout and event quality
4. Explore funding options to support a sustainable race series
5. The plans for the newly announced SEA are in early phases but forming

What This All Means

1. The enduro scene in Scotland has been knocked and is in serious flux. There's an effort to ensure its continuity from different strands but the existing national bodies need to get more collaborative and fast or it will splinter. They also need to take into account existing players and experiences to be successful. DMBinS and Scottish Cycling have a strong leadership opportunity here if this is adopted and we can see green shoots.
2. As the disciplines react it's likely riders may see changes in race formats, frequency, and organisation in the coming seasons. I would expect less opportunity before more.
3. There's potential (still) for a revitalised Scottish enduro series that could set a new standard for UK racing.

As discussions progress, UK mountain bikers should stay tuned for updates. The outcome of these talks could shape the future of enduro not just in Scotland, but potentially influence the wider UK scene as these challenges are not restricted to Scotland.

Share your comments on the best way forward in the comments below.

Read: 115 times Published: 07/12/2024