Highlands-based traditional building, restoration, conservation and engineering contractor, Kishorn Heritage, has announced that it will sponsor up and coming Lochaber downhill mountain bike rider Hollie Alderson in 2024.
The backing from the Inverness-headquartered contractor will help Alderson, 15, who is ranked 2nd place nationally in her age group for downhill racing, compete in the Scottish Downhill Association race series at Innerleithen, Fort William (UCI Category 1), Glenshee, Ae Forest (Scottish Championships) and Glencoe – as well as the British Downhill Series (five races).
Speaking about the sponsorship, Kishorn Heritage Managing Director, Daniel Tweats, said:
“We are delighted to sponsor Hollie and help her follow her dream and fulfil her huge potential in downhill racing.
“A good performance at the Scottish and British series in 2024 will allow Hollie to apply for a British team jersey and compete in the prestigious UCI World Cup junior series in 2025 so we wish her all the best and look forward to following her progress in this pivotal year.”
Roy Bridge-based Alderson is a relative newcomer to the high octane sport of downhill mountain bike racing.
Having first competed in 2022, by the start of 2023 she had already graduated to competing in the Scottish Downhill Association (SDAs) race series and British National Downhill series (BDS) races.
Alderson finished in 5th place for under 19s in the SDAs this year and an impressive 2nd place overall in the youth girls category in the BDS, finishing the year ranked in 2nd place nationally in the youth girls category of British cycling.
Speaking about receiving the backing of Kishorn Heritage, Alderson said:
“I am super excited and just so stoked to receive the support from Kishorn Heritage.
“Racing downhill is my passion and this year’s season has been amazing.
“I have loved every minute of it, my confidence and progression is continually growing and I have learnt so much this year.
“The support and backing from Kishorn Heritage is a great boost and will help to push my ability going into next season and my dream goal of getting entry as a junior to the UCI World Cup series.”
More sponsors sought
As well as honing her skills on the trails at Nevis Range, Alderson travels to Wales to receive coaching from former Elite British Champion, Beccy Skelton.
Her gruelling training regime sees her attend Crossfit classes twice a week, weight training once a week as well as twice-weekly cycles with her local club, the West Highland Wheelers.
Although Kishorn Heritage’s support will make a huge contribution to what is set to be a crucial 2024 for the MTB rider, Alderson is still seeking further sponsorship.
Anyone interested in sponsoring Hollie can contact Richard on 07493683972/richard@lochaber.contractors
Hollie’s progress can be followed at www.rootsandrain.com or on Instagram at hollie_mtb
