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- Interview With Cycling Mad Charles Fletcher ahead of Bridge of Allan Highland Games
- When did your interested in cycling first begin?
- Why Highland Games and not the Tour de France?
- Have you ever won any major competitions, Highland Games or otherwise?
- Do you introduce your clan/tartan into your cycling outfit?
- Is it true that when you compete at Highland Games you are all given the same bike?
- What is your favourite part about the Highland Games?
- What is your favourite tartan?
Interview With Cycling Mad Charles Fletcher ahead of Bridge of Allan Highland Games
This weekend is the annual Bridge of Allan Highland Games and Sarah and Ellie from the ScotlandShop team will be travelling up in the tartan van to showcase all of our beautiful tartans. There are many sporting activities on throughout the day, one of which will be the cycling with 5 different races taking place. We interviewed Charles Fletcher, a seasoned cyclist who has been competing at Highland Games since he was 14, read on to find out how he got involved in the sport.
When did your interested in cycling first begin?
My love of cycling began, as with many other people, through my dad! I was lucky enough to grow up in Strathspey which is a wonderful place to cycle - with its woods, moors and mountains.
Why Highland Games and not the Tour de France?
I competed in my first Highland Games in 2007 in my home town of Grantown-on-Spey when I was 14. I had been doing some triathlon and time trials to keep fit for ski racing (which was my thing back then) when someone suggested I try the bike races at the Highland Games. Olympic and Paralympic medallist Craig MacLean loaned me the bike he used when he did the games in his youth. I loved the crowd, the close racing and the prize money! After that I was hooked.
Have you ever won any major competitions, Highland Games or otherwise?
My biggest achievement was winning the British Championship over 800m in 2017. I also have 14 Scottish titles to my name over distances from 800m to 8km.
Do you introduce your clan/tartan into your cycling outfit?
Not in the cycling, we just race in our club colours which doesn't have any tartan at present! (We sense an opportunity here....)
Is it true that when you compete at Highland Games you are all given the same bike?
No haha, everyone brings their own bike! However, the bikes are all standard track bikes with one fixed gear and no brakes so there is little difference between them, in fact my brother races on a bike which is 50 years old but still winning races.
What is your favourite part about the Highland Games?
The Highland Games are just a great day out, especially when you're competing. As a cyclist no other racing in Scotland gives you the opportunity to race in front of such big and enthusiastic crowds. The atmosphere is always friendly, we get to travel all over Scotland and if that's not enough there's some big prize money to be won too.
What is your favourite tartan?
I have to admit not something I have really thought about but I'd say the Grants' seeing as I'm studying the Clan Grant for my PhD in history.
The Bridge of Allan Highland Games are one of best of the summer with so many fun activities packed into the day, there are still tickets available to buy through their website or on the gate on the day. If you do attend the games, make sure to come and visit the ScotlandShop team and see what tartans we have to offer.
