Double Stage Wins and Podium Success for Harrogate Nova at Youth Tour of Scotland
Jake U14 stage win (youth tour of Scotland) - Photo by Scottish Cycling
The Harrogate Nova Youth Racing Team has got off to a flying start in the 2026 competing in two National Youth Circuit Series events.
Ride Flux Two Day
At the beginning of April Jake Thorton (U14), Reuben Hart, Josh Stewart and Dan Shipton U16) headed to Wales for the first round of the National Youth Circuit Series - Ride Flux Two Day.
Jake got the team off to a strong start placing 3rd in the 1.3km time trial. This was followed by strong rides from Reuben, Dan and Josh.
Stage 2 was a flat circuit race, not ideal for the Nova team who prefer the hillier terrain. Despite this Jake rode strongly coming in 3rd in the U14 race and Dan narrowly missed out on the win coming in 2nd in the U16 race. Reuben and Josh produced solid performances coming in with the main group. There was all to play for going into the final day.
Stage 3 featured another circuit race and again the team rode strongly with Jake in 3rd place in the U14 race, Dan 7th and Reuben in the pack in the U16 race. Unfortunately, Josh was unable to start the race due illness.
Jake and Dan’s consistency throughout the weekend was rewarded with Jake winning the GC in the U14 category and Dan coming in 3rd in the U16 category.
It was a great start to the season with all the riders racing hard and producing some great performances.
Youth Tour of Scotland
Round 2 of the National Youth Circuit Series was the demanding Youth Tour of Scotland based in and around Perth. The Harrogate Nova Youth Racing Team was represented by 6 riders: Jake Thorton (U14), Erin Denwood (U14 girls), Reuben Hart, Josh Stewart, Dan Shipton and Patrick Kavanagh (U16).
Day 1 featured an 8km time trial up and over Comrie Moor. Jake put in a great ride coming in 6th in the boys U14 category and Erin 10th in the girls U14 event. All the U16 riders put in strong performances with Dan in 7th and Josh, Rueben and Patrick in the top half of the field.
Day 2 featured hills and the Nova team came into their element. Erin did a storming ride in her first race as an U14 rider coming in with the front group. A great start for the team but things were soon to hot up. The circuit’s uphill finished suited our riders and in the U14 race Jake put in a great ride winning the stage. The success continued in the U16 race where the Nova boys put in an exceptional performance. When it looked like it was coming down to a sprint Reuben launched a strong attack but was brought back by a rampaging bunch. As the finish line came into view Dan kicked and won the stage. 2 stage wins in one day!
Day 3 was a tricky circuit race. In windy conditions both Erin and Jake put in strong rides finishing in 4th place in their respective U14 races. The U16 riders put in equally strong performances. Dan broke away from the field in pursuit of a lone rider, eventually crossing the ride in 2nd with Josh and Reuben coming in in the top half of the field. Unfortunately, a crash the previous day and damaged bike impacted on Patrick’s race, but he was still able to put in a good ride.
At the end of the event the Harrogate Nova Youth Racing Team came away with some solid results. Jake was 4th overall in the boys U14 event, Erin 5th overall in the girls U14 competition and Dan 2nd in the U16s. All the riders put in some great performances, showing grit and determination.
Photos by Scottish Cycling