The company has returned as headline sponsor of the Braveheart Ride and Dinner, which raises money to support promising young Scottish cyclists meet the equipment, coaching, travel and competition costs before they reach an established professional level.

The 2026 event will move to Stirling after a home Commonwealth Games at which five ex-recipients of Braveheart funding represented Team Scotland.

They included 19-year-old Boothman, who is from Netherlee in East Renfrewshire. Boothman won bronze medals in the Individual Pursuit and Scratch Race.

Elliot Rowe, Kate Richardson, Neil Fachie and Neah Evans also participated in Glasgow after getting support from Braveheart. 

CR Smith founder and chairman Gerard Eadie CBE said: “Scottish cycling has become one of this country’s great sporting success stories, but behind every Commonwealth medallist and world champion are years of dedication, sacrifice and support.

“Watching five former Braveheart riders represent Scotland in Glasgow – and seeing Erin return with two Commonwealth medals – was a tremendous endorsement of what this fund can achieve.”

Eadie added: “CR Smith is proud to support the next chapter of the Braveheart Ride and Dinner because today’s promising young riders have the potential to become tomorrow’s champions.”

The Braveheart Cycling Fund, which was established in 2004, provides grants to riders at one of the most financially testing times of their careers.

Boothman said Braveheart’s support when she was 16 and 17 helped her advance from a junior to professional cyclist.

Boothman said: “People probably think that once you’re racing internationally everything is paid for, but it isn’t. 

“Before I signed my professional contract, I was training and competing like a full-time athlete, travelling across Europe and doing everything I could to reach the next level, but I wasn’t earning anything.

“My parents had a big role to play, but Braveheart also helped bridge that gap.”

Boothman added: “The grants help with travel, equipment and all those little things that allow you to keep progressing instead of worrying about how you’re going to afford the next race.

“More than anything, it makes you feel that somebody believes in you.”

The sponsorship from CR Smith continues Eadie’s support for Scottish cycling and will help the Braveheart Ride and Dinner build on its return last year after an absence of almost ten years. 

The event brings together cyclists, supporters, businesses and leading figures from the sport to raise money for the fund. 

Kathy Gilchrist, trustee of the Braveheart Cycling Fund, said: “Elite athletes don’t suddenly appear on Commonwealth or Olympic podiums. 

“Their journeys start years earlier, and there is a crucial stage at which relatively modest financial support can make an enormous difference.”

Looking ahead, CR Smith hopes its support will prompt other Scottish businesses and cycling supporters to get behind the event.