As students return to campus for the start of a new academic year, there's plenty of excitement around Oriam's Bike Bothy and the cycling opportunities available on site. Behind it all is Bike Bothy Manager Evan Oliphant, who has recently returned from a successful summer at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Evan was part of the Scottish Cycling coaching team that helped Scotland secure an impressive eight medals on home roads and tracks. The haul included two gold medals for para-cycling tandem pairing Neil Fachie and Aaron Pope in the Kilo and Sprint events, two silver medals for Finn Graham in the Kilo and Individual Pursuit, and a silver medal for Mark Stewart in the Elimination Race.

There was also success for Scotland's rising stars, with 19-year-old Erin Boothman claiming two bronze medals in the Individual Pursuit and Scratch Race at her first major championship, while Lauren Bell, Iona Moir and Madeline Silcock secured bronze in the Women's Team Sprint.

For Evan, the Games represented the culmination of years of hard work from athletes, coaches and support staff.

"It was incredible to see the riders perform so well on a home stage. Success at that level is built on years of commitment, dedication and teamwork, and it was a privilege to be part of the programme."

The Commonwealth Games experience was particularly meaningful for Evan, who knows exactly what it feels like to compete on the international stage. A three-time Commonwealth Games athlete for Scotland, he represented the nation as a rider before transitioning into coaching, bringing a wealth of elite-level experience to the next generation of cyclists.

While the Games may have provided a global platform, Evan's day-to-day focus is much closer to home. At Oriam, he leads the Bike Bothy, supporting everyone from competitive cyclists and club riders to students looking to get on a bike for the first time.

The Bike Bothy has become an important hub within the Oriam community, offering bike servicing, maintenance support, advice, and a welcoming space for cyclists of all abilities. Whether you're commuting to campus, looking to improve your cycling skills or simply wanting to explore Scotland on two wheels, the Bike Bothy is designed to help more people enjoy the benefits of cycling.

"Cycling is for everyone. You don't have to be chasing medals to get involved. Whether you're riding to lectures, training for an event or just looking for a new way to stay active, the Bike Bothy is here to support you."

As the new semester gets underway, the Bike Bothy continues to provide students, staff and the local community with access to expert advice and support from someone who has experienced the sport at every level, from local cycling clubs to the Commonwealth Games.

Scotland's medal-winning performances in Glasgow may have captured national attention this summer, but they also offer a reminder that world-class cycling expertise can be found right here at Oriam, helping inspire and support the next generation of riders.

Find out more about the Bike Bothy and the cycling services available at Oriam by visiting the facility on campus or check out the page on our website.