The rain was pouring as the riders kicked off their 75 minute race around the West Lothian Cycle Circuit in Linlithgow.
Immediately from the off Logan Maclean (One Life) asserted a high pace; akin to that of a bunch race on the track. It was clear that the Stirling rider was keen to ensure that no passengers would be allowed have an easy ride in the wheels.
After about ten minutes of racing, the effects were clear to see, with only a group of eight riders remaining at the front.
Road Race champion Sam Barbour (Cycling Sheffield) and James McCallum (Pedal Power) would be among those to launch attacks throughout the early stages – but no moves would make a significant impact – other than increasing the accumulative fatigue and suffering in the sodden conditions.
Aaron King (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli) would launch his own move near the halfway mark, quickly closed down by Ross Birrell (Moonglu-Spatzwear).
A plethora of further moves and counter moves, mostly led by Maclean and Barbour, would follow. McCallum, Elijah Kwon (Edinburgh Bike Fitting RT) and Alastair McNicol (dooley’s cycles) would fall away from the led group leaving five riders to contest the win.
Sam Carrotte (Edinburgh Bike Fitting) would also slip from the wheels of the leading group, but the Broughty Ferry native was able to recover and catch back on to the leading quartet.
A final late salvo from Maclean would be neutralised, setting up the sprint.
Coming off the final bend, King would launch on the inside with Carrotte following suit on the outside of the course. As they both crossed the line, it was impossible to tell who won by the naked eye, but on the chip timing and supported by video evidence, it would be the Edinburgh Bike Fitting RT rider who claimed the win by just three thousandths of a second, with Aaron King settling for silver.
Immediately behind Sam Barbour would just pip Ross Birrell to take the bronze medal.
The junior race developed behind with Arran Drackford (Falkirk Junior BC) and Colin Johnston (Spokes RT – Oscar Onley Dev.) both sticking together like glue throughout the 75 minutes of races.
The two would contest the sprint, with Drackford just besting Johnston to take the gold. An excellent ride from West Lothian Clarion’s Duncan Hind would be enough to take the bronze.