National Cylocross Trophy, Torbay
Anna Flynn (Spectra) made the long trip to Devon worthwhile this weekend, as she took a maiden British Series win in the Elite Female race. Attacking on lap two, Edinburgh’s Flynn would gain a 15 second gap, one that she would hold all the way to the line.
The Torbay course can often be waterlogged, but it was anything but this weekend, instead dry and bumpy. Whilst not necessarily to his liking, Lewis Martin (Studio Velo) once again put in another top ride for fifth in the Elite Open race, whilst in the U16 Female race there was a podium finish for Olivia Poole (Deeside) in third. Arran Drackford (FJBC) would enjoy a great day out in the Open equivalent, moving up from 32nd on the grid to finish 15th, with Xander Graham (Scott Pioneer) one place ahead in 14th. Finally, in the U14 Open there was a podium finish for Josh Stewart (Stepping Stanes) in third.
Europe
Over on the continent, Cameron Mason (Cyclocross Reds) enjoyed a positive weekend as he builds back to his best form after some early season health issues. Racing on a rapid track at Merksplas on Saturday, the Linlithgow native would come home in 24th, just over two minutes down, but it was in Hamme on Sunday where he would make a big step forward.
On a course that suits his abilities – slick and technical – Mason would come home in a fine 7th place, which will give him confidence with the first World Cup of the season just around the corner.
Track
On the track, both Mark Stewart and Jamie Sweeney would enjoy the spectacle that is Ghent 6 Day, Dundonian Stewart winning the final race of the weekend to finish fifth overall alongside his partner Philip Heijnen of The Netherlands.
Back in the UK, the British Sprinters League visited Newport, which saw Micah Myles (Edinburgh RC) set a new provisional Scottish record for the Youth B Flying 200m on his way to winning the Sprint. There was further Scottish success as Kirsty Johnson (Edinburgh RC) and Lyle Craig (Glasgow Track Racing Club) took silver medals in the Female and Open Sprint respectively, whilst Callum Deboy took a splendid silver medal in the British Championship C1-C3 Para Scratch Race.