Senior Open
Lewis Martin (Studio Velo) scored a dominant victory at Comrie Croft by the best part of ten minutes.
The Galloway-based rider started on the front foot and led the race from the first ascent – the Fire Road, which formed the start loop and finish, quickly building up a sizeable advantage.
He would cross the line after the marathon eight laps of the course, in just under two hours, to defend his MTB XC title in empathic fashion.
Martin said afterwards:
“I’m not usually fan of the longer efforts, they don’t usually go well for me, but I felt good today and went well.
After winning what is his third National title in two years, it’s been a quick rise for the Studio Velo rider, who will be one-to-watch as the Cyclocross season gets up and running later this month:
“I only started these races two or three years ago, I like the shorter efforts as I can get the power out, but I really liked the course today, with the longer climb and technical descent.”
A battle for the minor medals ensured behind, with Sam Chisholm (The Cycling Academy) and Pete Matthews (Vanelli-Project GO) engaged. Chisholm was able to hold a gap of around one minute to the Vanelli rider but despite a late charge on the final lap from Matthews, The Cycling Academy rider was able to hold on to silver – with the efforts of the race clear to display.
Senior Female
Elena McGorum (Mighty Cycles) produced a controlled performance to claim the National title in the Senior Female category. Silver came down to the final lap, with Jo Thom just edging out triathlete Isla Hedley for the second spot on the podium.
The length took its toll on the Senior Female field too, with their race passing over the two hour mark.
“It was tough today, as soon as we saw it was seven laps, we knew we were in for a long one! It’s about pacing yourself, but more importantly staying concentrated, with such a lengthy race to keep yourself safe – and I’m glad I managed that.”
Junior Open
Arguably, the race of the day was in the Junior Open event, with Ruan Vorster (The Cycling Academy) holding off a fast-finishing Henry O’Brien (Scotia Offroad RT) to claim the gold medal and the Champions’ jersey. There was a strong ride too, from Mitchell McCole (Falkirk Junior BC), who came back from sixth place in the early stages of the race, to take bronze on the final lap.
Masters & Veterans
Victories for Jared Lindon, Gary MacDonald and Douglas Cameron, Kenny Kentley would come in the Open categories Masters 30, Vet 40, 50 and 60+ categories respectively. In the Female events, Lettie McDonald, Sofia Christensen, Sian Tovey following suit in the equivalent categories.
Youth
The morning saw the Youth and Juvenile races, Jamie Hall (Pentland Racers) would narrowly better Gregor Calvert (West Lothian Clarion) in the Youth Open event by a mere 26 seconds, in the battle for bronze Oliver Carter (Deeside Thistle) would do enough to claim the final step on the podium.
Freya Mowbray (Scotia Offroad RT) would impress in the Youth Female event, winning by over three minutes from teammate Daisy Wilkinson, with a strong ride from Orla Burn (Deeside Thistle) to take bronze.
Juvenile
Zach Buchan claimed the Juvenile victory by just over two minutes from Guy Rorke with Rhuaridh Fulton in third. British Champion Olivia Poole would replicate the feat in Scotland, as she claimed an excellent victory in the Female event with Mairi Dowens in second and Emma Hall in third.
A massive thanks to the Volunteers and Officials in supporting the Scottish Cross Country Association in delivering today’s day of racing.