Open
A headwind on the first part of the lap nullified racing for the first of the three large loops that open field, but it would be Alan Dean (Edinburgh RC) that would kick off action on the second tour, with two others heading off the front of he race.
The trio would be joined up top by Ray Wilson (GTR-Return to Life) as he powered on the main climb of the loop, putting the power on in the crosswinds. Richard McDonald (Vanelli-Project GO), Kris Lindsay (VC Edinburgh) and Mark Walker (Deeside) would complete the quintet up top that would work together throughout the final laps.
It would come down to a sprint for the race victory, and it would be Richard McDonald that would score victory. It’s McDonald’s first individual Scottish title – having previously won team events with Vanelli Project GO.
All-in-all, not too bad for someone who forgot to charge his Di2 battery that was left without a working derailleur on the ride back to the race HQ.
Local Ray Wilson would take second over the line, only half a wheel behind McDonald, but would take relief in becoming the open masters 50 champion. Lindsay and Dean would follow over next to take silver and bronze in the masters 40, with Walker taking silver in the 50+ category.
The final medal would be decided by Scottish Hour Record holder Andy Bruce, who’s efforts pried him away from the main field to take bronze in the masters 50.
Female
The female championships would be decided after 47km of racing on the circuit, with a tight battle ensuing for the medals.
Three riders were contesting the win, Lorna Breetzke (Elgin CC) set up the action for the win with an early attack, trying to utilise her time trial attributes, but was caught by chasers Lynne Cordiner (Moray Fifth) and Teri Bayliss (FTP Racing).
Bayliss would drop back in the final lap, with Breetzke taking on Cordiner for the win in a two-up sprint. Breetzke would take the sprint and the win – becoming Scottish National Masters 40 champion, with Cordiner taking the Masters 50 title.
Bayliss would be rewarded for her efforts with silver in the 40, and Musselburgh’s Madeleine Bell taking the bronze. Alison Kerr would claim the masters 50 silver, with Alison Winship Mackay (Team Ohten Aveas) taking bronze.
Thanks to the team at Ythan CC for organising a great day of racing, and to James MacCallum for the additional reportage.