As summer finally arrived, Royal Albert CC & the Clydesdale Colts put on a great day of racing and a course that tested riders physical and technical abilities in equal measure.
Leading the charge for the Army Cycling Team was Naomi Metcalfe, who blasted out the gates and was never bettered by her Senior counterparts, wrapping up the title and pulling on the Scottish Champions jersey on the podium.
One rider who did pass her however was Sofia Christiansen, the Galloway Hillbilly on a storming ride – she started on the Masters 40 gun, but made her way to the very front of the race to take the title in that category, getting the better of current British champion Jane Barr (Velo 56.0). In the Masters 50s it was Nadine Reilly (Trilogy) who would deliver a commanding victory.
In the younger female age groups Eleya Mould (Glasgow Riderz) would take the Junior title from Isla Cant (West Highland Wheelers), whilst Isla’s younger sister Lily would win the Juvenille race, ahead of Eilidh Coutts (Edinburgh RC) and Boo Williams (Clydesdale Colts). In the Youths, Stirling Bike Club star Emie Smith took top spot on the podium, ahead of Mairi Dowens (West Lothian Clarion) and Ella McQueen.
Next up was the Open equivalent, and fastest on track was without a doubt Gus Lawson (Pedal Power RT) the junior rider storming through the field to cross the line first. Not eligible for Scottish title due to a late entry after concussion, it would leave SORT pairing Joel Gillan and Ross Easthaugh to battle it out all race long for the jersey, which Gillan took in the closing stages.
Local rider Patrick Kiehlman (Royal Albert) produced one of his best rides on his home track to cross the line first overall, delighted with his efforts, despite knowing like Lawson, he wasn’t able to take the title. Instead that honour went to Ross Morris, backing up his win at the previous SXC round at Crombie. The senior podium was completed by Edinburgh RC’s Paul Regin and defending champion Sam Chisholm (Team HUP).
It was a great day for Pentland Racers as they took both the Youth and Juvenille Open titles with Sam Kingan enjoying his finish line moment, crossing the air arms aloft. He was chased home by Angus Dowens (West Lothian Clarion) and Alexander Mullen (Falkirk Junior Bike Club). In the Juvenille race Zach Buchan was an impressive winner ahead of Rhuairdh Fulton (West Lothian) and Reuben McLardie (Johnstone Jets).
In the Masters categories there was some close fought racing, but not at the front of the 40s as Gary MacDonald (Nevis Cycles) would score an impressive defence of his title – Geoffrey Martin and Richard McDonald (Vanelli-Project Go) would complete the podium. In the 50s it was another familiar champion in Douglas Cameron, whilst Kenny Kentley (Velo 56.0) would take top step in the 60s.
First off on the day were the U12s, where we witnessed some great racing, Sophie Tomb and Finn Revell crossing the line first in their respective categories. We also saw some fun U8 and U10 racing on a separate course. A huge thanks to the host club, all of the marshals, commissaires and every other volunteer who made the day’s racing possible.
Full results will be available here in due course