Auchentoshan Cyclocross - 2nd November 2014

Post date: 03-Nov-2014 21:21:18

Round 4 of the Scottish CX series was the infamous “splosh at the ‘tosh” event, with the muddy stream and steep embankment to run up. However due to safety concerns by the race commissaire the route was changed to remove this section. Some may have been disappointed. Probably the spectators and photographers!

The first Perth riders off for their U14 and Under 16’s race were Rory McGuire and Aaron King. There were 46 riders on the line, 20 in their category. The grassy start in the main arena lead out on to the tarmac for a brief section before a dismount was necessary to climb the muddy bank and then on to the full senior course. Rory was riding smoothly and kept up a fine pace into the tight turns through the trees. Both of the boys managed to keep up the pace and have a great race. Aaron was 10^th and Rory was fabulous 2^nd in what is his best result so far this season. He certainly set the standard high for the rest of the McGuire family and the Perth United riders that day.

Next off were the Vet 50, Women (seniors and veterans) and Juniors, with 77 riders on the start line, 31 of them women! How things have changed in the racing scene for women at cyclocross events with veteran ladies having a separate category just like in the men’s world!

Racing this time were Anne Chisholm and Alan Wilson for Perth United. The start was another grassy one but that then led into the forest with bomb holes and tree roots to negotiate. The forest path swept through the trees making for a fast and less technical course than usual but still with enough mud and roots to ensure skilful riding was required to avoid any major mishaps and delays. Anne was delighted with the change in course, which suited her better than previous years and was 3^rd in the Vet women category. Alan was enjoying the race and in a good position when an unfortunate wheel change was required halting his progress. He managed to deal with this mechanical glitch and completed the race finishing 21^st.

Alan, riding well early on in the race

Anne, remounting after the steep run up

The Vet 40s were next, with always the biggest field on the day, 95 competitors overall. Barry McGuire and Gordon Chisholm got a good start and despite missing their seeding positions and were well at the front at the start of the race.

Gordon was riding strongly and felt comfortable in the leading group of five riders with Barry a few places behind. Getting the right line was key but Gordon hit disaster moving from road to grass hitting a kerb at a bad angle and suffering a front wheel puncture as punishment for his mistake. No matter, he was straight into the pits where the racers leave spare wheels, spare bikes and pit crew (if you had brought one). A quick wheel change had him off again quickly. But within a 100 meters Gordon realised the rear was also flat. Disaster. He had to run with his bike for a full lap to replace his rear wheel in the pits.

Meanwhile, Barry kept his cool and rode smoothly to maintain a good pace throughout without any mechanical setbacks. Barry finished in 9^th place, showing how consistent his performance has been this season, whilst Gordon was 23^rd.

Gordon, riding well up the field early on

Barry, showing how it should be done

Finally to the Open Men’s Race where Mark McGuire was out to prove himself and make sure the commentators would know his name this week. Mark found himself at the front of the Race with Rab Wardell, World Cup mountain biker and the series leader so far.

They soon built a strong lead and were evenly matched looking cool and eyeing each other as they turned the bends watching for any hint of attack. It all looked effortless and they glided across the ground making it all look so easy yet the lap times showed the class of these guys – it was by far the fastest race of the day.

Two thirds into the race Wardell entered the arena but there was no sign of Mark. The all too possible mechanical looked like the only reason. Then Mark ran into the arena, straight to the pits and off on a second bike. Now over a minute behind Rab and sitting in 3^rd place the determined Mark took to the chase. Battling on in great style he gained time on the leader and jumped up a place, crossing the finish line in 2^nd place.

Mark, exhausted at the end, but will challenge for the win again