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Post date: 28-Nov-2014 12:42:12
Lochore Meadows was the venue for round 5 of the Scottish Cyclocross series. It is the flattest and least technical course of the series, but the “spiral of doom” aka “swiss roll of mud” was the draining factor in the race, with mud so thick and deep it had even the best riders running through the gloopiest sections.
It was another fantastic event. A full day out for all the family, with a race for just about every category of cyclist, and best of all loos that weren’t portaloos. What could be better on a sunny winter Sunday?
The start was a grassy sprint round the hidden section of the course, with a small stretch of path before the mud began and you were out in the main arena with first sight of the taped out section appearing. The grassy arena gave the spectators plenty to watch as the riders were soon strung out through the constant turns of the swiss roll course. There were a few oohs and ahhs as the racers skidded on the surface and ended up on the deck. The surface got progressively worse from the start of the day with lap times getting that bit slower with each lap and each race. Some of the lucky riders had bike changes so the extra weight of the mud could be washed off as much as was possible. The heavier the equipment got made getting over the hurdles even more of an effort.
All the Perth riders acquitted themselves brilliantly with good results all round and no disasters, apart from a first lap puncture from Barry McGuire who’s super efficient pit crew had him rolling again in seconds.
Of particular note was the final race of the day, the Open Senior race once again had Mark McGuire providing the main challenge to the overall series leader, Rab Wardell. With both riders closely matched it was nip and tuck until the end. Rab just got the gap on the last lap to pip Mark for the win. Surely Mark’s time must come soon, the vocal crowd were willing him on and both riders looked shattered at the end.
Congratulations to all the Perth based competitors who took party in this gruelling slog!
Perth United members results:
Rory McGuire – 3rd U14 Boys
Aaron King – 9th U14 Boys
Barry McGuire - 8th V40 Mens
Gordon Chisholm – 11th V40 Mens
Ally Little – 33rd V40 Mens
Jim King – 64th V40 Mens
Anne Chisholm – 4th V40 Ladies
Ian MacGregor – 29th Open Mens
Mark McGuire – 2nd Open Mens
Anne taking the hurdles with the 'spiral of doom' in the background
Barry catches Gordon after his early punctures and streaks away
Ally powers on through the mud
Mark battling for the win as the sun goes down on another great day of cyclocross
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