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Post date: 24-Dec-2013 11:03:44
Foxlake near Dunbar was the location for the much anticipated Scottish Cyclocross Championship race. It’s another excellent venue with open grassy areas and woodland surrounding a purpose built lake for wakeboarding. The course itself was excellent, with some tricky uphill and downhill sections in the woods along with the usual energy sapping grass and mud.
First off for the club in the Under 12’s was Rory McGuire. An excellent start kept him clear of the melee into the first corner and he was soon riding well within the top 3. A mistake by one of the Johnstone Jets riders let Rory through and he took full advantage, storming away for a convincing 2nd place and his best result of the year. Well done Rory, a superb race yet again.
Rory (left) was flying
The Women’s V40 race saw Anne Chisholm right in the mix off the start. She led the other Vets early on as they left the start arena but the tough long laps really stretched the field out. She was pleased with 11th overall but everyone was confused by the fact the different age groups got different start times even though they were all racing for the same prize.
In the Juniors, Mark McGuire got an excellent start and was riding near or at the front and looking smooth when a puncture meant a run to the pits for a bike change. The delay cost him dearly but he kept his head and determination, coming back through the field for 3rd place.
The Mens Veteran 40 race saw Ally Little, Barry McGuire and Gordon Chisholm representing the club, the blue and green machine getting safely off the start and well positioned on the first lap. The racing was as hard as ever, with Gordon and Barry yet again pushing each other on. Ally was pleased to finish 29th while still recovering from a heavy cold, his tangle with another competitor after a spectator got in the way didn’t help either. Barry took 11th and Gordon 9th but really it could have gone either way, both were pleased with the result.
Mike Richmond took on the pro’s in the final event of the day. Mike has really come on recently and his starts particularly have improved massively, unfortunately he forgot to sign on and was relegated to last place by the commissaires. Bad luck Mike, but you weren’t the only one.
With the final Scottish ranking race left on Mull in mid-December the season is all but finished apart from a couple of ‘special’ events in the new year. Well done to all the Perth United riders on making this an excellent year. It was great to see so many riders out racing for local clubs throughout the season with Perth City Cycles, Tay Titans and COG Velo all giving each other great support and encouragement over the whole season.
Photos were few and far between this week, so here’s some links to some excellent pictures on Flickr:
Mark, on fire as usual
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mynder85/11280613586/
Gordon, attacking one of the climbs
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpuddinonnabike/11274730354/
Barry, super smooth as always
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpuddinonnabike/11274552113/
Anne, earnestly digging in
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mynder85/11280705304/in/set-72157638493450703
Mike, taking the stairs in the fading light
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