Scottish Cyclocross Series Round 5 - Irvine

Post date: 28-Nov-2012 15:52:18

Perth United Cycling Club made another strong showing at Round 5 of the Scottish Cyclocross Series in Irvine on Sunday, the last race before the Scottish Championships in December.

Mark McGuire riding in the Youth (under 16) category took the win in confident style, beating the current series leader by 45 seconds over the 40 minute race. After a good start Mark and the two other leaders were together for the first lap until Mark attacked and steadily put time into his rivals over the tough sandy course. A dropped chain in the last lap nearly put paid to his efforts but he had enough of a time gap to fix the problem and race to a well deserved first place. Also riding the Youth category was the fast improving Matthew Peters who had a good race and despite snapping his chain on the last lap and running to the finish claimed 9th place from the 25 strong field.

In the highly competitive Under 12 race Rory McGuire took an excellent 5th place, just 20 seconds behind the winner in a closely fought contest. Rory had a great start and was right up with the leaders before dropping back ever so slightly before the finish.

The Veteran's race was up next and Perth had two quality riders in the 100 strong field. Barry McGuire upheld the family honour and took 13th place in a very strong field which included ex-Scottish Champions, while Ally Little had a bad start and suffered yet more bad luck with a mechanical while trying to fight his way through the field and finished a disappointing 43rd place, a result which does not reflect his good form (photos courtesy of martinjyoung on Flickr.com).

Roll on the Scottish Championships on the 9th of December at Strathclyde Park, where Perth United has a strong chance of a medal, especially in the Youth category where Mark McGuire and Lewis Champion are two of the favourites for the top podium place.

Check out the full results and cyclocross calendar at the Scottish Cyclocross website. www.scottishcyclocross.org.uk

Cyclocross is one of the fastest growing branches of cycle sport and is a great way for the whole family to participate in a safe and friendly environment, regardless of fitness level. Watching is nearly as much fun as racing with spectator friendly 6 minute laps the norm and cowbells encouraged.

Got any more event reports or pictures? Send them to results@perthunited.org.uk and I will submit them to the PA and put the report on the website. Gordon.