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The Sam Robinson Memorial Road Race 2011
Event: 15th May 2011
Promoted by: Glasgow Nightingale CC
Event HQ: Balfron Campus, Stirling
Report: Stuart Rae
The Sam Robinson Memorial Road Race hosted by Glasgow Nightingale Cycling Club is a highly regarded event in Scottish Cycling's racing calendar. The 2011 event followed the classic Sam Robinson route. The event is a demanding 79 mile course which takes in the Duke's Pass, the Top of the World and twice round a tough finishing circuit at Balfron and Killearn. The blustery head winds and cross winds on the day made an already demanding course that bit tougher for the riders.
The early action in the race saw a group of ten riders break away from the main field but there was no immediate reaction from the other riders. However, after a few more miles there was a second breakaway this time made up of 13 riders. This group was working well together and and caught the initial breakaway on the climb up the Duke's Pass, with the exception of Arthur Doyle (Dooley's Cycles RT) who managed to stay just ahead.
As was to be expected, the climb and descent over the Duke's Pass lined the race out and in spite of the demandss of such a tough climb the section out of Aberfoyle was ridden at a really fast pace.
Malcolm Patterson (Glasgow Nightingale) was having a good race and stayed with the main field. Although riding a much longer race distance than he was used to the host club rider was delighted with his performance when he reflected on the event. From marshalling in the race in 2007 to competing in it in 2011 was a real personal achievement. Riding on brand new Carbon Cruise Racing Wheels supplied by Solid Rock Cycles Malcolm felt that this had greatly helped his performance on the day.
The front group in the race was now 20 strong and just too big to be working well which prompted some attacks from some of the riders in the group. These attacks resulted in 9 riders getting clear, rapidly establishing an advantage. Though not working just as well as they would have liked they still managed to steadily increase the gap between themselves and the main group all the way to the finishing circuit.
On the first lap of the finishing circuit Endura/Pedal Power rider Robbie Hassan attacked and split the group as they went through Balfron. However, the lead riders did not show a desire to work together at this point and the group came back together.
Approaching the bell it was the Rapha Condor Sharp man, Ben Greenwood who attacked and this time only James McCallum (also from the Rapha team) and Robbie Hassan could follow. Despite repeated attacks by Ben Greenwood he was unable to shake Robbie Hassan - who responded well with a couple of attacks in the final kilometre - it looked as if the three riders would contest a sprint finish. Unfortunately for Robbie the series of attacks finally took their toll when he succumbed to cramp with 400 metres to go and had to look on as the two Rapha Condor Sharp men contested the finish.
Ben Greenwood was first over the line with a time of 3:15:57 his fellow Rapha Condor rider James MCCallum, was second and Robbie Hassan third.
This was Ben Greenwood's first win of the season. Taking first place in such a tough event sets him up well for his next race, The 8 day An Post Ras in Ireland. An exciting race was over, a race which which had been dedicated to the memory of the late John Yates who was a member of Glasgow Nightingale. It was a chance to remember John who had been in everyones thoughts throughout the day. The finish of the race was in Killearn where John stayed, and his family Sally, Ross and Kyle were in attendance at the Race HQ where John's son Kyle presented the prizes.
The race winner kindly dedicated his result to John's memory as did the other placed riders. Glasgow Nightingale CC would like to thank race sponsors Solid Rock Cycles for their support, in particular supplying the two service vehicles complete with mechanics. Thanks are also due to the race organiser, Alan McIlwraith, who in turn would like to thank all the participants and everyone who helped to make the event such a success.
