Super Six Series Continues at David Bell Memorial
Photo by: James Ruskin
The penultimate round of the Scottish Power Renewables Super Six A Series takes place in Ayrshire on Sunday (June 20), as part of the 45th David Bell Memorial Road Race.
The event, promoted by Ayr Roads CC/Harry Fairbairn BMW, lays claim to being the toughest road race in Scotland. And, with a 70 mile route that sees the riders climb the daunting Nic O the Balloch twice - the King of the Mountains sprint will be contested on the first ascent - that label is well deserved. It is also one of the country's picturesque, starting and finishing in Straiton, where the sprint prime will be decided at the end of lap one.
"With its mixture of great scenery, tough climbs and tricky descents, the Davie Bell has gained an enviable reputation as one of Scotland's classic road races", said race organiser John Mason. "Ayr Roads are grateful to the villagers of Straiton for their warm hospitality, and I am sure that riders and visitors will enjoy the tranquillity of the area."
The David Bell Memorial acknowledges the career of David E.T Bell, a colourful character who wrote a weekly cycling column for the Ayrshire Post - now a race sponsor. Bell, who was a founder member of Ayr Roads, penned his column under the nom de plume ‘The Highwayman' for 35 years until his death in 1965. Riders will pass a memorial to David Bell at Rowntree Tree Toll.
In addition to having the backing of Arnold Clark, under the Harry Fairbairn BMW name, the race also enjoys the support of John Gemmell Coachworks and Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants. The event has historically attracted a strong field, and the start sheet confirms that the tradition has continued this year.
Ross Creber defends the title, while his predecessors as champion, Gary Hand and Evan Oliphant - winner of the Scottish road race title last weekend - are also in the line up. But it is their Endura Racing colleague Callum Wilkinson who currently occupies pole position in the Super Six standings as well as leading the King of the Mountains and Sprints competitions.
Others in the 67 strong field bidding for the £250 top prize and 100 Super Six points include strong squads from Dooleys RT and Glasgow Wheelers, among them promising juniors Andrew Leith and Robert Hassan.
Race HQ is McCandlish Hall in Straiton and sign on, from 9.30-10.30 am, in a marquee situated in the overspill car park. The A event for elite and category 1-3 riders gets underway at 11am with the support race, incorporating the Super Six B Series and contested over one circuit of the same course, starting half an hour later.
Click here to see the full race line-up
