Published: 06 March 2013

Article: West Lothian Clarion Race Report

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Several months ago, the committee and coaches of the West Lothian Clarion Kids Club decided to take the plunge and host their first ever open race event.

 

Last Sunday, all their hard work was rewarded when almost 80 riders turned out to compete for the inaugural Clarion Youth Cyclo-cross and the 2012 Mid-Scotland Cyclo-cross Championships.

In a little over two hours the grounds of Linlithgow Leisure Centre were transformed into a terrific cyclo-cross course which included tricky corners, off-camber sections and a step-over.

Top riders from clubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dunfermline, Peebles, Dundee and Perth were given a warm welcome by their Clarion hosts.

Excitement and tension were in the air as a healthy crowd built up around the course, eager to see who would claim a podium place and one of the specially-commissioned winners’ medals.

Riders were split into three groups according to age, with the under-8s setting off first and racing a shortened version of the course for 10 minutes.

Next up were the under-12s, who took on the full course for 15 minutes, followed by the under-16s, who rode for a gruelling 30 minutes.

There was plenty of sweat, several tumbles and even some tears, but urged on by commentator Jammie Johnston and the crowd, every rider made it over the finish line with a smile, to be presented with a medal and much-needed snack.

Race organiser and Kids Club Secretary Ewen Fulton said: “It really was a fantastic event from start to finish. The weather was pretty poor around lunchtime but as soon as riders started to arrive the sun came out.

“We got lots of positive feedback from riders and their parents, which was great. As a coaching team we have learnt a huge amount since the club was created in 2010 and we look forward to the start of the 2013 sessions this Saturday.

“The list of people to thank is very long, but the assistance of the following individuals/organisations was key to the success of the event: Linlithgow Leisure Centre, Mid-Scotland Cycle Association, Jammie Johnston, Braw Bars – and of course all of the riders for taking part and their enthusiastic supporters for cheering them on!

“We hope to make the Clarion Youth Cyclo-cross a firm fixture in the race calendar.”

Kids Club President David Mason said: “This was a terrific event and really helped raise the profile of our club and cycling in general. The kids had a great time, the sun was shining and our on-site catering team ensured that the crowd were kept happy by serving up a delicious range of home-baking, all of which was produced by our dedicated group of volunteers.

“This year we are planning an even more exciting range of activities and, with our annual six race series, road biking at a secret venue and various fun social events, we think it will offer something for everyone.”

The Kids Club 2013 session starts at 09:00 this Saturday at Linlithgow Leisure Centre. Anyone interested in joining can take part in the first two sessions free of charge. Email kidsclub@westlothianclarion.co.uk for further information. Riders must be at least six years of age and able to cycle unaided.

Selected Results

Clarion Youth Cyclo-cross

Under 8 Boys:

1. Fin Mason (West Lothian Clarion)
2. Patrick Barnes (Glasgow Riderz)
3. Elliot Davies (Carnegie Cyclones)

Under 8 Girls

1. Christina McGoram (Peebles Cycling Club)
2. Stella Robb (Glasgow Riderz)
3. Niamh Waters (CXAddict)

Under 10 Boys

1. Gregor Robb (Royal Albert CC)
2. Andrew Turner (West Lothian Clarion)
3. Finton Price (Dunfermline CC)

Under 10 Girls

1. Elena McGoram (Peebles Cycling Club)
2. Abbie Mason (West Lothian Clarion)
3. Skye Donnelly (Glasgow Riderz)

Under 12 Boys

1. Alex Ball (West Lothian Clarion)
2. Chris Hordon (West Lothian Clarion)
3. Andrew Oxley (West Lothian Clarion)

Under 12 Girls

1. Anna McGoram (Peebles Cycling Club)
2. Anna Flynn (Edinburgh Road Club/Martin Currie RT)
3. Emily Wilkinson (Peebles Cycling Club)

Under 14 Boys

1. Joe Nally (Hardie Bikes)
2. Connor Johnston (Team Leslie Bike Shop/Bikers Boutique)
3. Cameron Mason (West Lothian Clarion)

Under 14 Girls

1. Megan Wilkinson (Peebles Cycling Club)

Under 16 Boys

1. Connor Nally (Hardie Bikes)
2. Jamie Mason (West Lothian Clarion)

Under 16 Girls

1. Emma Borthwick (Edinburgh Road Club/Martin Currie RT)
2. Pippa Samphire (Wallace Warriors)

Mid-Scotland Cyclo-cross Championships

Under 8 Boys

1. Fin Mason (West Lothian Clarion)
2. Finlay Turner (West Lothian Clarion)
3. Ross Chisholm (West Lothian Clarion)

Under 10 Boys

1. Gregor Robb (Clydesdale Colts)
2. Andrew Turner (West Lothian Clarion)
3. James Dunlop (West Lothian Clarion)

Under 10 Girls

1. Abbie Mason (West Lothian Clarion)

Under 12 Boys

1. Alex Ball (West Lothian Clarion)
2. Chris Hordon (West Lothian Clarion)
3. Andrew Oxley (West Lothian Clarion)

Under 12 Girls

1. Rhona Samphire (Wallace Warriors)
2. Eilidh McFadden (West Lothian Clarion)
3. Alison Bryce (West Lothian Clarion)

Under 14 Boys

1. Cameron Mason (West Lothian Clarion)

Under 16 Boys

1. Jamie Mason (West Lothian Clarion)

Under 16 Girls

1. Pippa Samphire (Wallace Warriors)