Published: 04 September 2013
Saturday 31st of August saw the NoSCA Dirt Crit Series take place at a new venue in Moray. The grass roots mountain biking race series aimed at U18’s had previously taken place at Nevis Range in July. Moray Mountain Bike Club organised this round with a strong partnership with the local active schools network. The Dirt Crit also incorporated a local interschool’s race. There were a healthy number of competitors with riders coming from across the country.
Organisers had prepared three courses in the forest next to Mosstowie primary school, a few miles East of Elgin. A steady stream of riders arrived to glorious sunshine and a stiff breeze. The chief start marshal was dressed in a giant caterpillar suit and also encouraged riders up the hill climb before morphing back to his normal role in active schools! The U6’s kicked proceedings off with a few laps of the pitch before heading into the shelter of the trees. 11 riders finished a challenging little course with Kate McLuckie winning the girls race and Creag Muir & Brodie McMulkin coming joint first in the boys race.
U6’s awaiting the official start from Mr Caterpillar.
The U8 race had a strong entry in the boys & girls category. Riders raced the longer B course with local rider Maisie McMulkin winning the girls and Charlie Henshall from Glencoe taking victory in the boy’s race.
The U10 boy’s race was also hotly contested with Black Isle MTB Clubs’ Zander Millar Todd completing the two laps just two seconds ahead of Alistair Douglas of Wolfpax with Charlie Ferguson of Mikes Bikes finishing in 3rd.
U14’s receiving a race briefing prior to racing the A course.
There was some close racing in the U12 boy’s category with Wolfpax rider Oliver Broadhurst edging out Munlochy’s Fraser Kelly by one second. Black Isle MTB club added to their silverware with Finlay Todd comfortably taking the U14 boys race from school mate David Bowman with local rider Douglas Miller finishing in 3rd.
U10 boys podium: Alistair Douglas (2nd), Zander Millar Todd (1st), Charlie Ferguson (3rd)
Despite the odd shower organisers were thankful that they had a bright day to run the race. Everyone was kept fed with scones and juice from a volunteer food stall. Prizes were awarded to all the winners and everyone was given a special set of 2014 commonwealth games shoe laces. Prizes for best crash and furthest travelled were also awarded. Organisers thanked all who attended and made the race possible.
The next Dirt Crit will be on Sunday 22nd of September at Lagganlia Outdoor Centre, Kincraig. This will be part of the Petal Power “Ride Like a Grrl” weekend, which will see racing and evening activities happening all weekend.
Full results available at:
www.britishcycling.org.uk/results
For more info check:
