60 riders took to the start line for the Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire Road Race Championships at Dunlop on Saturday. Luckily the heavy showers had eased off, but the wind was still strong and gusty. As soon as the flag went down, after a short neutralised start, a furious pace was set on the road up to Neilston.
The first attack off the front came from Rob Friel (Pro Vision Cycle Clothing), who was joined by his team-mate, Jason Roberts, and Pedal Power RT rider, Jordan Doig. By the time the chasing peloton had topped the highest point on the circuit, after only 6 km, the race had split into four groups.
Misfortune was to strike shortly after, the first time past Commore Dam on a tricky decent when six riders came together in a crash. Luckily there were no serious injuries sustained.
The leaders were joined by Gavin Shirley and Paul Rennie (www.Dooleys-Cycles.co.uk) on the 2nd lap and then Rob Friel punctured, losing contact with the front group. He received a spare wheel and chased hard to hold off the bunch, but was unable to get back to the break.
The leading group stayed away to the finish for a four man sprint with Gavin Shirley taking the win from Jordan Doig and Jason Roberts. The chasers were lead in by James McPake (GJS Cruise Racing) and Chris Stewart (Classic RT) who lifted the trophy for first A&DCA rider home.
A big thank you must go to Dunlop Cycling Club for host such a great event.
Results
1. Gavin Shirley (www.Dooleys-Cycles.co.uk)
2. Jordan Doig (Pedal Power RT)
3. Jason Roberts (Pro Vision Cycle Clothing)
