Article: Martin Harris
After a spell of over 30 years, crit racing returned to Balgay Park in Dundee. Nestling among the trees below the observatory, the main 1.5km circuit would prove a real test to the riders. Long climb, tight corners fast descent, repeat. Very little time to rest or relax for the riders.
In the Discovery JCC’s 10th year, the club were delighted to be able to host a round of the Dales Cycles Women’s Road Race series. Eight of the top 10 ladies in the series points table lined up with the rest of the field underneath the bridge ready for an hours racing. Although sheltered in some parts a rain shower before the race was going to ensure the riders concentration was at a maximum.
After a quick opening three laps, the race settled down as the riders realised it wasn’t an easy course to attack and stay away on. The ladies in green, Deeside Thistle and Carse of Gowrie had a few attacks to try and stretch the field, but the lead group of 11 riders settles down and stayed together. After 45 minutes racing the 5 lap to go board was shown and the riders started to look to try and get a telling advantage but to no avail. At the bell it was Katie Gallagher (Carse of Gowrie) who made an attack on the short downhill section away from the finish, but the other ladies weren’t about to watch her ride off.
The short ramp up to the finish ensured there was to be no bunch sprint, Lorna Ferguson (Glasgow Green Cycle Club) had the strength to beat Ellen McDermott (Team Watt Cycle) to the line, with
Katie Gallagher (CoG) third. Series leader Emily Middleditch (Deeside Thistle) took fourth with Natalie Munro (Moray Firth CC) rounding off the top five. Judging by the looks on the faces after the race, all knew they had completed a tough challenge, the rain leaving most with faces more reminiscent of a Paris Roubaix.
The DJCC are really pleased to be able to support womens racing and be part of the Dales Series, thanks to Debbie for coming along to support the event and promote the title sponsor. We hope to see you back again.
Results
1. Lorna Ferguson, Glasgow Green CC
2. Ellen McDermott, Team WattCycle
3. Katherine Gallagher, Carse of Gowrie Velo
4. Emily Middleditch, Deeside Thistle
5. Natalie Munro, Moray Firth Cycling Club
