Round 2 of the North of Scotland Dirt Crit series was at the Abriachan Community Woodland Cycle trails about 12 miles west of Inverness on Saturday 19th September and organised by the local Black Isle Mountain Bike Club.
The weather was dry, sunny, warm and the gentle breeze kept most (some) of the midges away! These were perfect conditions for the large field of approximately 70 riders, from all over Highland to have a fun day of racing along with some hotly contested races.
All races started at the main Community Woodland car park and the U6 girls started the racing at 12 noon by completing two loops of the skills area immediately followed by the U6 boys. A relatively long, gentle climb followed by a straight descent rapidly split the field in both races but competition was tough for the podium positions. The girl’s race saw Ava Luce take the win closely followed by Caragh Muir and Olivia Poole in third. Cameron Johnston took the lead from the start and was unstoppable taking a convincing win with Jack Ba and Finlay Ferguson coming in second and third respectively.
The U8s, although starting from the same spot, had a longer course taking in a great fire road climb before a stony descent and the final section of Abriachan Green single track. A non technical, narrow track including a few little bumps, bends and an interesting wooden hump back bridge. A tough course for young legs but completed with real guts and determination by all riders, both boys and girls. The girl’s was won by Ruth McDougal and Rochelle Amos second. The larger boys field was won by Craig Muir and Brodie McMulkan and Kyle McLeod in second and third.
The full Abriachan Green trail was used for the U10s and above with the U10s racing one lap, U12s two and U14s and U16s three. After the initial, relatively wide climb through the skills area the trail becomes single track with stretches of north shore limiting overtaking opportunities giving the fast starters and good climbers a real benefit. Once up the climb the trail crosses the fire road back onto single track but this time a fun downhill with small berms and a number of jumps. The track was loose and needed full concentration at top speed.
Aimi Kenyon led the U10 girl’s field right from the gun and her win was never in question. This talented young rider was very strong up the climb and the descents posed no problems either. She took the win in front of Ciara Sutherland and Maisi McMulkin second and third respectively. Aimi was so fast her time was actually quicker than all the U10 boys too – well done Aimi!
The large field of boys was led by Andrew Georgeson and again his position never looked in doubt. A very strong rider who made his gains on the climb and neither Gavin Grokownski nor Charlie Henshaw could catch him on the descent or final flat.
The U12 riders rode the same course, but two laps. With last year’s winners Abbi Stoddart and Zander Millar Todd defending their respective titles, this was always going to be a good race. However Stoddart dominated the girls to take the win over Rowena Masterton whilst Edna Sutherland came home a close third. In the boys and despite riding with real style and hucking some great manuals, Millar-Todd didn’t have it so easy. Charlie Ferguson, a year stronger and perhaps also wiser took the early lead and lap one was a head to head battle between the two. By lap two Ferguson had the upper hand with light between the pair. Millar Todd, became resigned to second, however he delighted the spectators by styling the jumps with some impressive whips. Jamie Duncan led the rest of the category home to take third.
Unfortunately both the U16 male and female categories consisted of only one rider each so with the result a foregone conclusion they started only 30 seconds behind the U14 riders. Perhaps the decision of the day as both David Bowman, U16 and the U14 boys grabbed the challenge with both hands. The stronger Bowman caught the U14 riders on the climb but Fraser Grigor was not for lying dead and sat on Bowman’s wheel for the majority of the first two laps. Unfortunately Bowman suffered a mechanical losing the lead to Grigor who gleefuly seized his opportunity to escape. But not for long and it was soon his turn to have Bowman breathing down his neck waiting for an opportunity which were few and far between. However Bowman made a carefully considered but brave move towards the end of the descent on the third and final lap. Forcefully taking a tight inside line on a left hand bend Grigor was left with little option but to let Bowman past. Although both riders won their respective categories they deserve great credit for the great battle between themselves – top racing boys! Alasdair Pell and Fraser Kelly completed the U14 boy’s podium in second and third respectively.
Iona Henderson looked strong and although the only U16 female contender put up a feisty performance finishing with a very impressive time. Fantastic to see these young ladies compete and we all need to do more to encourage more competitors.
The ShredXS determination prize was awarded to Cohen Poole and the ShredXS Sportsmanship prize to Aimee Georgeson.
As always a big thank you to Bob MacFarlane, Scottish Cycling and also a warm welcome to our new Scottish Cycling Regional Development Officer, James Bracher. In addition a thank you to Black Isle Mountain Bike Club for organising the day; providing delicious soup, teas, coffees and other goodies. Finally a thank you to Highland Bicycle Co for donating prizes for the winner of each categorary.
Looking forward to Round 3, Saturday 3rd October at Highland Wildcat Trails, Golspie sure to be another cracker!
