It was with great regret that Scottish Cycling was forced to cancel the Scottish National 50 Mile Time Trial Championship on Sunday 24th September, due to a road traffic incident that blocked one lane of the dual carriageway and spilled hydraulic fluid across both lanes.  Rider safety is absolutely paramount at every event and therefore, Scottish Cycling, the Chief Commissaire and the organiser, had no option but to cancel the event before any riders took to the course.

Of course, this situation could not have been foreseen but it would be accurate to say that this is the most unlucky event of 2017!  The event organiser, Mike Spalding, and his team from Granite City RT have worked tirelessly on this event since it was first scheduled for the date of Sunday 9th July.  Mike has continued with the event regardless of the challenges endured following two bouts of extended and unexpected roadworks on the A90, which forms part of the course, and was hoping for third time lucky with this edition.

Yesterday, Sarah Macintyre, National Events Manager, was in attendance on behalf of Scottish Cycling and after the decision had been made she took the opportunity to discuss the ramifications of the cancellation and possible options for re-scheduling the Championship with the riders, the commissaire and the organiser.  Knowing how important all of our Championship events are in the calendar and specifically for riders who are targeting their Club BAR, National BAR, or the Championship, cancelling the Championship is a decision that we do not want to make if there is an sensible alternative available. 

Scottish Cycling staff members, the Road and Track Commission and the Board have considered the feedback as well as discussing plans and logistics with the organisers of both Championships and have concluded that the option to rearrange the National 50 Championship to Sunday 1st October, combining it with the National 100 Championship is the best outcome for all.  It is extremely important to deliver a National Championship where reasonably possible and having had these discussions, there has been no reason found that would prevent a fair and competitive Championship taking place on Sunday.

It is very important to note that this arrangement is exceptional to cover an extremely unusual situation and will not create a precedent for the future whereby a result at two distances can be achieved in the same race.

Information on how the Championships will now be delivered can be found below, under ‘Information for Riders’.

Scottish Cycling has decided that this is the most positive outcome as it still provides an opportunity for our members to compete for the Championship and the BAR.  Scottish Cycling would like to thank the riders involved on Sunday, many of whom had travelled a large distance and stayed overnight, for their patience, understanding and feedback.  The decision to rearrange this Championship has not been taken lightly but we believe that a positive outcome has been reached, for the benefit of our members. 

If you have any questions regarding this decision, please contact events@scottishcycling.org.uk.

Information for Riders

• The National 100 Championship course is the same as the National 50 Championship course, travelled twice, so this allows a split to be taken when the 100 riders pass the finish line for the first time.
• Riders that have entered only the 50 Mile Championship will be asked to confirm their place with the organiser (Mike Spalding) by 5pm on Wednesday 27 September.
  • Those that confirm their withdrawal before the deadline will receive a refund.
  • Those that do not confirm before the deadline will not receive a refund.
• Riders that have entered both Championships will be assumed as taking part in the 100 Championship unless they notify the organiser (Kenny Anderson) that they wish to take part in the 50 only by 5pm on Wednesday 27 September.
  • Those wishing to ride the 50 only and notify the organiser before the deadline will receive a refund for the 100 Championship.
  • The first 50 split that the National 100 Championship riders complete on the day will count towards the National 50 Championship and the National BAR.
  • It is not possible to record the second 50 split as this would be a ‘flying start’, which cannot be permitted.
• Riders that have entered only the 100 Mile Championship will not count towards the 50 Mile Championship as they did not form part of the Championship 50 field on Sunday 24th September.
• The National 100 Championship field will be scheduled first.
• The National 50 Championship field will follow afterwards.
• Entries for the National 50 Championship will not reopen; only riders appearing on the start list for Sunday 24th September will be able to ride on the 1st October.