Para-Cycling International
Manchester
Friday 11 January - Sunday 13 January 2019
With many of the world’s top para-cyclists in attendance, the Manchester Para-Cycling International marks an important date on the calendar, both in preparation for the upcoming World Championships and for athletes to gain qualification points towards the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Two Scottish riders, Neil Fachie and Finley Graham, were representing the Great Britain Cycling Team
In the first event of the evening, young Scottish athlete Finlay Graham took victory with a new Personal Best time in the C1-3 1km Time Trial. He continued his fine form, including a gold medal in the C3 1km TT, and another in the Individual Pursuit. Graham looked strong out of the gate and comfortably held on despite a late surge to secure gold in a time of 3:34.436.
Team Scotland Commonwealth Games rider Neil Fachie, pilioted by Matt Rotherham powered through to the finals, where they bested teammates James Ball and Pete Mitchell in their toughest test of the day.
Laura Cluxton piloted by Laura Clode was took Bronze in the Tandem Pursuit. In the C1-3 scratch race, it was a story of excellent teamwork from Ben Watson, Fin Graham and Matthew Robertson leading to an early lap take. As the race progressed it was Watson who made the pivotal move, battling hard over a number of laps to eventually re-join the bunch and claim a further lap. Watson took his first gold of the weekend, whilst Fin Graham added a bronze to his extensive collection.
HSBC National Cyclo-cross Championship
Cyclopark, Kent
Saturday 12 January - Sunday 13 January 2019
British National champions were crowned this weekend, as the 2019 HSBC UK | National Cyclo-cross Championships took place at Cyclopark in Kent. Men’s and women’s elite, junior, youth and veteran titles were all contested over an action-packed Saturday and Sunday of racing.
Cameron Mason continued his run of good form to pick up 6th in the elite mens race.In the Junior womens race, Edinburgh RC rider Anna Flynn battled head to head with Harriet Harnden throughout the race to be outsprinted in the final and take a well earned silver.
In the under-16 boys’ race, Corran Carrick-Anderson (Peebles CC) overhauled long-time leader Finlay Pickering on the final lap to take gold. Pickering claimed silver with Joe Kiely winning bronze.
Carrick-Anderson said:
“I took myself by surprise! It’s amazing to win – I wasn’t expecting it. I was hopeful after last weekend, but I had no idea what was going to happen. I got a little gap over Fin and managed to keep it until the end. I’m really excited to wear those stripes into next season.”
Emily Carrick-Anderson took silver in the Findus Trophy for best under-15.
Full results are available here.
A huge congratulations to all the Scottish riders who raced the Cyclo-cross National Championships this weekend. Make sure you tag @ScottishCycling #SCResults to let us know how your race went.