Motherwell and Aberdeen played host to The OVO Energy Tour Series this week and delivered two fantastic days of action packed racing.
The Tour Series is an annual series of cycling criterium races held across the UK and televised by ITV4. The races are held over 1 hour of racing plus 5 laps. There is a competition each round, as well as an overall competition for the whole series.
Motherwell
Glorious sunshine greeted riders and spectators in Motherwell for the third round of racing. Commenting on the event, the Tour Series organisers said, "Motherwell brought provided perfect weather, amazing races and a brilliant crowd!"
Throughout the day, Scottish Cycling support races ran on the same course that would later be ridden by the Elites with events for all categories. Ben (Sprockets Cycles) and Katie (Edinburgh Road Club) were the lucky winners of the Motherwell "Warm up with the Pros" competition, and enjoyed meeting Team Scotland riders Katie, Neah and Anna as they prepared for the evening event.
Women’s Support Race
1. Eileen Dempsey
2. Helen Wyld
2. Alisa Beck
The Women's race was animated by Glasgow Nightingale who split the bunch and enabled a strong group of 4 riders to stay clear for the majority of the race. Helen Wyld of ERC worked hard on the front of the group but ultimately teamwork paid off as Eileen Dempsey of the Nightingale managed to sprint to victory.
Senior Open Support Race
1. Cameron Richardson
2. Martin Lonie
3. Cameron Oliver
A large peloton pushed the pace throughout the Senior Race. It was Richardson who mounted a solo attacked and managed to stay clear for the last 5 laps to claim victory as the bunch sprinted up the hill to claim the minor placings.
Elite Women
Scottish favourite Rhona Callander from Team Breeze started the Women's Elite race in fine form winning the fastest lap of the night prize. Following the first sprint, Jess Roberts from Team Breeze was joined by Neah Evans of Team Scotland in a breakaway of 3 riders which went on to establish a 40 second lead.
Katie Archibald attacked off the front of the bunch and attempted to bridge across solo. Sadly, was unable to make the junction. Roberts took victory over Evans in a 2 up sprint with Archibald taking 4th.
Elite Men
Team Scotland Commonwealth Games medalist John Archibald, riding for Ribble Pro Cycling, made a break of 5 riders who went to the finish despite the peloton containing fellow Scot Mark Stewart committing to the chase. John Jacob Hennessy won the sprint for the line with John Archibald 5th. Scottish guest teams Spokes RT, Bioracer Moriarty Bikes, Dooleys Cycles, Wheelbase CabTech Castelli all rode brilliantly to the cheers of the home crowds.
Full Results from the Elite races can be found HERE
Aberdeen
Once again, the sun shone in Aberdeen as the city welcomed The Tour Series, this time with a new course.
Another fantastic afternoon of support races took place. Martin Harris, Event Organiser and Regional Development Officer said , “For the third year supporting the Tour Series event in Aberdeen, the Scottish Cycling North East clubs pulled together to provide the volunteers and officials to deliver seven events in just four and a half hours! There was full on racing for those aged 6 to 66 throughout the afternoon, riders fully enjoyed the chance to ride the new course through the newly pedestrianised area of Broad Street. Its been a delight and pleasure to help the clubs deliver such a well received and supported event. Now for a beer.”
Women's Support Race
1. Anna Fairweather
2. Ingrid Kid
3. Emma Smith
Men's E/1/2/3 Support Race
1. Kevin Barclay
2. Martin Lonie
3. Alistair Merry
Men's 3/4 Support Race
1. Robert Howie
2. Richard Harris
3. Kelvin White
Inspiring the Next Generation
It was a busy day for the Scottish Cycling Women's Team as they headed to a local school to share their story and give the children the chance to try roller racing. Following this, they headed to warm up with another brilliant group of youngsters who were the lucky winners of the youth race competition.
Elite Women
While Roberts headed to victory on the streets of the Granite City by 20 seconds, home fans did have the chance to cheer on Olympic Champion Katie Archibald and she stomed up the finishing straight to 2nd place.
Elite Men
As ever, the Men's Elite race was action packed with attacks coming from the drop of the flag. Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes enjoyed more success in the Granite City, taking both the individual and team wins on the night to extend their advantage over the nearest challengers. Ribble Pro Cycling and Scottish heros John Archibald and Mark Stewart finished in the bunch.
Full Results can be found HERE
Did you attend The Tour Series in Aberdeen and Motherwell? Don't forget to share you images on Twitter tagging @ScottishCycling #NationofCyclists #OVOTourSeries
