Report: Kingscavil proves a tough test for riders
Members of Linlithgow-based cycling club West Lothian Clarion were rewarded for their efforts with a successful hill club event at Kingscavil on Sunday.
Race organisers had managed to secure a road closure funded by Visit West Lothian and, in addition to a field of more than 70 riders, attracted a large crowd. The innovative event is the only cycle race to take place on a closed road in Scotland.
Scottish champion Arthur Doyle (Dooleys RT) clocked the fastest time of the day to clinch top spot by three seconds from David Griffiths of Glasgow Wheelers, while Stirling Bike Club's Robin Wilkins pipped Colin May (Edinburgh RC) to secure third spot.
In the women's race Sharon Doyle lead the way with second place going to Elaine Lowden of Glasgow Wheelers and Fiona Crawfod from Kinross CC in third
Dale McCallum (Edinburgh RC) was the quickest Male youth in the field, while Jordan Stokes (Pedal Power) the fastest Junior. Erika Allen (Wallace Warriors) was the fastest female Youth.
A running and kids race was added to the this year's event and in so doing doubled the amount of people taking part. Organiser Matthew Ball said "We were really pleased to attract Scotland's top cyclists, including the National Champion Arthur Doyle. The field was much stronger with half the entries breaking the 3 minute barrier"
"There was an end of season 'festival feel' on the hill with riders being cheered all the way up by people ringing cowbells and blowing horns".
The additional kids event attracted both riders new to racing as well as those from established clubs. The Clarion's Sam Chisholm was first boy in the under 8s, with Audrey Doyle claiming the prize for first girl. In the Under 10's race Morven Greer was first girl and Duncan Crawford first boy and the Clarion's Alex Ball was pipped into second place by just one second.
The Under 12's event brought a fine performance out of Lulu Bartlett form Edinburgh Road Club, winning her category and the overall prize by 7 seconds from Cameron Mellis of Carnegie Cyclones.
Fastest Rider Arther Doyle said "It was great to go to this as a family. It's the first time we've all been able to compete in the same event. Including kids and youths in these totally safe closed road events is too rare. The kids (7 and 10) want to go back and do it again already! There were some really focused faces on the kids facing the start, but they were lifted all the way by the cheering crowds, cow bells and then the music of the bagpipes to cross the line."
Winner of the running event was James Harrison form Newhaven Harbour Triathletes on a time of 03:34. James Harrison also won the duathlon event (combined run and cycle) in a time of 6.26, just one second faster than Perth United's Gordon Chishol.
Matthew Ball went on to say "I think the event was a great opportunity to show off West Lothian's wonderful country lanes which are perfect for cycling along. The event would not have been staged if it wasn't for the support of Visit West Lothian. Both Competitors and riders have said how inovative the format is with many pledging to come back next year".
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For more details about cycling in West Lothian go to: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk/
