“Maybe seven’s enough! It’s Craig’s turn next year!” (Evan Oliphant)
Evan Oliphant and Craig Wallace (Raleigh GAC) were in different teams last year when they rode the Scottish National Road Race at Alloway and after a chasedown they arrived in the lead group only to find that Steven Lawley had already flown. This year they made no mistake by again bridging across to the break but they then set about destroying it and in the end it was one against one and the more experienced rider took the Championship for the 7th time.
In the women’s race, Eileen Roe (Lares-Waowdeals) was riding in dominant style but if it came down to a sprint finish then that would have suited her just fine after her superb win in Motherwell on Tuesday night. As it was it almost came apart on the final corner as her breakaway companion Shani Bloch Davidov (Pedal Power RT) came in too hot and the pair clashed. Showing her usual exemplary bike-handling skills, Eileen Roe stayed upright and got going again to take a fine win and a well-deserved Championship!
West Lothian Corridor
For those of us used to the Glasgow-Edinburgh commute we often forget that there is a parallel valley running just to the south of the M8 taking in towns and villages like Harthill, Breich and our hosts today West Calder.
The route was beautiful but daunting with no really steep climbs but a parcours that seemed to be constantly rising and falling, giving the riders little opportunity for recovery. Long drags up over moorland turned into twisty technical and narrow roads more reminiscent of the Borders with the final rundown to West Calder being superfast.
In the Women’s race the more experienced riders were pushing from the off with a third of the field left chasing after only half of the first lap of two was complete. The others were left chasing in long straggles before some of them managed to start combining in groups of two or three.
It was a strong lead bunch with Eileen Roe, Neah Evans (Glasgow Wheelers), Chloe Fraser (Lointek), Shani Bloch Davidov, Rachel Crighton and Claire Martin (Team 22), Amanda Tweedie (Velocity 44) and Anne Ewing (WV Breda) all showing strongly.
Coming around again on the second lap they were all still together when they passed a third of the way round so we can only surmise that somewhere towards the back of the course Eileen and Shani managed to break the elastic and head down the fast descent to the final turn. Eileen’s dad said that she had been surprised by the strength of the Pedal Power rider but her superior road-craft, or perhaps her CX skills, showed in the end.
Coming in to the corner Shani was too close to the inside and travelling too fast…as Eileen began to bank in from the wider line their shoulders came together and Shani crashed down on her right-hand side. With her opponent sliding across the junction Eileen was forced to go straight on, stopping just as her wheel hit the kerb on the far side. Unable to get out of her pedals, somehow she managed to get going again and headed for the finish, all the time looking over her shoulder showing obvious concern for the other rider.
There were no exuberant celebrations but Shani was already back on her bike and heading for the finish to take a well-deserved second and the two riders were soon sitting on the side of the road together while Shani’s injuries were assessed by the first aiders.
Coming home on her own 12 seconds further back was Genevieve Whitson (Isorex Cycling Team) for the final podium spot with Anne Ewing and Neah Evans fighting out the next positions and Anne getting the better of the track sprinter on this occasion.
Rachel Crighton finished ahead of defending champion Chloe Fraser with Sarah Bradford (Team Jaden) winning the sprint from what was left of the bunch. Battered and bruised, Shani Bloch Davidov initially looked like she may have fractured a wrist but it turned out to be a simple sprain.
“I came in on the wrong line, too close to the inside of the corner and travelling way too fast to slow down in time. It was just inexperience really but when the adrenaline is pumping it all happens so quickly.”
Eileen Roe is in great condition and has had a very successful week before she heads back to the continent to meet up with her Lares teammates. A well-deserved win indeed!
“Want to take a picture of the winner?”
Heading back to the HQ before the start of the Men’s event we met an old friend from the glory days of the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op…and he cheekily asked if we’d like a shot of the man who was going to win. Sure enough Gregor Russell’s prediction of a seven-time win for Evan Oliphant (Raleigh GAC) was right on the money and he did it in style this year.
No sooner had the race started than West Calder was hit by a hail shower and this was the order for the rest of day…sun, rain, showers and more sun again.
An early break of seven riders moved away from the bunch but by the time they were on the back half of the circuit they had been caught and others were trying to get away. The first lap saw a number of punctures with some riders up and away quite quickly while others were left chasing. Oliphant suffered a flat as did Jordan Doig and John Archibald (Pro Vision Cycle Clothing). While Archibald would eventually get back on Doig was left too far behind to catch the bunch in a race which he’d identified as one of his season targets.
Next time around and nine riders were clear with Ruari Yeoman (Bikehaus by Ridley) leading his teammate Ryan Fenwick, Kieran Brady (Richardsons-Trek RT) and four Pro Vision riders in the form of Rob Friel, John Archibald, Jason Roberts and David Griffiths among others.
With Fraser Martin (Raleigh GAC) leading the chase his teammates were keeping a close eye but were in turn being watched by defending champion Steven Lawley (Metaltek Kuota RT).
Next time around the situation had changed as Oliphant and Wallace had forged across to the break and put the hammer down. Kieran Brady was still there as were Roberts and Archibald but Friel and Griffiths had slipped back. Ryan Fenwick (Bikehaus by Ridley) was also looking strong.
Coming up the long drag on the final lap and Wallace launched a savage attack and this resulted in two groups of four leading the race. Up front were Wallace and Oliphant, with Brady and Archibald alongside. Chasing were Roberts, Lawley, Phil Trodden (Bikehaus by Ridley) and Tim Blathwayt (VC Edinburgh). They were only 30 seconds apart but the chasers couldn’t make contact with the leaders.
Ryan Fenwick was chasing on his own followed by two riders from Dooleys, another small group and then Davie Lines (Wheelbase Altura MGD) trying to work his way across the spread-out riders. The bunch was close on his heels with Andy Bruce (Kinross CC) leading them through.
Now it was a dash to the finish and somewhere on the run in the two Raleigh riders had distanced Brady and Archibald. Into the sharp left-hand turn onto the High Street and Oliphant came round ahead of Wallace. Checking over his shoulder he was never challenged for the win and had time to celebrate his 7th victory in this event by holding up 7 fingers. A well-deserved and very professional win from the man tipped in advance by Gregor Russell to take the title.
The sprint for the final position was much more closely fought with Archibald and Brady going head to head towards the line. The Richardsons- Trek RT rider appeared to almost lose control but he miraculously recovered and on the line the Bronze medal went to the Pro Vision rider by less than a wheel. Lawley sprinted in ahead of Trodden, Roberts and Blathwayt with Lines almost being surprised on the line by Andrew Scorey (Berwick Wheelers CC) 30 seconds further back.
It was a superb day of racing on a super tough course and has surely set the bar high for next year’s championship. All that was left was a big hand for the organiser Alan Maxwell and Johnnie McBain from Pedal Power.
Full results
| Pos | No. | Name | Team | Category | Total distance | Bunch Tm | Diff | Avg. Speed |
| 1 | 2 | Eileen Roe | Lares-Waowdeals Women Cycling Team | Elite | 67.2 | 1:53:25 | 35.55 | |
| 2 | 21 | Shani Bloch-Davidov | Pedal Power RT | 3rd | 67.2 | 1:53:34 | 9 | 35.503 |
| 3 | 31 | Genevieve Whitson | Isorex Cycling Team | 3rd | 67.2 | 1:53:46 | 21 | 35.441 |
| 4 | 36 | Anne Ewing | WV Breda | 3rd | 67.2 | 1:53:57 | 32 | 35.384 |
| 5 | 12 | Neah Evans | Glasgow Sprint Track Cycling Team | 2nd | 67.2 | 1:53:57 | 32 | 35.384 |
| 6 | 4 | Rachel Crighton | Team 22 | 2nd | 67.2 | 1:54:16 | 51 | 35.286 |
| 7 | 1 | Chloe Fraser | LOINTEK | 2nd | 67.2 | 1:54:19 | 54 | 35.27 |
| 8 | 7 | Sarah Bradford | Team Jadan | 2nd | 67.2 | 1:54:39 | 1:14 | 35.168 |
| 9 | 28 | Shelley Cowe | Dunfermline CC | 3rd | 67.2 | 1:54:39 | 1:14 | 35.163 |
| 10 | 18 | Julianna Rourke | Edinburgh RC | 3rd | 67.2 | 1:54:39 | 1:14 | 35.163 |
| 11 | 29 | Gemma Gilvear | Falkirk Bicycle Club | 3rd | 67.2 | 1:54:39 | 1:14 | 35.163 |
| 12 | 6 | Claire Martin | Team 22 | 2nd | 67.2 | 1:54:39 | 1:14 | 35.158 |
| 13 | 16 | Elisabeth Reiner | 2nd | 67.2 | 1:54:39 | 1:14 | 35.158 | |
| 14 | 14 | Natalie Munro | Moray Firth Cycling Club | 2nd | 67.2 | 1:55:53 | 2:28 | 34.794 |
| 15 | 10 | Amanda Tweedie | Velocity 44 Stirling | 2nd | 67.2 | 1:55:53 | 2:28 | 34.794 |
| 16 | 19 | Mireille Captieux | Edinburgh RC | 4th | 67.2 | 1:55:53 | 2:28 | 34.789 |
| 17 | 15 | Lynsey Curran | www.Dooleys-Cycles.co.uk | 2nd | 67.2 | 1:55:56 | 2:31 | 34.779 |
| 18 | 20 | Helen Wyld | Edinburgh RC | 4th | 67.2 | 1:58:23 | 4:58 | 34.059 |
| 19 | 3 | Flora Gillies | Team 22 | 1st | 67.2 | 1:59:19 | 5:54 | 33.792 |
| 20 | 30 | Georgia Mansfield | Forres CC | 3rd | 67.2 | 2:03:33 | 10:08 | 32.635 |
| 21 | 27 | Janet Erskine | Ayr Roads Cycling Club | 3rd | 67.2 | 2:03:33 | 10:08 | 32.635 |
| 22 | 37 | Lindsay Branston | RC Cumbernauld & Kilsyth | 4th | 67.2 | 2:04:55 | 11:30 | 32.278 |
| 23 | 5 | Rosa Martin | Team 22 | 2nd | 67.2 | 2:04:55 | 11:30 | 32.278 |
| 24 | 24 | Claire Howieson | Pedal Power RT | 4th | 67.2 | 2:06:03 | 12:38 | 31.987 |
| 25 | 38 | Pamela Craig | RC Cumbernauld & Kilsyth | 4th | 67.2 | 2:10:46 | 17:21 | 30.834 |
| 26 | 17 | Emma Borthwick | Edinburgh RC | 3rd | 67.2 | 2:15:34 | 22:09 | 29.742 |
| 27 | 25 | Emma MacLaren | Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club | 3rd | 67.2 | 2:24:59 | 31:34:00 | 27.81 |
| DNF | 33 | Rachael Grieve | Leslie Bike Shop/Bikers Boutique | 4th | 33.6 | 55:59:00 | 36.011 | |
| DNF | 35 | Lulu Bartlett | The Racers | 3rd | 33.6 | 59:20:00 | 33.978 | |
| DNF | 13 | Peggy Series | Hervelo Cycling | 2nd | 33.6 | 59:21:00 | 33.968 | |
| DNF | 26 | Jess Millar | Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club | 3rd | - | - | ||
| DNF | 32 | Karena OHanlon | Leslie Bike Shop/Bikers Boutique | 3rd | - | - | ||
| Pos | No. | Name | Team | Category | Total distance | Bunch Tm | Diff | Avg. Speed |
| 1 | 7 | Evan Oliphant | Raleigh GAC | Elite | 134.4 | 3:13:31 | 41.671 | |
| 2 | 9 | Craig Wallace | Raleigh GAC | 1st | 134.4 | 3:13:33 | 2 | 41.664 |
| 3 | 13 | John Archibald | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:14:16 | 45 | 41.51 |
| 4 | 25 | Kieran Brady | Richardsons-Trek RT | 1st | 134.4 | 3:14:16 | 45 | 41.51 |
| 5 | 1 | Steven Lawley | Metaltek Kuota Racing Team | 1st | 134.4 | 3:15:25 | 1:54 | 41.266 |
| 6 | 3 | Philip Trodden | Bikehaus by Ridley | Elite | 134.4 | 3:15:25 | 1:54 | 41.266 |
| 7 | 18 | Jason Roberts | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:15:25 | 1:54 | 41.262 |
| 8 | 30 | Tim Blathwayt | Veloclub Edinburgh | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:15:25 | 1:54 | 41.259 |
| 9 | 28 | David Lines | Wheelbase Altura MGD | 1st | 134.4 | 3:16:09 | 2:38 | 41.111 |
| 10 | 23 | Andrew Scorey | Berwick Wheelers CC | 1st | 134.4 | 3:16:09 | 2:38 | 41.111 |
| 11 | 59 | Gavin Dempster | Glasgow Green Cycle Club | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:13 | 2:42 | 41.097 |
| 12 | 4 | Ryan Fenwick | Bikehaus by Ridley | 1st | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.087 |
| 13 | 68 | Jez McCann | Richardsons-Trek RT | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.083 |
| 14 | 55 | Mark Robertson | Army Cycling Race Team (ACRT) | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.083 |
| 15 | 19 | Greig Brown | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 3rd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.083 |
| 16 | 61 | Alister Watt | Granite City RT | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.08 |
| 17 | 64 | Andrew Bruce | Kinross CC | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.08 |
| 18 | 45 | Andy Brown | Glasgow Cycle Team | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.08 |
| 19 | 2 | Jack Barrett | Bikehaus by Ridley | Elite | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.08 |
| 20 | 60 | Ross Clark | Glasgow Ivy CC | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.08 |
| 21 | 69 | Callum Sharp | Synergy Cycles | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.08 |
| 22 | 41 | Craig McCulloch | East Kilbride Road Club | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.076 |
| 23 | 11 | Ruari Grant | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 1st | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.076 |
| 24 | 48 | Sean Stead | Glasgow Nightingale CC | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.076 |
| 25 | 66 | Ian Tosh | NFTO Race Club | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.076 |
| 26 | 17 | Richard McDonald | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.076 |
| 27 | 8 | Fraser Martin | Raleigh GAC | Elite | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.073 |
| 28 | 36 | Tim Mackley | Deeside Thistle CC | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.073 |
| 29 | 71 | Stephen Collins | Pedal Power RT | 3rd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.073 |
| 30 | 33 | Kris Lindsay | Veloclub Edinburgh | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.073 |
| 31 | 63 | Geoffrey Martin | HD Revolutions (HDR) | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.073 |
| 32 | 21 | Bradley Stokes | Planet X - Northside Cycling | 1st | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.07 |
| 33 | 44 | Peter Wakely | Edinburgh RC | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.07 |
| 34 | 31 | Walter Hamilton | Veloclub Edinburgh | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.07 |
| 35 | 75 | Jamie Henderson | Spokes Racing Team | 3rd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.07 |
| 36 | 72 | Keith Greenwood | Pedal Power RT | 3rd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.07 |
| 37 | 37 | Jack Richards | Deeside Thistle CC | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:16 | 2:45 | 41.07 |
| 38 | 26 | Sean Noon | Spokes Racing Team | 1st | 134.4 | 3:16:23 | 2:52 | 41.063 |
| 39 | 32 | Dominic Hines | Veloclub Edinburgh | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:26 | 2:55 | 41.052 |
| 40 | 42 | Ross Crook | Edinburgh RC | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:27 | 2:56 | 41.049 |
| 41 | 29 | Alastair Kay | York Cycleworks | 1st | 134.4 | 3:16:27 | 2:56 | 41.049 |
| 42 | 24 | Neil Scott | Deeside Thistle CC | 1st | 134.4 | 3:16:27 | 2:56 | 41.045 |
| 43 | 80 | Craig Gow | Tyneside Vagabonds CC | 3rd | 134.4 | 3:16:31 | 3:00 | 41.035 |
| 44 | 57 | Calum Gray | DUMRCC | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:16:34 | 3:03 | 41.024 |
| 45 | 12 | Peter Murdoch | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 1st | 134.4 | 3:16:46 | 3:15 | 40.983 |
| 46 | 51 | Alastair McNicol | www.Dooleys-Cycles.co.uk | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:17:13 | 3:42 | 40.889 |
| 47 | 40 | Sean Gordon | East Kilbride Road Club | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:17:54 | 4:23 | 40.748 |
| 48 | 53 | Craig Adams | Leslie Bike Shop/Bikers Boutique | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:17:56 | 4:25 | 40.741 |
| 49 | 49 | Kevin Barclay | TheBicycleWorks | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:20:17 | 6:46 | 40.263 |
| 50 | 22 | Gary Hand | Planet X - Northside Cycling | 1st | 134.4 | 3:21:43 | 8:12 | 39.977 |
| 51 | 35 | Sean Delaney | Deeside Thistle CC | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:23:16 | 9:45 | 39.672 |
| 52 | 50 | Graeme Cross | TheBicycleWorks | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:24:24 | 10:53 | 39.452 |
| 53 | 52 | Aidan Quinn | www.Dooleys-Cycles.co.uk | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:27:07 | 13:36 | 38.935 |
| 54 | 27 | Peter Anderson | The Nab Racing | 1st | 134.4 | 3:27:07 | 13:36 | 38.935 |
| 55 | 67 | Wilson Renwick | Parentini Test Team | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:35:01 | 21:30 | 37.504 |
| 56 | 65 | Danny Hedley | Moray Cycle Racing Team | 2nd | 134.4 | 3:39:48 | 26:17:00 | 36.688 |
| 57 | 34 | Lewis Oliphant | Veloclub Edinburgh | 2nd | 100.8 | 1 Lap | 37.085 | |
| 58 | 16 | Kyle Johnston | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 2nd | 100.8 | 1 Lap | 36.544 | |
| 59 | 79 | Robin Atkinson | Shetland Wheelers | 3rd | 100.8 | 1 Lap | 35.163 | |
| 60 | 20 | Ryan Glasgow | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 3rd | 67.2 | 2 Laps | 37.6 | |
| 61 | 54 | Andrew Brierley | Leslie Bike Shop/Bikers Boutique | 3rd | 67.2 | 2 Laps | 36.243 | |
| 62 | 38 | Chris Williamson | Deeside Thistle CC | 3rd | 67.2 | 2 Laps | 34.924 | |
| DNF | 5 | Ruari Yeoman | Bikehaus by Ridley | 1st | 100.8 | 41.72 | ||
| DNF | 14 | Robert Friel | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 2nd | 100.8 | 38.258 | ||
| DNF | 78 | Neil Muir | Royal Albert CC | 3rd | 100.8 | 37.078 | ||
| DNF | 10 | Jordan Doig | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 1st | 67.2 | 52.546 | ||
| DNF | 15 | David Griffiths | Pro Vision Cycle Clothing | 2nd | 67.2 | 43.016 | ||
| DNF | 70 | Angus Gillies | 2nd | 67.2 | 42.532 | |||
| DNF | 56 | Martin Lonie | Clay Cross Road Team | 2nd | 67.2 | 40.06 | ||
| DNF | 73 | Greg Henderson | Pedal Power RT | 3rd | 67.2 | 34.924 | ||
| DNF | 82 | Gary Davidson | East Kilbride Road Club | 3rd | 33.6 | 44.933 | ||
| DNF | 43 | Calum Kennedy | Edinburgh RC | 2nd | 33.6 | 42.667 | ||
| DNF | 74 | Daniel Curran | Spokes Racing Team | 3rd | 33.6 | 41.913 | ||
| DNF | 76 | William Turner | Falkirk Bicycle Club | 3rd | 33.6 | 40.266 | ||
| DNF | 6 | Finlay Young | Bikehaus by Ridley | 1st | 33.6 | 39.413 | ||
| DNF | 46 | Lewis Mulholland | Glasgow Cycle Team | 2nd | 33.6 | 34.59 | ||
| DNF | 39 | David Gleave | East Kilbride Road Club | 2nd | - | - | ||
