Roads full up
Busy week for cycling enthusiasts
Despite the disappointment of losing the Scottish National 25- Mile Championships through cancellation, Ayr Roads/ Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club enjoyed a full list of events last week.
On the sportive front, two members competed in the 103 km Mediofondo of the Mont Ventoux Sportive in France, where the mighty “Giant of Provence” was climbed by Calum Hume and Alex McAllister.
Alex has climbed the Ventoux several times, but Calum was overawed by its height and barrenness.
They took the climb from Bedoin, which is the hardest side, up through the trees with a relentless gradient of over 20 kms, before tackling the last six kms of moonscape from Chalet Reynard. Ventoux towers well over 6,000 feet and is a favoured Tour de France stage.
In Northern Ireland, Kathryn Thomson finished seventh in the 60 km women’s event of the Gran Fondo d’Italia. An improvement by three places from last year. At an average speed of 17 mph, Kathryn was well placed overall amongst the 1250 competitors. Husband Alan rode with her before tackling the Sally Gap climb in the Wicklow Mountains later in the week.
In the club’s championship league, 14 members tackled various climbs of the South Carrick hills with the youngest competitor, 10- year- old Ollie Kelly. This popular competition has 40 club members vying for points and allows members to take part in a range of cycling activities of nine events over the season.
Last week’s was event number four and featured the climb of Glenalla from the north before the descent to North Balloch and then by Glengennet to the summit of Hadyard Hill. Ed Clifton and Calum MacDonald tied on the occasion with equal times for the three segments.
Scott Knox leads with Ed Clifton second and Andrew Kent lying third. The next event is on July 5.
Club runs featured a solo century ride by Neil Campbell, who rode the five ferries route of the Arran and the Argyll Lochs while the midweek run covered some new ground, with six members clocking up 90 miles by way of New Cumnock, Penpont, Moniave and Carsphairn onto home roads.
On Saturday, another group chose the figure of eight loop of Arran, and on Sunday the main club run enjoyed a 60- mile route taking in Prestwick, Corraith, Symington, Craigie village, Mauchline, and Barskimming before heading home via Stair.
Two new members took part in the club’s evening 10- mile time trial – Rory Webster and Lee Cuthbertson, who rode their first time trial. Warm conditions with little wind allowed good times, with four personal bests.
Winner was Michael Curran in 22 mins 28 secs with Alastair McGibbon second in 22: 45.
Other times: Jody Gerrard 22: 53, Calum MacDonald 22: 55 pb, Tom Gooding- Hill 23: 42 pb, Toni McIntosh 23: 48, Janet Erskine 24: 22, Andy Kent 25: 56 pb, Rory Webster 26: 10, Jim Smith 26: 28, Lee Cuthbertson 26: 59, Ian Fisher 29: 04 pb.
Miren Basabe Kerr and Ollie Kelly compete at Bellahouston Park on Tuesday night and again in the Scottish National Criterium races on Sunday, June 19 at Stirling. On this occasion, the young guns will be accompanied by Janet Erskine and Robert Kelly who compete in the seniors events. Young Beth McCrae, under Ayrodynamic Triathlon Club, took part in the Leeds Triathlon at the weekend.