Burners serve up a Rozelle rouser
Ayr club bring a hug crowd to cyclocross race
John- Paul Baxter Ayr Burners Cycling QTS attracted more than 500 people to Rozelle Park on Sunday for top quality cyclocross racing with Gary Macdonald of Hope Factory Racing winning the big race of the afternoon.
Better known as a top UK motorcycle trials rider, over the past two seasons Gary has developed his speed and power to match his technical ability for cyclocross.
The Doonbank Trofee course required both in equal measure, with slippery off- camber descents, steep run ups and frequent changes of terrain.
Following a 10 hour shift on Saturday by Burners members, Rozelle was transformed into a top- class cyclocross venue.
For the opening laps, Macdonald dualled with seasoned elite rider Davie Lines.
It was on the shallow staircase on the third lap where Macdonald managed to get a gap on Lines, which he was able to stretch out entering the rooty woodlands.
After 11 high- energy laps, Macdonald had lapped all but four other competitors, with David Duggan claiming third. Macdonald’s reward included a prized keg donated by local craft brewer Ethical Ales.
The race for the fastest Ayrshire rider saw multi- sport specialist Brian Yates of Carrick CC dualling with elite cyclist- turned- runner Neil Walker of Northsports- Kinesis.
They were equally matched until the final laps when Walker opened a gap of one minute to be first home rider.
Peter Ferrier of Burners collected the Caledonia Cup as first rider from the promoting group.
In the women’s event, Anne Ewing of WV Breda made amends for a disappointing result in 2016, taking a convincing lead over Maddy Robinson of VC Moulin. Ewing builds her points tally in the four race Super Quaich series.
In the ‘ B’ events, Lindsay Branston of RCCK took a hard fought victory over Julianne Rourke of Edinburgh RC to claim the women’s prizes, donated by No. 30 Kyle Street.
In the men’s event, local rider Paul Gibson ( unattached) proved a popular winner. A long time friend of organiser John- Paul Baxter, Gibson was also one of the last helpers to leave the site on Sunday night after a lengthy course deconstruction.
Returning to racing following a lengthy break, it was also a welcome sight to see former elite mountain biker Roddy Yarr finish second.
Alongside the Super Quaich events, Burners hosted a round of the Scottish Cycling South West series. Regional Development Officer Fiona Walker awarded prizes to riders across the categories. Ollie Kelly of Alloway won the U12s event with Harry McGarvie of Symington third in the U16s.
Volunteers also hosted a popular session for under 5s. More than 40 youngsters and their parents turned out for the mini- cross course with bumps, trees and plenty of muddy puddles to play in.
Organiser John- Paul Baxter said: “This has been the Burners’ most successful event to date, and is a credit to our members, supporters, sponsors and volunteers.
“I lost count of people who told me how much they’d enjoyed seeing cyclocross at Rozelle.”
Burners thank South Ayrshire Council for help in preparing for the event, currently the largest participatory cycling date in South Ayrshire.