Strong showing in Stirlingshire
Ayrshire cyclists at May Day Gallop Race
Ay r R o a d s / H a r r y Fa i r b a i r n Cyc l i n g Club’s team of Calum MacDonald, Pa u l Rodwell, Graham McLeod and Alex McAllister along with Fullarton Wheelers were Ayrshire’s contingent in the May Day Gallop Road Race last Monday.
Staged over Stirlingshire roads, the 60- mile race saw the Roads team working hard and holding their own right until the final lap of the five- circuit race.
Despite two strong riders having made an earlier break, the roads team remained in contention for a podium place.
Alex, the most experienced rider of the four, had tactically brought the team to the front of the bunch and having done his bit pulled out of the main charging group, two miles from the finish, leaving Calum, Paul and Graham to challenge for a podium place.
All three were now up to speed and although missing out in the sprint finish of the main pack, Ayr Roads took the team award against strong opposition. Calum finished seventh, with Paul and Graham 11th and 13th respectively out of a field of 72.
On Saturday, Ayr Roads were again in competition with a four- man team taking part in Cycling Time Trial Scotland’s National Championship.
The roads team of Calum MacDonald, Rory Webster, Harry Brawley and Alex McAllister finished in sixth place.
On Sunday, John Gemell competed in British National Cross Country Championships at Glentrees, Peebles.
John was up against the best in Britain and finished in a creditable 10th place in the championships.
Again on Sunday, Alex McAllister took part in the second of the Highland two day event by finishing in 13th position in his category over the 20 mile circuit of Loch Leven.
“Felt great, that was fun tonight. I’m getting well and truly hooked here,” he said
Those were the words iterated by Aileen Fisher at the finish of the club’s evening 10 mile TT last Thursday night.
Aileen secured her second personal best this season and is convinced that her new bike and aero helmet had something to do with it.
Other times: C MacDonald 22.25; A McAllister 23.17; S Knox 23.46; C Allison 23.55; J Gerrard 24.30; A Fisher 26.23; R Kelly 26.29; J Gemmell 26.50; A Arthur 28.56.