On the Tour de France at stage 10
The Tour de France was the place to be last week.
Members of Ayr Roads/ Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club and Johnstone Wheelers were out in force at the end of Stage 10 of the tour.
While awaiting the arrival of the leaders in the first serious mountain stage of the race, Eurosport’s commentator Brian Smith recognised the team colours of his own Johnstone Wheelers and took time out to meet the group of youth riders.
Brian, former British Road Race champion and professional cyclist was joined by none other than tour legend, Sean Kelly.
Earlier in the week, the youngsters took on the French in a race organised by Annecy Cyclisme.
The Scots lads did well with Alloway Primary pupil Ollie Kelly going off the front twice, before being reeled in both times.
It came down to a sprint finish with young Ollie taking fourth place, in his first ever continental race, to add to his mounting collection of Scottish medals.
Along with his father Robert, the Roads club colours could be seen on the ascent of the Col de Colombierre and on a circuit of the beautiful Lake Annecy.
Meanwhile, back home in the evening 10 mile time trial on Thursday night, six club members took part, with Scott Knox taking first place in a time of 23 minutes.
The Sunday club run, which also doubled for the fifth League event, took in a 60 mile plus tour of the South Carrick hills including Glenalla Fell, the Nick o’Balloch and Tairlaw summit climbs.
Fifteen club members took part, with Alastair McGibbon winning the first Strava segment, followed by Scott Knox, first in Segment two and Harry Brawley, first in Segment three. Scott, however continued to impress by taking the overall aggregate time by winning by a margin of only two seconds from second place rider, Harry Brawley.
Iain Fisher, just back from South Africa was third seven seconds behind.
First lady was Aileen Fisher with club newcomer Charlotte Robb taking second place, with a fine performance for her first outing with the club.
The Turnberry Circuit, one of the oldest events in Ayrshire Cycling will be held on the evening of Thursday, August 2.