Cyclists take on big climb

Scores join hill race

West Lothian Clarion held its annual closed-road hill climb race at Kingscavil recently.

With more than 25 clubs represented, riders young and old impressed the crowd as they raced up the challenging hill supported by an enthusiastic crowd and the ages of competitors ranged from five to 70.

The under 10s tackled the small hill - which still requires a mammoth effort for young legs to power up – and as the mist cleared, the main event took place.

The race saw 0.9km of climbing up a closed road in what Clarion club members call The Bathgate Alps, with a gradient that hits 20 per cent in places.

The club was delighted with the turnout with 77 youths and 28 adults competing this year, in a number of categories.

Race organiser Kevin O’Hara said he was pleased by the day’s success and the standard of cycling.

He added: “This is a great event, and we were again impressed by the standard of racing on display.

“The hill is a real killer, but the riders flew up it on the day.

“It’s always good to see Youth and Adult riders racing at the same event, and encouraging each other – it was particularly good to see such a broad range of ages competing today.

“We’d love to get more riders – kids and adults alike - involved in these activities.

“The proposed track at Kettilstoun would make Linlithgow a hub for cycling in the central belt but also allow more people to enjoy cycling safely.”

For more information about the proposed development at Kettilstoun, see http:// trustlinlithgow. org. uk/ category/ project-updates/kettilstoun/