Cycling club host race event

West Lothian Clarion Cycling Club are organising a third open cyclo-cross race for women and youth riders on January 29 - and it’s set to be a record-breaker.

the Clarion’s Last gasp race is already one of the biggest women’s cyclo-cross events held in scotland, but demand has been such that the places for the women’s race have all been snapped up.

the club are now seeking permission from British Cycling to expand the field even further.

the clamour for places is partly due to the club offering coaching in cyclo-cross skills beforehand - this year not just from the club’s own qualified coaches, but also from special guest Isla rowntree. Isla is a former professional cyclist who was British Cyclo-cross champion a number of times in the elite category, and won the veteran’s category last year.

the club are encouraging local residents to come along to watch the races (starting at 12.45pm) and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. riders will face a challenging course at Xcite’s Linlithgow Leisure Centre designed by race organiser Alan Massey, a Clarion coach.

He said:“the number of entries shows the real enthusiasm that exists for cycling generally, and cyclo-cross in particular. It’s especially encouraging to see an increase in entries from women. the fact that we can offer training beforehand definitely helps in this regard, and we’re really grateful to Xcite for their support in staging this and other events. Having Isla rowntree come along is a real vote of confidence in what we’re doing in the club.”