Tomlin takes Mullorca by storm
West Lothian Clarion’s Nina Tomlin braved Storm Erik to take part in the fifth round of the Scottish Cyclo- cross series.
Held at Glengorm Castle on the Isle of Mull, the race was the final event of ‘Mullorca’, a weekend when much of the Scottish cyclo-cross community head to the island for the race on the Saturday and a fun event the following day.
Nina dealt with a challenging course made still tougher by lashings of mud to take eighth place in the senior women’s category on the Saturday and third place in Sunday’s fun race.
Meanwhile, a group of the club’s youth members where in action at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow with a race session to complete their block of coaching sessions.
Murray Wilson was with the sprint group, while Lewis McCondochie and Sarah Darling were working with endurance groups.
The emphasis over the sessions was on developing race craft, including lots of time on the track.
Clarion coach Steve Darling said: “The riders have been attending the cluster sessions all through the winter and have really developed a love of the track.
“They’ve become really proficient at riding and racing.
“The coaching has been first-class. It’s been great watching all the youths honing their skills in the velodrome and it’s such a fantastic facility to have just down the road.”
This weekend several Clarion members will be making the trip north for the final round of the Scottish Cyclo- cross series at Knockburn Loch in Aberdeenshire.
Others will be continuing the trail maintenance at Beecraigs Country Park to prepare for the club hosting a round of the Scottish Cross-Country MTB series in May.
Clarion’s David Ogilvie said: “Having the opportunity to host this event at Beecraigs is a real feather in the club’s cap and we’re very grateful for the support of the council and the park rangers in doing so.
“We’re determined to showcase not just our club’s ability to host a great event but also this fantastic venue we have on our doorstep and are committed to doing the work necessary to prepare the trails for the race, as well as reinstatement work afterwards.”
Graeme McLean from Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland said: “We have been delighted to support forward-thinking local authorities such as West Lothian to develop skills facilities and trails like we see at Beecraigs.
“These facilities allow great volunteer-driven clubs like the West Lothian Clarion to build and grow the potential for participation and the sport across Scotland.”