Beth and Ian show the way
Youngsters on top form for Ayr Roads
Juniors are again flying the flag for Ayr Roads/ Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club.
Beth Macrae was second in her age group in the Leeds Triathlon while Ian Fisher recorded another PB at the club’s evening 10- mile time trial.
Ayr Roads CC has had a close affinity with Ayrodynamic Triathlon Club and is delighted to see the development of Beth as a promising junior of both clubs.
A number of members are preparing for various events.
On July 10, the Ayr club will be represented in the Scottish National 50- mile Time Trial Championships in Aberdeen.
Toni McIntosh is likely to be the club’s sole women’s representative. Toni recorded two hours 12 minutes 48 seconds to finish second in the Fife 50 two weeks ago and, with a PB at the distance of 2: 03: 48, she will hope to add to her clutch of national medals.
Toni is the fastest ever South West of Scotland woman at this distance but is well aware that she faces stiff opposition,
Michael Curran has been recording good performances in the short- distance events and will compete his first race at 50 miles.
Alex McAllister returns from his Alpine sojourn in the hope of doing well in the master’s.
Kenny Armstrong, the club’s record holder at the distance, has left the club with best wishes from all.
Me a n w h i l e, Ca l u m MacDonald, whose timetrialling performances have improved immensely in the past few weeks, will tackle one of Europe’s iconic cyclo sportives on Saturday when he takes part in La Marmotte.
This is a one- day event and covers 175km with 17,000 feet of climbing, taking in major Alpine climbs and ending on Alpe d’Huez.
On the touring scene, Alan McGibbon and Billy Bradley have returned from a tour of the north- west highlands. Their 550- mile tour started from Inverness and took them via Cape Wrath before heading south by way of Ullapool to Armadale and Skye. Their homeward leg was by Mallaig, Onich and Lochgilphead before crossing by the Claonaig ferry to Arran and Ardrossan.
The midweek group of clubmen enjoyed a run by way of the Girvan and Stinchar Valleys to Ballantrae, returning by the coast road – a distance of 70 miles. Saturday saw another group of members taking to the hills of South Carrick with a circuit of Glenalla Fell, Hadyard Hill, then back via the Nick o’Balloch – a distance of 85 miles and ascent of over 7,000 feet.
Last Thursday night another three personal bests were recorded in the club’s 10- mile time trial.
Winner was Michael Curran in a PB for the course of 22 mins 05 secs. Other times: Jody Gerrard 22: 36, Toni McIntosh 23: 26, Janet Erskine 24: 07 PB, Robert Kelly 23: 25, Harry Brawley 24: 10, Jim Smith 25: 21, Andrew Kent 25: 46 PB, Rory Webster 26: 03, Ian Fisher 28: 16 PB.
On Tuesday, July 5, the club stages its fifth league championship event, which should attract a good turnout of members vying for points.