The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Scotland name largest ever Commonwealth Games cycling squad
SCOTLAND HAVE named their largest Commonwealth Games cycling squad for this year’s showpiece in Glasgow.
A total of 16 men and 14 women will represent the host nation in track, road and mountain bike events.
The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will showcase 17 events, with para-sport cycling making its games debut.
Returning medallists Charline Joiner, James McCallum and Jenny Davis will be out to achieve further success along with recently crowned world team pursuit champion Katie Archibald, who is making her Commonwealth Games debut.
Aileen McGlynn, who has won medals at the last three Paralympic Games, will lead the Scottish charge, racing in both the sprint and time trial events with tandem pilot Louise Haston.
Local cyclists selected are Mark Stewart from Dundee (track endurance), Anne Ewing from Perth (road race), Dunfermline’s Eileen Roe and Charline Joiner (track endurance, road race).
Having only taking up the sport just over a year ago, Laura Cluxton and pilot Fiona Duncan, UCI World Cup gold medallists, are also in the team.
In the men’s tandem track events, Neil Fachie will be looking to add to his two world championship titles and London 2012 1km time trial gold and individual sprint silver.
He will be piloted by Craig MacLean, a London 2012 Paralympic gold medalwinning pilot.
There are also two road events, a time trial and road race.
At the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, David Millar took road race bronze and finished in style with the time trial gold.
Newcomer Archibald, who started her racing career on a grass track in the Highlands and has recently competed in the UK Women’s Tour, will be joined by Joiner, Eileen Roe and ClaireThomas.
In mountain biking, 2013 British national cross-country champions Grant Ferguson and Lee Craigie will be joined by Gareth Montgomery, Kenta Gallagher and Jessie Roberts.
Team Scotland chef de mission Jon Doig said: “Scotland has always had a strong tradition in cycling and its popularity has gone from strength to strength on the back of the amazing achievements of Sir Chris Hoy and Craig MacLean, the accessibility of the magnificent velodrome in Glasgow and the determination of Scottish Cycling to maximise these fantastic opportunities.
“This 30-strong team is proof of the progress that has been made over the last four years and we look forward to some exciting action on the track, on the road and over the cross-country course at Cathkin Braes.”
Gary Coltman, Scottish Cycling’s head of performance, said: “Since the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, there has been a dramatic rise in participation in cycling throughout Scotland and I’m delighted to announce some exciting, emerging talent as part of our team for Glasgow.”