Cyclists show their grit in endurance races
A Taynuilt cyclist battled against the best, as well as the weather, in a 24-hour race in Fort William.
Nicholas Charlton, who owns The Rusty Cycle Shed, finished 13th in the 152-mile bike endurance race.
Nick was in the elite category with the world’s best from more than 10 countries. The event was organised by World Endurance Mountain Bike Organisation.
The Rusty Cycle Shed owner traversed the eight-mile lap 19 times. Speaking about the race, Nick said: ‘I enjoyed every minute of it. Sometimes with these things there is a point where you ask why am I doing it and you think about stopping, but in this one I never got that. Thanks to the boys from North Argyll Cycle Club who came to help.’
Nick gave a special thanks to Gavin Blainey and Michael Bossard who helped him throughout the race.
Gavin said: ‘At one point Nick was almost hypothermic and needed a full kit change and lots of hot tea, continuing with his quest after 20 minutes. Nick paced himself wonderfully and we watched him climb the leader board as other competitors could cycle no further.’
Another North Argyll Cycle Club member who had a successful weekend was Tim Brand, who works at the Scottish Association for Marine Science.
Tim finished fifth in his age category in the European Triathlon Championships in Ibiza.