Wheelers set quick pace in Fort to Fort race
The 27th edition of the annual Fort-to-Fort cycle race took place in glorious Lochaber sunshine on Sunday October 28.
The race followed the usual 30-mile route, starting from Fort Augustus and finishing in Fort William at the Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie.
Thirty-eight competitors took to the start line, including the youngest ever by some margin. Ruby Clark, Aaron Tresidder and Aidan Watson were the youngest ever competitors to complete the race, all supported by parents the whole way. Aaron, aged seven, completed the event in a remarkable three hours and five minutes.
For the senior women’s race, Julie Corner surged to the front before the race reached Invergarry and never relented over the remaining course, despite being closely pursued by Nix Forster and Nikki Sharatt.
The men’s race was a close fought battle between several riders, with a lead group of David Macdonald, Donald Paterson, Andrew Macmaster, Stephen Dent and Jamie Gall. Donald and Jamie both suffered unlucky punctures which took them out of the running. Stephen had a run of bad luck, including a dip in the loch which put paid to his chances. The final battle between Andrew and David went Andrew’s way on the final climbs and he soloed to a well-earned victory.
All entry fees went towards fund raising for a Fort William pump track and bmx facility. Thanks to the organisers and volunteers for another successful event. The next Wheelers race is at Nevis Range on Sunday November 18.
Results (hours:minutes) 1 Andrew MacMaster, 1:45. 2 David MacDonald, 1:46. 3 James MacDonald, 1:52. 4 Ruaridh Wells, 1:53. 5 Stephen dent, 1:54. 6 Donald Paterson, 1:55. 7 Alasdair Poll, 1:55. 8 Marie Meldrum, 1:56. 9 Jamie Gall, 1:57. 10 Kenny MacAlister, 2:00. 11 Iain MacDonald, 2:00. 12 Graeme Corner, 2:01. 13 Paul Tebbett, 2:02. 14 Roddy Wells, 2:07. 15 Gregor Muir, 2:08. 16 Archie Johnston, 2:08. 17 David Buckett, 2:10. 18 Rory Robinson, 2:10. 19 Julie Corner, 2:14. 20 Mark Clark, 2:16. 21 Nix Forster, 2:19. 22 Nicky Sharratt, 2:26. 23 Ailsa Pooleman, 2:27. 24 Fiona Thompson, 2:28. 25 Justin Swabey, 2:31. 26 Gill Barnes, 2:37. 27 Andy Rogers, 2:37. 28 Sorley Swabey, 2:48. 29 Marian Austin, 2:59. 30 Aaron Tresidder, 3:05. 31 Linsay Barr, 3:58. 32 Kirstin Heger, 4:02. 33 Mandy Watson, 4:21. 34 Aidan Baltrunas, 4:21. 35 Ruby Clark, 4:21. 36 Stefan Baltrunas, 4:21.