Shirley claims victory in Wheelers’ winter race

West Highland Wheelers held its fifth winter league race of the season on Saturday in what was a fun day of intense racing.

Roddy Wells organised the 3.3-mile course, with riders able to set off on further laps if they were at the finish inside 40 minutes.

Gary MacDonald, Ewan Thorburn and Cory Muir took a wrong turn on the first lap resulting in a half lap penalty, leaving James Shirley to claim victory as the only rider to complete three full laps (in a total time of 1:01:16). Gary MacDonald took second place with 2.5 laps in 52:09, and Ewan Thorburn in third with 2.5 laps in 54:01.

Ailsa Poolemen was first woman home with two laps in a time of 50:21, Nix Forster came second (two laps, 57:30) and Gill Barnes finished third (two laps, 57:30). Campbell Mackintosh took victory not only in the juniors but in the sprint finish to the line, pipping his dad Vince, with a time of 49:12 for his two laps. Cole Jackson claimed second (two laps, 54:45) and Kai Frost took third (two laps, 1:07:30).

Eight youngsters competed in a separate junior race with the older riders doing three laps and the younger riders doing two, with the exception of Aaron Tresidder, who opted to complete a third lap.

Eight and over category was won by Alexander Pervan, with Aidan Baltrunas in second. Aaron Tresidder took victory in the under eights followed by Archie Kennedy.

In the girls’ race, Charlie Stewart took victory in the over eights, with Mia Jackson taking first in the under eights, and Charley Kennedy in second.