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Sunday 15th December will see the last round of the Kinesis/SiS Scottish Cyclo-Cross League take place at the popular venue within Mugdock Country Park near Milngavie. The race last year saw a field of 70 riders battle it out around a short and technical loop close to the visitor center.
Missing from the start line will be last year’s winner, Frenchman Frederic Morriston. Frederic spent two years working in Scotland and claimed a good few victories during his stay. Currently leading the series is Stephen Jackson of the host Club, Glasgow Mountain Bikes, who has gradually improved throughout the season and claimed his first win last week on the Glasgow United circuit at Dumbarton. The race saw Jackson dominate from the drop of the Saltire and finish clear winner with a margin of almost two minutes.
With Jackson still to drop a round things remain wide open with Scottish Champion Iain Nimmo (Merlin-Rock Lobster) and unattached rider Dan Whitehead both in contention. The hottest battle of the day may turn out to be between team mates Stephen Couper and James Melville of Glasgow United. Currently lying fourth and fifth the two riders are both capable of sneaking into the third spot. On form Gareth Montgomery (Ride on) is a possible contender for taking the day prize after finishing second last week ahead of Nimmo. Also Bruce McLeary (The Edge), like Gareth an under 23 Scottish Development Rider, is one to watch. Bruce finished fourth last week only seconds down on 2nd placed Montgomery in his first Scottish Cross race.
While the other categories are sewn up the Youth event remains a close battle between Kevin Barclay of the Edinburgh Racers and Stephen Moffat (Stirling Bike Club) although Barclay will start as favorite for a win on the day.
On top of the overall winners presentation the raffle for a Cyclo-cross frame and fork will take place after the race, the frame kindly made available by series sponsor Kinesis. Also on offer will be loads of SiS goodies as well as vouchers for the following outlets: Hardie Bikes, Wheels of Callander, Pedal Power, Sandy Wallace Cycles and Edinburgh Bikes, big thanks to all these sponsors and to Stirling Bike Club who also provided financial support.
The race on Sunday is open to everyone and Mountain Bikes are very welcome. Cyclo-cross racing in general is a very good opportunity for beginners to have a go at off road racing. So come along and have a go. You never know, you may go home with a brand new ‘cross frame…
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