HUPcc Scottish Cyclocross Series off to a flyer in Dundee
Dundee played host to the opening round of the newly named HUPcc Scottish Cyclocross Series, as Scotland’s best cross riders enjoyed some brilliant bar to bar racing to kick-start the six race series.
It was a day for file treads at Camperdown, a fast, powerful, punchy course proving a perfect transition back into cross, racers enjoy the very different Dundee conditions, and the new look course in a different part of the park.
Lewis Martin once again proved to be the class act in the Senior Open race, which rounded out proceedings, winning by over two minutes, the reigning Scottish Champion setting his stall out from the gun. Sam Chisholm, racing in the colours of the series sponsors, recovered from a first lap crash to take second, attacking third place finisher and former Scottish Champ Charles Fletcher – who would just about hold off a charging pack - over the hurdles.
In 2024 we’re on the lookout for individuals showing the ‘Spirit of Cross’ at each round – the winner, as selected by the SCX committee based on nominations from the cross community, receiving a HUPcc frameset – and this spirit was on full display in Dundee, the kids sat on the bank at the bottom of the course urging the riders in the final practice session to ‘do a jump’ on one of the small hills. Safe to say the likes of Lewis Martin and Jackie Chan obliged with whips and wheelies aplenty!
Earlier Freya Mowbray proved she was the class act in the Female field – she would start 30 seconds ahead of her Senior rivals, but the Junior from SORT RT would only grow her lead, showing both her current and future potential. Second place Junior, Harriet Hendry, would also produce a great ride, second quickest overall, with Abigail Chaplin rounding out the Junior podium.
Stirling University’s Lotta Mansfield would lead the Senior race from the gun and was never headed, with Vanelli-Project Go’s Lettie McDonald taking second and Grace Norman third. In the Vets races Janine Inman was a clear winner in the 40s, Sian Tovey doing likewise in the 50s, Helen Winton impressing in the 60s as the only rider to finish on the lead lap – chapeau.
Prior the Female race it was the V50 & V60 Open, Douglas Cameron biding his time before riding off into the sunset to win the V50s, whilst Neil Raitt would do the same in V60s, winning by a full minute. Behind though we were treated to a fantastic sprint finish for second and third, Brendan Roe just holding off Kenny Kentley.
In the V40 Open there was a brilliant battle for the win, Davie Lines trying to save as much energy as possible for the Senior Open, where he would eventually finish tenth. Afterwards the Falkirk man joked about how Brian McCardle attacking him wasn’t in the plan, but eventually he threw down a counter attack to overhaul his rival for the win.
The Juniors would start 30 seconds ahead of Lines and co, but they couldn’t quite hold off the charging duo. It was Deeside’s Oliver Carter who led the way, taking the win in his first race in that category, from Edward Lindsay and Ross Easthaugh.
Our U14 & U16 racers got the day underway, and from the off we had a Scottish champion’s jersey to the fore, resting on the shoulders of Gus Lawson, who was intent on showing it off. He would give those watching on the perfect demo of how to ride the fast course, showing incredible aggression in the corners as he carried so much speed. The battle for second was a much tighter affair, Xander Graham using his technical skills to get the better of Joel Gillian.
Deeside’s Zara Main would take the U16 Female win, a classy ride seeing her home 20 seconds clear of Mairi Dowens, with Millie Boothman in third after a tight battle with Emma Campbell. In the U14 Female race it was even tighter, Eilidh Scally, Emma Nicholson and Boo Williams finishing in that order, but separated by just five seconds – fantastic racing.
The U14 Open was another close encounter, Josh Stewart edging out Gregor McNaught by just two seconds, with Sam Kingan rounding out the podium.
On a separate course adjacent to the main course, our U8s, U10s and U12s enjoyed some fast, fun racing of their own, on a bespoke course tailored to their needs. Big thanks to the U12s working group who have supported the delivery of this concept, aimed at providing the right level of challenge and fun for our young racers. We look forward to seeing more of the same at Muir of Ord in three weeks’ time.
That’s in fact the perfect segway to promote round two of the series, taking place at Muir of Ord on Sunday 13th October. If you haven’t already, get your entries in!
Big thanks to Martin, Keith and everyone else who made today happen
