Drumlanrig SXC Race Report 20th September 2009

The senior races were conducted on a race course made up from established sections of the Drumlanrig red route joined by the new section of singletrack that was developed during our July trailbuilding sessions.

Jack Taylor was forced to retire from Youth the race with a snapped chain close to the end of his first lap. Frustratingly, this came when it seemed that he was set to achieve his best result of the season. Next off were the Veterans and the Drumlanrig Rik's Bike Shed team were represented by Graeme Scott and Richard Cantillon who finished 21st and 19th respectively. Next off was Cameron Scott in the Juvenile race. Cameron put in an excellent lap to finish in 18th place. Last off at 11am was Andrew Taylor in the two lap open race who finished in 18th place, a considerable improvement on his dismal 32nd at Aviemore two weeks ago.

The Primary Schools race was set on a new course running up the start of the blue route into the woods before descending down some singletrack to a tight grassy turn for the return loop. This made a fun but challenging course. Well done to all of the Root Rats who took part. First off were the P1-3's with Ariana Willoughby coming in 2nd in the girls race and Kyle Colchester 7th in the boys race. Having raced throughout the season, Ariana finished 3rd overall in the series. The next race to go was the P4&5 age group and the Root Rats were represented by Eloise Coombs, Glen Howat, Fergus Hiddleston and Jamie Willoughby who came in 3rd, 11th 8th and 2nd in their respective races. Equalling younger sister Ariana's performance of the season, Jamie finished 3rd overall in the series. Cameron Scott, who competed in the Juvenille race came 5th in the P6-7 boys series even though he didn't even enter the Drumlanrig race.

The last Drumlanrig Rik's Bike Shed team member of the day to race was Ewan Clark in the Junior category. Ewan had to win the race in order to claim the overall series title for the year and this was going to be a real challenge with an ever stronger Kenta Gallagher lining up on the start line as a Junior. After the fist lap, Kenta came through in the lead with Ewan close on his tail with no sign of series contender Jamie Maxwell. However, as the race progressed, Kenta consolidated his lead and eventually took the victory with Ewan finishing a strong second.