East Sutherland cycling club cap off year with inspirational talk from Commonwealth Games medalist
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Members of a Sutherland cycling club enjoyed an "entertaining" evening at their annual prize giving earlier this month.
East Sutherland Wheelers were treated to a meal and a talk from professional cyclist Finn Crockett, from Strathpeffer on December 1, ahead of its annual awards ceremony.
The professional road rider offered his insight into his journey from competing locally in cross country mountain biking to winning a bronze medal for Scotland in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
He highlighted how an East Sutherland Wheelers road crit, held at the kart track in Golspie had inspired him in his move towards road cycling and he stressed some of the logistical difficulties faced by riders from the Highlands who aspire to race at a national and international level.
Mr Crockett's talk was followed by the prize-giving, during which Ewan Scott offered a round up of the season’s activities.
Speaking at the event, he said: “On April 20, 12 brave souls were on the start line for the first 10-mile time trial (TT) of the season. Over the course of the following weeks, through rain, wind, sun and more wind, there was an average of 15 riders per night – just brilliant numbers for a small club.
"By the time the season finished on September 7, a total of 19 TT events and 28 riders had taken part in at least one of them. It was encouraging to see a number of new faces over the course of the season and all seemed to enjoy the experience. More importantly, they have promised to return next year.
"Although the challenge of setting a personal best time over the 10-mile course is a driving force for us all, it would be fair to say that for many, the post-race 'craic' and 'legendary' home baking have a significant appeal."
Awards were presented as below, each with a comment from Mr Scott.
One Mile – "Clearly a fan of the short race, Ian Sargent won the men’s event, whilst in the ladies not even an inner tube could split Fiona Paton and Audrey Scott, who both posted identical times."
Hilly TT – "At just over five miles and 890 feet of climbing, the legendary Col du Knockarthur is the Wheeler’s equivalent of a day in the Alps, except for the weather. The winners are Kieran Robbins and Audrey Scott."
25 Mile TT – "Our longest race of the season, and it certainly felt like it, was won by Ewan Scott and Audrey Scott."
10 Mile TT series – "This is our main event of the season and was a culmination of 16 rounds. We had the pleasure one night of seeing Kyle Gordon (another Scottish Commonwealth cyclist who hails from Alness) set an amazing unofficial course record of 19 minutes 56 seconds. Fortunately for us mere mortals, Kyle was a guest rider!"
Scratch Winners – Ewan Scott and Audrey Scott
Junior Club Champion – Brogar Oliver Jones
Lady’s Club Champion – Kate Roach
Overall ESW TT Club Champion – Fergus Macleod
Mr Scott also reserved mention for the club's Team Competition, which was run over three nights. Congratulations went to Team Richard, who enjoyed a winning margin of two minutes 52 seconds over Team Coby.
Members wishing to join the club for next season can contact East Sutherland Wheelers via their Facebook page or by emailing the membership secretary at f.paton@btinternet.com for more details.
