Scottish Cyclocross
Auchentoshan
Sunday 18th October
Mud, slips, and smiling faces are the best words for the 2nd Cyclocross Race at Auchentoshan. There was a smaller turnout than the Plean race, but the Wallace Warriors spirit made it all the better. The Warriors were giving lots of support to the riders in the adult race and there were many happy faces from the kids.
After warming up on the practice lap following one of the organisers, everyone was ready to go. The youngest riders had a 2 lap advantage, so the pressure was on the older riders to catch them twice in their 10 minutes + 1 lap race. Rhona Callander, as usual, had an excellent start and blasted away into the top 3, but at the first corner she wiped out and had a small mechanical problem. Luckily she was quick to sort it out and jump back on. This accident was the first of many, as she was trying really hard and was flying round the course.
Phillipa Samphier also had a great start, and managed all of the technical parts of the course with ease. Probably due to the coaching she’s had with the Warriors! Erika Allen closely followed Phillipa off the start line with Rhona Samphier, Katie Allen, Linzi Sword and Findlay Sword on her tail.
During the race Katie managed to catch up with Rhona Callander every time she slipped, but finished shortly behind her on the line, and ended a fantastic 2nd and 3rd overall in the girls.
Findlay and Rhona Samphier were the youngest Warriors there and did really well using their skills to great effect on the steep climbs and off camber corners!
Not wanting to be outdone by her younger brother, Linzi battled well and showed a great performance in her first race.
It was a very tight competition but Joe from Carnegie Cyclones came in to take the victory and there was a sprint finish to the line with Jamie Willoughby from Drumlanrig just edging out Erika Allen to take second place. Go the girls!!! With the Warriors taking the top 3 places.
We hope to see another great turnout from the Warriors at Mugdock next Sunday.
Erika
