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Fiery Cross - Round 2
Round 5 of Series
Jammy Makes the Day
 What
a day, probably the best Fiery X to date with Jammy Johnston
doing a blinder on the commentary. His PA echoing around the
course while a separate sound system pumped out a dance beat
at the bottom of the climb giving the riders some well-required
rhythm to tackle the greasy ascent.
Oasis made their appearance for the pre-ride hour. But the
Big Man (see the Bitchin'
Board) failed to deliver.
So a hot Ibiza mix sent the riders on their way for a grueling
but challenging 13 laps (for the first 5 riders at least).
The well-feared descent, aptly named The Chute, stayed well
greasy throughout providing a challenge well beyond the call
of duty, while the large Oak at the bottom stayed firmly rooted.
 Steve
Jackson (GMBC/Alpine Bikes), winner from the previous round
at Glenrothess went off like a Nov. 5th Rocket while Iain
Nimmo held from around 20 yards. The two were locked until
the end of the 2nd lap where Nimmo took the lead and started
to open up a gap which was to increase lap by lap.
The chasing bunch was headed by Irishman John Plunkett, the
Sandy Wallace rider looked strong as he led out Gareth Montgomery
(Edinburgh Uni) the proud dad Frederick Morriston (wee boy
last Sunday) and James Melville (Glasgow United).
Only slight changes were seen by the mid-race point where
John Plunkett dropped his guard while Montgommery and Morriston
started a battle for third and foutrth.
Merlin/Rock Lobster rider Nimmo continued his domination
at the front pulling out 10 seconds a lap on Jackson. Nimmo
however carried a bit of luck as he snapped his chain on the
last lap and had to run only the last short loop of the course
to hold on for the win by 1:50 from Jackson while Montgomery
came home a strong third. Morriston held in for 4th being
the only rider on the day using a cross bike, justifying the
tough nature of the 1 mile loop. Morriston kept a cool head
and showed many of the MTBers how to ride both the sharp burn
crossing and the treacherous Chute sections on his tall fully
rigid machine, a quality ride by the Frenchman.
 In
the Woman's race, Ruth McGavigan stamped her authority in
her first cross race by lapping all her counterparts and sent
big signals out to contenders Christine Allan and Sarah Gilliam
for next years Scottish Team. With Gilliam missing, Christine
held on for second while Fiona Walker took 3rd.
The junior race saw Steven Paterson return to take the win
while in Youth, Alistair Miller continued his domination with
Douglas Shearer of Stirling Bike Club put in a gutsy challenge
to take second on a borrowed bike after drawing the last blood
from his front wheel in a spectacular crash on the drop-off
six laps in.
Highlights of the day -
Steve McEwan turned up on time (only because he was told
the start was 1 hour earlier than it was!)
 Dean
Martin (10 years old) tamed The Chute.
Jammy Jonhstone chanced his arm with Fiona Walker lap by
lap ??????
Kieran Hay (the Roadie) managed to puncture an MTB tyre (he's
rippin'!)
John Plunkett jumped it...the board that is!
How was the Fiery Cross for you? - We would like your feedback
on the event please - good, bad or indifferent, please click
here
to leave a message, thanks.
Iain Nimmo
Race Results
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