| Glasgow United - Round 7
Final round at Balloch AND what a tough one it proved...
The last round of the series for 2001 utilized
the longest lap of the 7 race series with a loop measuring
around 2.5 miles. The course was also the flattest of all
the events, which made for a fast race with no place to hide.
The ground was fairly firm underneath with a greasy energy-sapping
layer of mud, the long single track straights at first looked
like they would provide a close fought event, this wasn't
to be as the pack fragmented quickly on the first lap.
Iain Nimmo (Merlin Rocklobster) already having wrapped up
the series the previous week took an initial lead. This was
short lived as his chain jammed up only a quarter mile into
the first lap. From this point George Buchannan of host Club
Glasgow United took the bull by the horns and started to open
up a gap on the now chasing group made up of Steve Jackson
(GMBC/Alpine), Frederick Morriston (CC Abiets), Stephen Martin
and a recovered Nimmo.
Buchannan's luck was not to be as he punctured on the fourth
lap leaving Morriston and Jackson to battle it out at the
front with Nimmo alone in third unable to close the gap. The
battle for 1st and 2nd stayed close till the last lap with
both riders seeking maximum points to secure a trophy position
in the series amplified by the third contender in the running
Gareth Montgommery being relegated to the back of the field
also with a puncture.
It was Glasgow Mountainbikes Jackson who proved the strongest
on the final lap where he dropped a failing Morriston to take
the win by 20 seconds, Nimmo managed to hold it together for
third while Stephen Martin put a fine effort in to finish
fourth 20 seconds down on Nimmo.
Steve McEwan (Stirling Bike Club) had an early crash where
he collided with James Melville (Glasgow United) McEwan hit
the deck hard as Melville had a lucky escape, falling short
of the River which was in high spate. Buchannan and Montgommery
both had outstanding rides after puncturing, Buchannan worked
it back to 6th and Montgommery 8th.
With the Scottish Champs next week Steve Jackson and George
Buchannan look strong contenders to challenge reining champion
Nimmo for the 2001 title. Up there also will be Frenchman
Morriston and Cannondale rider Dan Whitehead while youngster
Gareth Montgommery won't be written out of the equation.
BIG thanks to all who helped make the series what it was :
HARDIE BIKES / PEDALPOWER WEST END CYCLES
STIRLING BIKE CLUB
GLASGOW UNITED
MIDLOTHIAN RT
And of Course GLENOCHIL for providing the Excellent Trophies
Iain Nimmo
Race Pictures
|
