Cycling: Ayr Roads Cycling Club sweep a double

Aug 22 2008

AYR Roads Cycling Club are celebrating after an incredible seven days saw riders claim international championship medals in both cycling and duathlon.

John Mason produced a magnificent ride on the world class Manchester Velodrome to take the bronze medal in the UCI European Masters Track Championships. Having won the qualifying heats of the individual pursuit, John's final effort saw him clock an outstanding 2mins 48.9 seconds for the 2000m distance.

John's medal was presented by the UCI, the international governing body for cycling which overseas all major elite cycling events including the Tour de France and the Olympics.

His achievement came on the back of a very successful British Masters Championships campaign in which he won silver and bronze, while his compatriot Vic Possee also won a silver. Club chairman Andy McKinlay called it a "magnificent performance.”

A week later, Valerie Martin upped the game again, winning silver at the ITU World Long Course Duathlon Championships in Belgium.

The statistics for Val's performance were quite staggering – after setting a new personal best in the half marathon (1hr 27mins) she went on to produce a blistering 50 mile time trial performance – posting the fastest women's time, and the seventh fastest overall before finally completing the torturous event with a 40 minute 10km run.

While the club is no stranger to international success, having back-to-back medal winning performances in different disciplines is unprecedented.

As well as performing highly at an elite level, Ayr Roads CC/Harry Fairbairn BMW have been promoting grass roots sport, hosting a kids’ duathlon at Kilmarnock Park on August 6 which attracted 268 competitors.

The club is also in the final stages of establishing a mountain bike section in Barr aimed for youths which will help safeguard the future of cycle sport in Ayrshire.

They hope to attract a good number of members and volunteers. Anyone interested should contact Ayrroads@gmail.com