Cycling: Harry Fairbairn backing lives on

Jun 5 2009

AYR Roads Cycling Club have announced the continued support of Harry Fairbairn BMW.

It marks the 20th year that the club has been associated with the Fairbairn brand. The late Harry Fairbairn was himself one of --the founding members of the club. As well as a successful business man, Harry was a very talented cyclist with a string of national medals, records, and tales of epic touring.

The club recognise the generosity of parent company Arnold Clark in continuing to honour Harry's commitment to cyclesport. It comes at a time when the club has seen membership double in the past 18 months.

Riders have won medals at Scottish, British, European and World Championship level and the club has also enjoyed back to back victories in road racing courtesy of veteran Alex McAllister and relative novice Mark Skilling.

The club also has ambitious plans within the community, as progress continues in establishing the Barr and District (BAD) mountain bike club for youths.

Preparations are well underway for the 44th David Bell Memorial Race, in honour of one of Harry Fairbairn's contemporaries, David E.T. Bell. Entries have come from all over Scotland for the June 20 event, and currently include talented youngster Calum Wilkinson, and the Etape Caledonia winner Veli-Matti Raikonnen.

Last Thursday, Ayr Roads CC celebrated the 2009 Year of Homecoming, playing host to the third round of the Rabbie Burns 250 series over the testing Pennyglen circuit. Jim Cusick won by over two minutes. Neil Walker was fastest Ayrshire rider home to take maximum points, while Craig Gilmour led home the host club. The Lantern Rouge, Andy Wilson, was delighted to ride home with a bottle of Singe Malt.

Results: 1. Jim Cusick (Glasg Couriers) 36:59; 2. Neil Walker (Walkers Cycling) 39:09; 3. David Millar (Glasg Couriers) 40:19; 4. Gordon Graham (Fullarton Wheelers) 40:24; 5. Craig Gilmour (Ayr Roads) 40:44; 6. Brian Nicol (Ayr Roads) 42:41; 7. Trevor Wilson (Ayr Roads) 43:23; 8. David Wards (Fullarton Wheelers) 43:41; 9. Robert Kelly (Ayr Roads) 44:16; 10. Martin Shields (Ayr Roads) 45:12; 11. Jamie Keenan (Ayr Roads) 45:13; 12. Scott Russell (Walkers Cycling) 46:48; 13. Val Martin (Ayr Roads) 48:16; 14. Tommy Gribben (Walkers Cycling) 49:47; 15. Andrew Wilson (St Christopher’s CC) 53:01.

AYRSHIRE CTC have a ladies ride from the Citadel car park, Ayr, on Saturday from 11am for a gentle pedal to the Stair Inn. Call Pat on 01290 550276.