Cycling: Mark strengthens his series place

Jun 12 2009

AYR Roads Cycling Club/Harry Fairbairn BMW’s Mark Skilling moved another step up the overall series standings with a superb fourth place in the Tour of the Whang, the fifth round of the Scottish Super 6 Road Race ‘B’ Series.

Skilling was also instrumental in driving the pace earlier in the race, putting in a blistering acceleration off the front 28 miles in, reducing the 80 strong field to just 30 riders.

Teammates Alex McAllister and Trevor Wilson were on hand to carry out domestique duties and safely deliver Mark to another top five finish and coveted series points.

Meanwhile, club champion Kenny Armstrong made a return to elite level competition in the ‘A’ event. He demonstrated excellent form, burying himself several times to bring back breaks and stay in contention.

He was joined for the first time in the elite ranked event by club mate Craig Gilmour, who finished alongside Kenny in the main peloton.

Armstrong will go to the Davie Bell road race as defending club champion on June 20.

The Ayr Roads promoted event is widely regarded as the toughest single day road race in Scotland, and this year will be no exception.

Taking in two ascents of the arduous Nic of the Balloch climb, and featuring riders from the domestic professional Endura and Rapha Condor teams, it will be a hard-fought event.

Alongside prizes from 20-year club sponsor Harry Fairbairn BMW, a £250 prize will be awarded to the victor, courtesy of John Gemmell Coachworks.

A strong contingent of Ayr Road Riders made the journey to Millport for the annual TLI Cumbrae races.

In the morning 10-mile time trial, Alex McPhee was the fastest club rider home with a 24.17. Val Martin and Jim Shield also posted good times to win their respective categories.

In the afternoon race, John Gemmell led home the nine Ayr riders, including 18-year-old Amie Reid in her first road race.

Times from last Thursday's club time trial are as follows:

Craig Gilmour 22.59, Alan Brown 23.14, Alex McAllister 23.37, Brian Nichol 23.44, Alex McPhee 23.47, Tom Dempster 23.55, Grant Young 24.10, Rab Kelly 24.49 (PB), Jamie Keenan 24.53, Ed Connon 24.55 (PB), John Mason 24.59, Martin Shields 25.10 (PB), Val Martin 25.12, Trevor Wilson 25.24, Amie Reid 28.24.