Cycling: Val shows Iron for Scottish title

Aug 28 2009 by Mike Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR Roads Cycling Club / Harry Fairbairn BMW have yet another national champion.

Val Martin became Scottish ladies half ironman champion in Aberfeldy, clocking a super 5hrs 46 minutes for the 1900 metre swim, 90k cycle, and half marathon.

Not only were the physical characteristic of the race hard, the cycle course included two tough four mile ascents, Val also had to contend with difficult weather.

Val was once again racing her bike less than a week afterwards in the club time trial series. On a windy night Alan Brown emerged victorious yet again. With only a few weeks remaining, he has virtually cemented his lead, and the title of time trial champion.

Results: 1. Alan Brown 23.57; 2. Brian Nichol 24.38; 3. Tom Dempster 24.40; 4. Ed Connon 25.41; 5. Robert Kelly 26.28; 6. David Blockley 26.59; 7. Dave Clifford 27.41; 8. Frazer Grant 28.15; 9. Vic Possee 28.30; 10. Campbell Rae 29.57; 11. Amie Reid 30.41.

There were mixed results in the weekend's road racing. Alex McAllister was highest place finisher in the Glasgow Ivy masters road race, finishing eight in category.

There was disappointment for Chris McConnell who got stuck behind an early crash and failed to regain contact with the group. Chris will join the rest of the road races for the District Championships in Wanlockhead this weekend as he prepares to qualify for the Falkirk Team event.

With club champion Mark Skilling, and fellow ranked rider Kenny Armstrong also entered, Ayr Roads are fielding a very impressive team.