Cycling; Skilling makes his Mark

Sep 11 2009 by Mike Wilson

ANOTHER bumper weekend of action was enjoyed by Ayr Roads Cycling Club / Harry Fairbairn BMW.

Saturday saw the racersdivide into two teams, the first to protect Mark Skilling's fourth place in the Super 6 event at Wanlockhead, and the second to contest the Bealach Mor, a gruelling 90 mile sportive over the gruesome Bealach-na-Ba climb to Applecross. Despite the 250 miles separating them, both parties had miserable weather.

Going into Wanlockhead, Skilling lay fourth overall in the national road race series. With Keith Hood, Alex McAllister and John Gemmell on domestique duties, it was hoped that Mark would be able to leapfrog third place rider Ciaran Dougherty of East Kilbride.

Mark rode a very aggressive race, breaking off the front on the first lap. Sadly, Mark's attack was quickly neutralised by the strong headwind, and for the remainder of the race the bunch stayed largely together.

A strong ride by Alex McAllister helped Mark into front group on the final hill to contest the sprint. Mark rode to a superb 10th place, securing fourth overall in the series, however Dougherty's sprint for second place ensured he held on to the bronze medal.

Recognising that this is only Skilling's first full season, it is a remarkable achievement to secure fourth overall in a national series, requiring consistent top 10 finishes.

Alex McAllister hung on to 28th, while Keith Hood finished a further minute back in 36th and John Gemmell brought up the rear in 55th.

Meanwhile, in the Bealach Mor, Robert Kelly delivered the surprise ride of the day, clocking just 5hrs 3 minutes for the 90 mile event to finish 24th. Riders reported headwinds for 60 of the 90 miles and torrential downpours.

Chris McConnell again displayed his climbing legs, while seasoned sportive riders James Mason and Bill Black both suffered from the harsh conditions, getting the knock in the last quarter to finish 72nd and 94th respectively. For all the club members to finish in the first third, and to stick up the atrocious conditions was a great achievement.

This weekend, Ayr Roads contest the Falkirk BC Team Road Race. A strong team built around Skilling will be hoping for high finish on the Airth circuit.