Posted: 15 May 2014
Words: Morven Brown
Photo credit: Phil Downie
On Sunday the 18th of May the 2014 Scottish Cross Country (SXC) Series continues it’s tour of Scotland, with an event on Nessie’s doorstep – Abriachan. Local club Ben Wyvis CC, in tandem with landowner, The Abriachan Forest Trust, have put in many hours of effort to develop the course and the event venue. 
The course is a must-do for all true mountain bike enthusiasts. Featuring testing single-track climbs, long, swooping descents and an abundance of roots and rocks, Abriachan is a technical challenge. There are categories for all abilities, with first time ‘Taster’ racers able to race on the same course alongside Elite riders and a specific course tailored for Under12 riders.
The first race start of the day at 11am from the Red Quarry Car Park will see the youngest and oldest riders take on the main course, along with all the women. The youngest of these riders, the Juvenile boys (12-14 years old) include the current series standing leader Tim Shoreman (Deeside Thistle CC) and local rider Tam Munro White (Ben Wyvis CC), while Edinburgh RC racer and round 1 victor, Sean Flynn, will be hoping to improve on his misfortune last month at Cathkin Braes. Conner Johnstone (Leslie Bikeshop/Bikers Boutique) will be hoping to make it a hat trick of victories in the Youth boys race, while Fin Crockett (Ben Wyvis CC) will be hoping local knowledge will prove advantageous. At the opposite end of the age spectrum, fellow Leslie Bikeshop athlete Mark Barnet is also looking for a trio of victories in the Grand Veteran men, however Gregor Grant (Moray Firth CC) and Kenny Kently will be hoping to throw a spanner in the works. Another Leslie Bikeshop rider going for his third win of the series is John Newton in the Super Veteran category.
In the women’s events, the Elite category will see a tussle between long-distance specialist Lisa Kamphausen (Ben Wyvis CC) and strong Enduro rider Gillian Pratt (Leslie Bikeshop), who is currently leading the Elite standings. Leading Juvenile girl Anna McGorum (Peebles CC) will be making the trip from the Scottish borders, while in the Youths, local lass Ella Conolly (Ben Wyvis CC) will be hoping to take her third top spot of the season following an impressive second place at the British National event. Reigning British Champion and Thomsons Cycles rider Erika Allen will take on Team Bicycles’ Elena Melton in the Junior girls race.
Just before 1pm, the Under 12 riders will take to a shorter version of the course for some fast and furious racing with up to 70 riders racing in various events. Riders will range from first timers on balance bikes, right up to experienced young racers. If you want all the excitement of mountain biking, with plenty of action – this is the race to watch!
The final races of the day will set off at 2pm with the Elite men leading out the arena. Rob Friel (Glasgow Whls) has provided spectators with some fantastic wheel to wheel racing action this season, and having managed to edge out two victories already this season will be hoping to make it three from three. Gridded directly behind the Elite men, the Junior boys will have the opportunity to follow their wheels and learn from Scotland’s top riders. Series leader Pearce Somerville (Rockhard MBC) is another rider hoping to consolidate his series standing with a third victory of the season, however the return of Harry Johnston (Thomsons Cycles) and Mark McGuire (Team Bicycles) could hamper his efforts.
Top Scottish Sport rider from Velo Club Moulin, Graeme Warren, will be hoping to move clear at the top of the series table. In the Master men category, Derek Shanks (Trek Concept Store Glasgow) will aim to repeat his Cathkin Braes victory, with Scott Logan (TheBicycleWorks) hoping to overturn the result. Current SXC and Scottish Cyclocross Champion Gary McCrae (Leslie Bikeshop) already has a clear lead in the Veteran category, however the rest of the strong pack will look to chase him all the way.
There will be entry on the day for all categories, with riders signing on at least an hour before racing begins. We also have some great catering on site which will be provided by the Grange Kitchen. The SXC and Ben Wyvis CC look forward to welcoming as many riders as possible to the bonnie Highlands!
You can find out more information about the event here.
Scottish Cycling underpins and co-ordinates the organisation of over 644 events each year. This provides a full calendar of competition within the six core cycling disciplines across the length and breadth of the country.
