Ayr Roads Cycling Club hosts the 2015 Scottish Championships this weekend as part of their David Bell Memorial Road Race.
Nearly 100 of Scotland’s best riders will line up in Maybole and use the Pennyglen circuit to see who will take the coveted Men’s and Women’s road race national titles. In the men’s race defending champion Evan Oliphant will line up in what is arguably the stiffest competition for years. Steven Lawley of Neon Velo will be hoping to get his arms up coming off the back of a strong ride at the week long Ras in Ireland, whereas Craig Wallace of Ziruana-Infisport has a claim to the men’s crown, in a bid to become one of the youngest Scottish champions in years. In the women’s race Jane Barr (Velocity 44 Stirling) from Alloa will be on the start line to defend her title.
The David Bell Memorial Road Race, which has been running since 1966, is regarded as a ‘fearsome’ race with its reputation of tough climbs, technical descents and the odd bit of coastal wind! The ‘Pennyglen Coastal Loop’ will send the riders out of Alloway and Doonfoot along the stunning coast line past Dunure before tackling Croy Hill. They swing left at the Pennyglen Toll before the high speed technical descent into the finish area at Cambusdoon. The 17 mile loop will be tackled 3 times by the women and 5 by the men. With fantastic viewing points for spectators throughout the course both riders and cycling fans are in for a great day. (Course description courtesy of the Scottish Cycling website)
Women’s race starts at 11am. Men’s race starts at 1pm.
So get down to Brig o’ Doon where you will be able to find out who’ll be taking the jewel in the Scottish Calendar’s crown. The start and finish area is Doonside Playing Fields KA7 4EB. Spectating is free on the course!