Mud Galore in the Cyclo-Cross Championships

A clear but very cold day in Plean Country Park, Stirling marked the Cyclo-Cross Championships this year. The course was a mix of paths and grass sections, with a set of hurdles and a muddy run up to negotiate. The race was organised by Stirling Bike Club and allowed the students to compete alongside 140 other competitors.  In the student category, there were 4 institutions represented.

Louise Borthwick (green) of Edinburgh University following the overall winner Eileen Roe

The women’s race was first and Louise Borthwick, (University of Edinburgh) had a strong start, leading out the student category from Margaret Normand also riding for the University of Edinburgh. Louise was also up in the top positions in the women’s race overall. Over the 40 minutes race, the competitors completed 8 laps of the course, and by half way Louise had cemented herself as the leader in the student category and 3^rd in the overall race.

1^st Louise Borthwick (University of Edinburgh) 2^nd Margaret Normand (University of Edinburgh)

The student men were in the final race of the day with the senior men. By this stage, the course was particularly muddy and there were a few crashes in the opening laps as the riders learned the course.

Calum Kennedy (University of St Andrews) sliding out on the mud

There was a close battle in the student category between Calum Kennedy (University of St Andrews) and Charles Fletcher (University of Edinburgh) with Danny Mulholland (University of Glasgow) following closely in 3^rd. Calum had a strong start but Charles had the endurance and pulled away slowly over the hour race. By 13 laps, Charles was leading the student race and sitting 4^th in the men’s overall. Calum was the 2^nd student man over the line (8^th overall), with Danny finishing in 3^rd and 15^th overall.

Right to left: Calum Kennedy (University of St Andrews), Charles Fletcher (University of Edinburgh) and Danny Mulholland (University of Glasgow)

Thank you to Stirling Bike Club for hosting us and also to SS Cycling Chair (Emma Borthwick) for her assistance with organising the event. Well done to all competitors!