Well, I headed off to Girvan with the club (Discovery Juniors) who
were competing in the youth events alongside the main criterium.
Beautiful day, lovely weather. Met up with Mr Brooke of this parish
who was marshalling the corner at which I had chosen to take pictures.
The day started with a fast and furious 60 mile first stage. At one
point th epack were allegedly holding 40mph uphill.
We arrived after this was over. There were various Go-Ride activities
going on in the park, keeping the kids entertained. Chris Hoy was out
and about - a very nice man indeed. Nothing and noone seemed to be too
much bother for him.
The youth race went well, despite some confusion on the part of the
commentator as to how long it was (and the eventual victor who crossed
the line on the penultimate lap, arms aloft). Not a huge field, and
only one entry in each of the girls A and girls B categories,
surprising given that there was allegedly 1000 GBP in cash prizes on
offer for this youth series race.
We picked up the team prize for having most competitors in the event
(a healthy contribution to club coffers).
There were the traditional kids races - 200m along the finish straight
which my kids enjoyed making up the minor placings on.
Then there was the main evening event. 15 laps, just under 100 riders,
and a course where you could pedal through the corners. Fast and
furious. The sound of 200 tyres ripping it up at 30mph+ is really
quite astonishing. No major incidents, just a few retirees.
All in all a good, if long day out as we didn't get back to Dundee
till 11pm.
If you are around Girvan, it would be well worth popping down to see
the last two stages, and Mr Brooke says Hi!
...d