AN EXCITING two days of racing took place at Innerleithen where mountainbikers of all ages battled it out for the honours in both XC and Downhill.
On the Saturday the riders were treated to a few trips up and down and around the hill on the testing course for the annual MTB Time Trial, which includes the Alistair Lees Memorial trophy, and this year was also the awarding race for the East of Scotland Cycling Association (ESCA) MTB Championship.
Jordon Doig was first back to take victory in the junior category in 1 hour 13 minutes. Dave Henderson was the fastest rider overall with a time of 1.11 and the win in the senior category. Iain Nimmo continued his unbroken record with his third win in a row in the Vets at this event in 1.17, taking home the Alistair Lees Memorial Trophy.
But the biggest winner of the day was Sandra Scully in the Women’s. Scully won the overall in 1 hour 55 minutes and was awarded the ESCA championship and also took the Queen of the Downhill prize with a time of 8.02 minutes on the final descent.
The King of the Downhill was Calum McRitchie in 6.14 minutes. The ESCA Championship for 2012 was awarded to Richard Teague in the Senior Men, Scott Lindsay in the Juniors and Keith Forsyth in the Vets.
Sunday got off to a dreich start but that didn’t stop the younger riders in action in round two of the Mini Downhill series for ages 10-18. The standard of racing has increased noticeable in the three years that the Mini events have been running at Innerleithen, with the young racers more than a match for the challenging course and close times in all categories reflected their skill.
Brother and sister team Laura and Adam Beaty again took the wins in their respective categories, female and 10-12 male, with best times of 1.58 minutes and 1.42 respectively. Less than 2 seconds separated the top five riders in the 10-12 category, showing just how deep a pool of talent is coming through in DH racing in Scotland. Jamie Stewart repeated his victory from round one in the male 13-14 with a time of 1.31, Calum McGee took the 15-16 male and fastest time of the day in 1.30.19 and Ruairidh McRitchie the 17-18 male with a time of 1.30.59.
There was another prize up for grabs at the Mini DH, a free weekend accommodation at The Stanes of Innerleithen. Linda from The Stanes was there to make the prize drawer, which was won by Daniel Willis.
Thanks to all the helpers and volunteers, and to i-Cycles of Innerleithen for providing the great courses and the prize vouchers for both events, and The Stanes for the accommodation prize.
The next events at Innerleithen are the Full Beam Day Night Mini DH on November 3 and Round 3 of the Mini DH series for ages 10-18 on November 4. Both events take place with the agreement and co-operation of Forestry Commission Scotland. To find out more visit www.innerleithenmtbracing.com
Online entries for the Full Beam Day Night Downhill are £25, the Mini DH £15 and available via the British Cycling entry system.