Carlos gains form with second place in hill climb

The Shetland Wheeler’s Cycling Club was well represented at the Ythan Hilly 20-mile time trial last weekend. Three riders made the journey south to compete on the roads around Ellon, a few miles north of Aberdeen. The morning started cool and misty but this lifted to leave a pleasant sunny day, although a stiffening breeze built up during the event.

John Anderson was the first Shetland rider away. He missed his start but was allowed to ride, setting off last, one minute behind the pre-race favourite. Unfortunately one of the marshals didn’t realize John was on the course, resulting in a long and tiring detour for Anderson through the lumpy and twisty country lanes. The previous day John had competed and performed well in the popular Balmoral 10k run, giving him his fastest time so-far for that event.

Christine McLean was next away, starting in her usual fast style. She is extremely pleased with her new Cervelo time trial bike, its light weight helping as she powered up the hills. One spectator on the steepest part of the course commented afterwards that she was the only rider to be seen smiling as she climbed!

Once again Christine finished first; her time of 50:31 was almost three minutes faster than her previous time on the same course.

Carlos Riise at No 35 was the last rider on the start sheet. He covered the hilly course in a very fast 45:54, earning him second place overall. This was his third competition of the year, his strong performance showing that he is gaining form in time for the start of the championship season. Previously Carlos finished sixth in a 25-mile time trial in Fife and third at Stirling with an excellent 21:16 in the Denny Road Club’s 10-mile time trial.

Carlos was the fastest rider at the club’s 10-mile time trial at Tingwall last week which he completed with an average speed of almost 27mph. It was another good turnout for the club’s weekly event and despite being a cold evening with a fresh southerly wind there were some good times achieved, most notably the personal bests by Colin Smith, Maurice Fraser and Barrie Scobie.

Carlos Riise 22:17; Colin Smith 23:20 PB; Scott Jamison 24:17 Christine McLean 24:23; Maurice Fraser 26:43 PB; Robin Atkinson 28:13; Barrie Scobie 28:55 PB; Bonar Barclay 30:01; John Robinson 39:39.