The Lake APR (Australian Pursuit Race) is a classic early season event on the Scottish road race calendar and is promoted by Glasgow Nightingale Cycling Club. The event kicks off at 10.30am on the A811 just east of Buchlyvie and the course runs anti-clockwise twice round the Lake of Menteith finishing on the A875 after an uphill final stretch north through Balfron.
As the race is an APR six groups will set off at intervals according to category and current form, the fastest, or ‘scratch’, group sets off last. The winner can be expected to cross the line at approx 12.30pm, and prizes will be presented at Buchlyvie Halls afterwards.
The very impressive start sheet includes many well known faces on the Scottish road race scene and a number of promising younger riders. As well as ex-Scottish champ McGarrity (Edge Racing) and current Vets champ Stewart McGregor (Velo Ecosse) we have the winner of last week’s hard fought Hugh Dornan Road Race at Garelochhead Gordon Murdoch (East Kilbride RC) and 18 year old Kevin Barclay (Plowman-Craven Evans Cycles) who, along with 17 year old Peter Ettles (Pedal Power), will doubtless be giving the older riders a hard time.
A great race is confidently expected, and even the weather seems to be on side after last years snowed-off disappointment!
The Lake APR Race Details
Race Headquarters for “The Lake” APR, rider sign-on, changing accommodation and post-race prize ceremony are in the Buchlyvie Halls, Main Street, Buchlyvie.
Full course distance is 43 Miles / 69 Km.
Race starts 10.30 AM
The Lake APR Race Route
1st Circuit
Start Lay-by A811 1 mile from junction of A875, onto Arnprior.
Turn left at Arnprior onto B8034 to Port of Menteith.
Turn Left onto A81 to junction with A821.
Turn left at junction to Ballat Toll.
Turn left at Ballat Toll onto A811 back to start.
2nd Circuit
Re-trace 1st circuit to Ballat Toll.
Straight on at Ballat Toll to Indian Road.
Turn left at Indian Road onto A875.
Turn left onto A875 through Balfron to finish.
Start Sheet
The Start sheet can be found on the Glasgow Nightingale Cycling Club website here.