Gary Hand (Pedal Power), race winner at Gifford in Round 1 carries his Scottish Cycling Super 6 Series lead into Round 2 at Scotland’s highest village of Wanlockhead on Saturday.
The village sits at 467 metres (1531 feet) and used to be known as ‘God’s Treasure House’, due to the local mineral wealth.
[There’s a village in Fife which is known as ‘The Street of Fear’ due to the propensity of the locals to commit random acts of violence on strangers — but that’s another story].
VeloVeritas thought we’d best have a word with organiser Callum Gough to get the low down on the race (highest village — low down?… please yourself!)
Callum, I remember you as a demon climber back in the 80’s.
“Yeah, I was with Liverpool Century and I got the bronze in the RTTC hill climb championships in ’81. The North West scene was very strong back then, as well as The Century there were our deadly rivals The Mercury, with the Fleetwood brothers — and of course there was the Kirkby.
“It was common place for races to be over subscribed, hopefully the Super Six Series is taking us back to those days; I’ve had 241 entries so far and they’re still coming in.”
Does the race have a history?
“No, this is the first edition. When James McCallum first discussed the Series, he said he was looking for new organisers, new races, new ideas – not just the ‘same old, same old,’ where you rolled up and rode like part of some secret society. He wanted organisers that weren’t blinded by past experience, organisers who would organise the local community and make the race a bit special.
“The sport is getting pushed off the roads and we have to react to that, maybe even try for closed roads. We want to make a weekend of it — next year we hope to promote a Sportif, the next day. But I’d prefer a summer date, the only thing that worries is me is the weather — that and missing the Tour of Flanders!”
Tell us about the course.
“It’s a tough one; it’s basically a triangular circuit of around 15 miles to be covered four times, total distance is 64 miles.
There’s a five mile gradual downhill on poor surfaces, then five miles on flat, exposed roads then a five mile gradual climb from Abingdon to Leadhills to complete the lap. The climb is a power job, even though it’s a tough course you won’t need the inside ring.”
And you have a good field?
“Yes! 241 entries in total, including 50 fourth cats, so we’ve got full fields for both races. The ‘entry central’ system has been a boon — no more stamp addressed envelopes!
Gary Hand is riding, defending his lead; Ben Greenwood (right) is up for Rapha and there’s all the usual good Scottish guys, like Gordon Murdoch (Pedal Power), Stuart McGregor (Velo Ecosse) and Paul Rennie (Dooleys).”
Who’s your sponsor?
“Scottish Power Renewables are the main one, there’s good prize money for each race and for the series overall you are running into very good money.”
What have you got laid on for spectators?
“The race HQ is the Wanlockhead Inn and there’ll be party there after the race — it should be quite a ‘do!’ There’s a free barbecue for spectators; the race will be piped out of the village and the local MSP, Kate Gillan will start the event.”
What did you think of the first race of the Series, at Gifford?
“I rode the ‘A’ race, I got round, they couldn’t get rid of me, I just hung in like an old pro! The standard of promotion was very good; the only races that I’ve ridden in Scotland that would be compare, would be Girvan and the old Tour of the Kingdom, back in the 80’s.”
And who’s gonna win?
“I know that Gary Hand is going very well, he had a good Girvan but I think he’ll be marked out of it. If Greenwood has recovered fitness then he’ll be dangerous, but I reckon that Paul Rennie is the man, knowing the course helps a lot and these are local roads for him.”
A free barbecue and a post race barbecue, they didn’t have races like that when I was a boy!
Race Information
Race Headquarters: Wanlockhead Inn, Dumfriesshire.
Race Officials
Chief Commissaire – Tom Forbes (‘A’ & ‘B’ race)
Commissarie – Graeme Herd (‘A’ & ‘B’ race)
Chief Judge – TBA…
Photo Finish Judge – Bill Dunscombe (‘A’ & ‘B’ race)
Gear Checker – TBA…
Race Organiser
Callum Gough
Old Manse
Wanlockhead
Tel: 0165974583
Mob: 07717768324
Assistant Organiser – Andy Verral
Notes for Competitors
- Competitors must sign-on at least 30minutes prior to the commencement of their event.
- Riders who have not completed sign-on will be withdrawn and reserve riders will be included in the field. This will be strictly enforced.
- Please remember to bring your 2008 race licence with you.
- Junior gears will be checked. All Juniors MUST have their gears checked before and after the event.
- Race numbers must be properly affixed, see diagram below, do not fold numbers. Body numbers must be visible at all times. Frame numbers must be located within the front triangle on the frame or behind the seat-post. Timing chips must be located as per Sign on Instruction.
- Both races will be neutralised until Leadhills. Riders WILL ATTEND race briefing, leader’s jersey presentation 20 minutes before start time in the car park of the HQ (Wanlockhead Inn) . After wave off from dignitary we will go out in convoy. Wearing of leader’s jersey and: attendance at briefing is compulsory. Race leaders please come prepared to change jerseys.
- NO RACE SHOE PLATES ON THE WOODEN FLOOR OF THE HQ!!!!!
- Neutral service will be provided. Service is on the left hand side of the road. A rider should place a hand in the air when safe if service is required. No wheels given in then no service. Odd numbers front/Even numbers rear. Name on wheel please.
- Riders who retire must report to the Chief Judge or Photo Finish operator to report a nonfinish.
- Competitors in Race ‘A’ must not use the course for warming up while the ‘B’ race is in progress. Please be aware of other competitors, officials and public using the circuit.
- Competitor Parking is in the Old Tennis court carpark . This will be signposted and is as indicated in the race village map. Strictly NO PARKING in the WANLOCKHEAD INN or MUSEUM CAR PARKS.
- Parking at Wanlockhead Inn is for Official convoy only this will be strictly enforced no blaggers as there is limited space.
- Due to the limited number of toilets inside the HQ, the Museum of Lead Mining (Hidden Treasures) toilets are available for competitors and officials. They are located outside the Museum.
- A free BBQ and T and cakes bar will be provided after each event at the Wanlockhead Inn.
- Presentations for both races will be held in the Wanlockhead Inn approx 1 hr after the race or ASAP. DON’T PARK IN THE CARPARK OF WANLOCKHEAD INN.
- Reserve riders who entered and paid via Entry Central have been refunded. Should a reserve rider take a place in the field they are required to pay entry fee prior to signing on.
- Unfortunately there are limited Changing rooms and no showers.
- Ladies have a small changing facility in the wooden wigwam at the Wanlockhead Inn .
- Males have limited changing (approx 20 people) at the rear of the Wanlockhead Inn (NOT INSIDE THE PUB GUYS)! So where possible change in your vehicles. NO RACE SHOES ON THE WOODEN FLOORS OF THE HQ.
- The Museum café is open from 9am, HQ, The Wanlockhead Inn is open for Tea and breakfasts from 9am and lunches most of the day.
- For the none cyclists the Museum of Lead Mining will while away some time while you wait for your athletes, the libraries in our two neighbouring villages are two of the oldest subscription libraries in the world.
- In Leadhills the village Hall will be open for tea
- In Leadhills the Hopetoun Arms will be open for meals and bar snacks from 12:30
- Accommodation required? Call Callum on 07717768324 or Nicky on 0165974583 for a local list.
- As you finish please pass around the outside of the timing mat do not cross over it again or you will get a later finish position.
- In the event of extreme weather (ie. snow) we will de-camp the HQ down the hill to Leadhills village hall if this will make a difference to race conditions. Wanlockhead road conditions often suffer worse than Leadhills in such conditions.
- COURSE CONDITION ON THE LEADHILLS TO ELVANFOOT ROAD IS VERY POOR WITH MANY POTHOLES, USE APPROPRIATE CARE AND EQUIPMENT .
- Weather in this area is extreme please dress appropriately.
‘A’ Race – Start List
1 Gary Hand Pedalpower.org.uk/Endura Race Team ELITE
2 James McCallum Plowman craven ELITE
3 Greenwood Ben Rapha-Condor/Recycling.co.uk ELITE
4 Gordon Murdoch PedalPower.org.uk / Endura RT ELITE
5 Alister Kay york cycleworks ELITE
6 Paul Coats Pedalpower.org.uk/Endura Race Team 1
7 Kevin Barclay Pedalpower.org.uk/Endura Race Team 1
8 Colin Ash Andersons Racing 1
9 Paul Rennie Dooleys cycling RT 1
10 Ian Taylor MTS CYCLESPORT INKLAND 1
11 Neil Withington Andersons Racing 1
12 Raymond Wilson Sandy Wallace Cycles 1
13 Phillip Brown Velo Ecosse 1
14 Andrew Tinsley onimpex RT Bioracer 1
15 Scott Macrae PedalPower.org.uk / Endura RT 2
16 Euan Pope Glasgow Couriers — DB Developments 2
17 Lewis Oliphant Equipé Velo Ecosse/Montpeliers 2
18 Ross Crook Edinburgh RC 2
19 Mathew Linacher Onimpex RT Bioracer Museeuw 2
20 Arthur Doyle Dooleys cycles racing team 2
21 Paul McInally East Kilbride RC 2
22 David Lines Pedalpower.org.uk/Endura Race Team 2
23 Smart Chris Glasgow Kooriers 2
24 Rab Wardell Sandy Wallace Cycles 2
25 Callum Wilkinson Bicycleworks 2
26 Joe Wilson Sandy Wallace Cycles 2
27 Micky Mallen GS Metro 2
28 Allan Mill GS Metro 2
29 Steve Davies Onimpex RT Bioracer-Museeuw 2
30 Ian Sim Glasgow Couriers DB Developments 2
31 Tim Allan GS Metro 2
32 Jon Kelly GS Metro 2
33 Barry Crumlish Glasgow Couriers — DB Developments 2
34 Chris Harney Edinburgh RC 3
35 Andrew Fish pedal power endura RT 3
36 Veli-Matti Raikkonen Granite City RT 3
37 Derek Walker East Kilbride RC 3
38 Lee Whitelaw Edinburgh RC – The Bicycleworks 3
39 Scott Johnson VC. ASTAR 3
40 Blair Gibb PedalPower.org.uk / Endura RT 3
41 Peter Murdoch EKroadclubcyclelane 3
42 Alan Dow Sandy Wallace Cycles 3
43 Mark Richards East Kilbride Road Club 3
44 Barry McGurk Team Icarus 3
45 Mark Millington the bicycleworks.com 3
46 Michael Nicolson Glasgow Wheelers 3
47 Stephen Russell EKroadclubcyclelane 3
48 Richard Chapman Bicycleworks.com 3
49 Jason Roberts Glasgow Nightingale CC 3
50 Sean Clark Pedal Power RT 3
51 Kenneth Armstrong Ayr Roads CC 3
52 Alan Thomson Glasgow Couriers — DB- Developments 3
53 Peter Collins Drummond-Datasafe / Glenmarnock 3
54 Aiden Mcilroy Edinburgh Road club Bicycleworks 3
55 Russell Craig Ythan CC 3
56 Alister Watt Granite City RT 1V
57 Graham Mcg