Within only 23 minutes of the Dig In at the Dock Cyclocross race going live on the internet, it sold out of it’s first 100 places. The organisers were tasked with looking through the list of around 60 riders on the waiting list to select 30 who they felt could add even more sparkle and fun to the now increasingly popular season ending one for all bike race.
Words by John McComisky
The Event makes its return tomorrow, 5th January, to West Lothian at the cobbled Bo’ness Shoreline- Dockside area.
This year top riders from England, Scotland and Ireland, will be competing against, Commonwealth Games medallists and squad members, British Champions, Scottish Champions as well as International stage road race winners in what promises to be the biggest and best Dig In at the Dock to date.
Top riders already down to ride are Scottish professional riders and previous winners James McCallum (NFTO Cycling Team), Rab Wardell (T.B.A), Gareth Montgomerie and David Lines (currently the most successful rider in Scottish ‘cross this season), as well as Tour of Britain sensation Ben Greenwood.
The top pros will take on Ridley Scottish Cyclocross Series Veteran Champion Gary McCrae (Leslie Bikes), and Womens’ series winner Maddie Robinson (VC Moulin) in the unique one race event.
Said organisers David Hamill and John McComisky;
“ We are always completely overwhelmed by the interest in the event which is now in it’s third year. “Bo’ness should be really proud that it has this cycle race to showcase the town and Foreshore area, as we are hoping that the local residents come down to support the race just as they did in 2012/13.
“Our aim has always been to encourage a healthy sporting event in the town, and something for all the family to enjoy, and it is free of charge, and with this in mind we are putting on free face painting for the kids, handing out free cowbells to the spectators and making even more noise this year with the return of Sambalistic, who boomed out Samba for the crowd last year.”
The event has also maintained race sponsorship from Pedal Power in West Calder, one of Scotland’s largest retail cycle shops, who will be bringing down their full Endura Cycle Clothing range at January Sale prices as well as having a presence from some of the Worlds top cycling brands. Along with this presence, a full list of Bike Shops from all over Scotland will be displaying bikes and their wares on the day in a bikers village, and new for this year a Bo’ness Traders Village, where local business can display it’s creative side.
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There are further entertainments on the cards in the shape of live commentary, a race programme, and the now traditional Raffle competition to finish the day off in style. Throughout the day the Grange Kitchen will provide healthy hot and cold food to riders and spectators alike.
If you are looking for a healthy start to the year , the only place to be tomorrow is Bo’ness – action starts from 11am, with the hour-long race scheduled for 1pm.
The Organisers would like to thank the following for committing to support the race: Pedal Power West Calder, Falkirk Community Trust, Big Bobble Hats, Wear it like you Stole It Design, The Grange Kitchen, www.cross-shop.webs.com.
Have a look on Facebook for further information.
