Lets go round again…

The Hairy Coo returned with a splash this weekend, with riders from around the country lining up against each other in the muddiest conditions yet for the mountain bike race held at Comrie Croft Bikes Trails.

The sky was looking ominous as the field assembled for the Wee Race, a sharp multi-lap blast around the lower half of the trails. It was a very healthy field that took off at a great rate, and was soon stringing out as the course rose to the high point for riders to begin the descent.

The conditions were getting slippery, but it added to the fun and there was some great racing action on show. The top riders completed 5 laps of the course, with Tormond Doherty winning the gents race, followed by Aiden Doherty. Strathearn Mountain Biking Club member Michael Aldridge came in third. Top ladies in the Wee Race were Petra Boevink, Helen Doherty and Samantha Seeds.

Next up to test themselves were the Bairns, and the determination and talent of the young ones is very impressive. They were challenged with a short but technical circuit and there were thrills and spills aplenty as they battled it out. The 9-11s were won by Charlie Aldridge and Niamh Doherty, and the under 9s by Finton Price and Iona Aldridge.

The rain was nothing if not persistent and the conditions under wheel were far from ideal as the riders lined up for the Big Race. 5 laps of the full course awaited them and they were undeterred by the conditions to produce some of the most exciting racing of the day with some great tussles on both the leg sapping climbs and the slippery descents.

Romping home to take the victory was Gareth Montgomerie, who completed the 5 laps in a shade under 2 hours. Second home was Robert Friel, with reigning champion Iain Nimmo coming in third. First lady home was Elke Prasad, with an impressive ride, and followed home by Morven Brown, with Elena Melton both third in the main race, and first junior.

The Vets race was won by David Maurray, with Willie Duncan in second. The juniors winner was Calum Foster with last years wee race winner Findlay Kinloch moving up a category to claim second place.

A big well done to everyone who took part and it was impressive to see the camaraderie out on the course, with everyone having a great time sliding around in the mud. A big thanks to all the Marshals and timekeepers, and the registration team. Also thanks for the cooperation of everyone at Comrie Croft, everyone who donated a prize, especially Carnelian Crafts for the bespoke first prizes.

Full Results can be found on the Drovers Tryst site. Photos are available here from Reekie Photography. Hopefully see you again in 2012!