Outstanding time by Paterson in 10-mile time trial
Former Caithness Cycling Club member Gary Paterson, now living in Fife, was on excellent form in the club’s latest 10-mile time trial, clocking an outstanding time of 23 min 48 sec on a very windy evening.
Stuart Swanson took second place, followed by Alistair Miller, who had a nine-second advantage over Iain Miller.
A 20 mph south-east wind made the outward, mainly uphill, leg very tough but many riders romped home at an average speed of over 30mph. Most were well down on their season’s best but Martine Hughes and Gary Angus improved by 14 and 6 seconds respectively, to take the maximum points in the handicap league.
Alasdair Washington (87) chose a hard night for his first of the season but was well pleased with his efforts.
Fifty-one-year-old Gary Paterson showed form reminiscent of his youth when he rode for Scotland, competed in the Tour of Britain and the Tour of Ireland, was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Games, and raced in Brittany for a local French team. He has recently branched out into triathlons and plans to compete in the Celtman ultra triathlon later this month.
Times: 1 Gary Paterson, 23 min 48 sec; 2 Stuart Swanson (road bike), 26.47; 3 Alistair Miller, 27.53; 4 Iain Miller, 28.02; 5 Angus Mackay, 28.28; 6 Gary Angus, 29.02; 7 Lorna Stanger, 29.05; 8 Phil Cartwright, 30.04; 9 Alasdair Washington, 30.48; 10 Martine Hughes (road bike), 36.00.
After eight events Alistair Miller has a five-point lead in the Handicap League but just two points separate the next four riders.
Positions: 1 Alistair Miller (24 points); 2 Phil Cartwright (19); 3eq Roger Broughton and Martine Hughes (18); 5 Gary Angus (17); 6, Lorna Stanger (16.5).
With a fairly strong headwind for the outward leg, times were poorer than previous weeks for Wick Wheelers’10-mile time trial.
Danny Miller was once again a clear winner from Derek Fraser, with Charlie Mackay third and James Munro fourth.
Lisa Coghill was the only lady on the night. Ewen Scott suffered a puncture and failed to finish.
Times: 1 Danny Miller, 24 min 43 sec; 2 Derek Fraser, 28.09; 3 Charlie Mackay, 30.28; 4 James Munro, 31.22; 5 Lisa Coghill, 35.28; Ewen Scott DNF.