Sutherland’s final triumph

CAITHNESS Cycling Club held its final race of the year with the annual hill climb championship on Scrabster Hill. It was run in very adverse conditions, with a 35 mph headwind and heavy showers, and was won by Allan Sutherland in the excellent time for the conditions of 7 min 54 sec.

In a close battle for second fastest, Darren Bain took silver while, just one second behind, 15-year-old Joe Spencer won the youth gold medal. His father, David, gained the senior bronze and Lorna Stanger won the ladies’ title.

Results – 1 A. Sutherland 7 min 54 sec. 2 D. Bain 8.54. 3 J. Spencer 8.55. 4 D. Spencer 9.32. 5. Lorna Stanger 10.17. 6 S. Christie 10.28. 7 N. Huyg 11.15. 8 J. Amy 12.14. 9 J. Sinclair 15.13.

Dave Morrill and Sutherland travelled to the Applecross area for the tough 90-mile Bealach Sportive event which attracted 500 entries. However, because of severe weather conditions, with gales and lashing rain, the notorious climb was bypassed and the event reduced to 68 miles. Despite this, both riders seemed to enjoy their day and both did extremely well, with Sutherland finishing in the 22nd best time.

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