Super Quaich Cyclocross returns to Ayr
Ayr Burners Cycling QTS will host round three of the 2020 Scottish Super Quaich Cyclocross Series on Sunday 2nd February. The racing forms part of the 6th Doonbank Trofee Cyclocross races at Rozelle Park in the heart of Ayr.
The 2020 Super Quaich got underway in Broxburn on Sunday at the ‘Battle of the Bing’. A spectacular course, laid out by former international pro James McCallum saw exciting racing, and heralded a new era in Scottish cross with Under 23 riders dominating the top 10 of the men’s and women’s results. The series moves to East Lothian for the Thistly Cross, before arriving in Ayr for the popular Doonbank Trofee.
Last year’s event was hailed the best yet, raced under bright blue skies and with a new course featuring technical wooded sections, fast hard paths, and some classic muddy slop to keen things interesting.
Cyclocross has been the fastest growing branch of cycle sport in Scotland in recent years, being hugely accessible for both riders and spectators. With riders demonstrating incredible bike handling skills, in addition to speed, the racing regularly draws a crowd to the course.
A full day of cyclocross action is planned, starting with a free-to-enter ‘Fun-Ride’ for under 12s. Kids will have the chance to race down the finish straight as part of a specially designed 1km course. The format is simple, with riders having 20 minutes to complete as many, or as few, circuits as they want, with all riders getting a prize. No special equipment is needed, just a bike, helmet, and a guardian to register in time for 10:45 start.
The racing starts at 11:15 with categories for Under 16 and Under 14s. The juniors will take on the same circuit as the adults, with the chance for local riders to compete for the Scottish Cycling South West Championship title.
With over 200 riders due on the startline for the Super Quaich, racers are seeded over two fields. Riders in the B race get underway at 1215, chasing the five coveted promotion spots to get into the next round’s A race. Having dominated proceedings last year, local riders James Edwards (Ayr Burners) has firmly secured his A race position.
The main event of the day, the Super Quaich, gets underway at 1:30pm. A hundred riders will sprint off the start line for 1hr of racing around a specially constructed circuit in Rozelle. All eyes will be on home favourite Harry McGarvie, just back from racing international cyclocross in Belgium over Christmas. The 18year old had a strong start to the series at Battle of the Bing, despite accumulated fatigue. He will also want to defend his regional title.
The exact start sheet will be published in the week before the event, but is expected to include the best of the young generation of Scottish cross racers. Organisers JohnPaul Baxter and Christopher Johnson, representing Ayr Burners, encourage everyone to come out and get involved. “It’s always great to welcome the best riders to the heart of Ayr, who really appreciate the support they get from locals. After five years of experimenting we have a course that works really well for both racers and spectators.”
The Doonbank Trofee is made possible by the volunteer members and friends of Ayr Burners Cycling. We are grateful to our sponsors, especially QTS Group for supporting our local activites and local rider Harry McGarvie.
Junior and Senior riders can still enter the Doonbank Trofee Cyclocross at BritishCycling.org.uk
