PICTURES: Elgin Cycling Club host first Scottish Cycling road race in Moray since Covid-19 shutdown at Miltonduff with large national entry
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COMPETITIVE cycling returned to Moray with the resurrection of the Miltonduff road race.
See picture gallery below by Tony Carroll Photography
Elgin Cycling Club took the opportunity to stage the first Scottish Cycling event in Moray since the pandemic started last year, drawing a large entry from across the country.
All the necessary Covid-19 measures were put in place and 66 male and female riders, including juniors, took part over 55 miles of the Moray countryside around Elgin.
Three riders from the home club finishes in the top ten of their chosen category, a good result for Elgin Cycling Club.
Club chairman Dan Long explained: “As we head back to something verging on normality, we noticed a distinct lack of competitive cycling events in Moray and the surrounding area.
"It seemed organisers were perhaps hesitant to take the plunge due to the extra precautions required by Scottish Cycling (our governing body) in a Covid age.
"So we decided to resurrect the Miltonduff Road Race - which was last run in 2018."
He outlined some of the restrictions put in place to ensure safety for all cyclists and voluntary helpers.
"It was important the event was fully Covid compliant, which meant there could be no medals or prize giving ceremony.
"Everything had to take place outside in the car park of Miltonduff hall - who kindly gave us access to their toilet facilities but the hall would have to remain closed - again to remain Covid compliant.
"The residents of Miltonduff were fantastic and it was good to see families out showing their support to the riders."
A strong female entry was received and junior riders were also accepted in order to make the event as inclusive and successful as possible, Mr Long added.
First male rider home was Calum Shackley of Dooley’s Cycles Racing Team, whilst female honours were taken by Helen Wall of Dundee Wheelers.
Elgin Cycling Club had seven riders competing with Marc Roberts, Mark Madigan and Amy Curtis all finishing inside the top 10 of their respective categories.
Mr Long added: "The event was a huge success and the club aims to build on this and make this an annual event to help boost Moray’s reputation as a fantastic cycling destination."
