Report: Wardell Crowned the new Cyclocross King in Bo’ness

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Sunday January 6th saw a massive crowd and appreciative crowd attend the second running of the Dig In at the Dock Cyclocross race sponsored by West Lothian’s Pedal Power cycling emporium.

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Article:John McComisky | Images:Anthony Robson, Addy Pope and Beau Bissett

A field number around 120 riders were treated to a fast but muddy course that not only took in the now famous Bo’ness cobbles but the surrounding shoreline and Harbour area. Straight from the gun Commonwealth Games hopeful Rab Wardell (Alpine Bikes/Trek) set off with International riders Gareth Montgomerie (GT Racing) and last years winner James McCallum (Rapha-Condor.JLT) and were soon ripping the field apart.

RAB WARDELL

The nature of the race meant that all over the course and the race itself saw riders all in their own little personal battles to stay upright and take on the slippery course. While the top boys were slugging it out, Eileen Roe (Team Scotland) was holding her own against the men and despite going over the handlebars at the arena, was soon mixing it up and was racing in the top twenty.

With the race in full swing and aural entertainment provided by a 15 piece Samba band (Sambalistic) the rhythm of the race was set for an exciting finale as leaders Wardell and Montgomerie had managed to shift the attentions of McCallum, no doubt tired from his overnight travelling from the Manchester Indoor Track Champs.

At the flag arms raised Rab Wardell took the race win and aside from the £100 first prize he also received podium applause and a ceremonial Dig In a the the Dock cowbell. In the women’s event Eileen Roe finished a highly creditable 17th in a very strong field from visiting World Cup racer and New Zealand’s top cyclocrosser Gen Whitson (Ronde), a strong ride from young Lucy Grant (Peebles CC).

EILEEN ROE

Awards were also won in the Over 40 & 50 classes with Fife racers Gary McCrae and Brendan Roe taking the spoils in the colours of the Leslie Bikes team.Best Junior Award from Boness Cycling Legend Jimmy Smellie was won by Callum Foster (Leslie Bikes).

The organisers have so many people to thank but in on a local level the public of Boness who came down and supported the race and the Falkirk Community Trust for giving permission to hold the race in the Dock Area, the event thrives on the community interest and can only go from strength to strength in the coming years.

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The event organisers Dave Hamill and John McComisky have a dedicated facebook page for anyone wanting to see the thousands of photos that were taken on the day. www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.448668118514839&type=1

RESULTS:
1. Robert Wardell – Alpine Bikes Trek (121)
2. Gareth Montgomerie – GT Racing UK (3)
3. James McCallum – RAPHA CONDOR JLT (1)
4. Tom Evans – Ben Wyvis Cycling Club (39)
5. David Lines – Pedal Power RT (2)
6. Gary McCrae – Leslie Bike Shop/Right Move Windows (73)

WOMEN
1. Eileen Roe -Team Scotland
2. Gen Whitson – Ronde
3. Lucy Grant – Peebles Cycling Club

 

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