Two more wins for Christine
Shetland Wheelers cyclist Christine McLean added another two victories to her growing list of successes on the mainland over the past couple of weekends.
She was the first woman home in an open 25-mile time trial at Fife, where she was up against 60 racers, all competing for the prestigious Mackie Tankard Trophy which, this year, went to the in-form Peter Ettles from Forres.
The warm, sunny and calm conditions helped lift the spirits as the riders raced out from the picturesque village of Fruechie. The course led the cyclists through the country lanes, criss-crossing around Auchtermuchty before heading back for the finish.
McLean was very fast and covered the distance at almost 25mph to record an impressive time of 61:31 minutes.
The following weekend she competed in two events near Aberdeen and Lossiemouth. The first was a 25-mile time trial on the rolling Garlogie to Torphins road west of the city, where over 40 riders appeared on a cold, damp Saturday morning. McLean was the first woman home in a time of 1:02:26, over three minutes ahead of second-placed Fiona Duncan.
McLean then headed north for the Sherrifston 10-mile time trial organised by Elgin Cycling Club on the relatively flat B9103 near Lossiemouth. A bright, still and sunny Sunday morning offset the effects of the early morning freezing temperatures with again well over 40 competitors including a larger than normal number of women.
McLean was up against tough competition as former Shetland Wheeler and Scottish team rider Mari Todd, who now lives in the Black Isle and rides for Inverkeithing-based team Sandy Wallace Cycles, was in the line-up.
Following Saturday’s efforts McLean just didn’t have enough left in her legs to make it a double winning weekend, Todd taking the women’s prize with 24:00. Nevertheless she put in a good challenge with 24:18 to gain second place, one and a half minutes clear of Duncan.
This weekend McLean will be taking part in a hilly 20-mile event near Ellon.
