The 4th round of the Scottish Cross Country Mountain Bike race series and Scottish Championships took place on Sunday at Anoch Mor, near Fort William. A local venue for highland riders and notoriously difficult terrain, this course was by far the most technically demanding round of the series yet. Despite the rainy forecast riders assembled from all over the country hoping to claim the title of Scottish Champion in their category. Many arrived and decided not to race after their practise lap such was the difficulty of the rocky descents through the trees.
The weather was not as bad a forecast but the steep course did become quite treacherous in places and claimed a few injuries before the day was out.
Kirkhill’s Lee Craigie, comfortably defended her Scottish Championship title from 2009, retaining the status for another year.
The female Veteran’s title was won with ease by Inverness rider Ann Murray.
Kinmylies’ Yuka Gallagher rode well to win over her nemesis from the borders and claim the Scottish Youth Champion title while her older brother and world cup rider, Kenta had to settle for second in the junior male race.
In the highly competitive Youth category highland team Square Wheels riders claimed 6th, 7th and 9th positions but the most successful member of the team, Iain Paton, rode a fantastic race only narrowly missing out on 1st position and Scottish Youth Champion title.
In the Grand Veteran race, Inverness Billy Matthews had some competition but managed to control most of the field to claim 2nd place.
A return to racing saw David McDonald (a former elite level rider for Square Wheels) finishing in 3rd place in the male Master’s category.
And finally, Sam Lawton continued to show promise by another comfortable win in the Male Beginners race.
The next round takes place in Perth on 8th August. See www.sxc.org.uk for full result and photos.

Picture of Lee Craigie below