Arthur Campbell 2011

The 3rd annual running of the Arthur Campbell Memorial cycle road race was held Saturday 2nd July as part of the Super 6 Series. This year's event, organised by David Lang and Glasgow Wheelers Cycling Club was again based around the A77 and Stewarton Road (B769) circuit. The 85 mile course for the A race was 5 laps of a rolling circuit which was used in the Scottish Championships last year.

After numerous attacks and breakaways, a large group of around 15 managed to escape on the first lap. The group included four Endura Pedal Power riders, so when the gap grew to over a minute, this forced the other favourites, such as Matt Kipling (Team Raleigh), and James McCallum, (Rapha Condor Sharp), to work hard to close it down.

Eventually, in the latter end of the 3rd lap, the lead group was caught and new attacks began immediately, although no one managed to get away. However, on the long open A77 section, during lap 4, the bunch split in two and then soon afterwards 6 riders powered away, including Matt Kipling, Gary Hand and Davie Lines of Endura Pedal Power. On the hilly back section going up the Stewarton Road into the last lap, two more riders bridged across, Robbie Hassan and a Herbalife rider, to complete what would be the winning break.

By now, the leaders had over a minute on the chase group as they headed back onto the A77. However the chasers behind upped the pace and the gap gradually decreased. By the time the race turned into the last 3 miles, the gap had been reduced to 20 seconds, with the possibility of the break being caught. However, a committed effort from David Lines secured the break's success.

Up front, the lead riders started attacking, but to no avail and everything stayed together for the uphill sprint to the finish line. An ambulance, attending a bad crash in the 'B' race on the final corner, reduced the road to one lane but that did not affect the sprint. Crossing the line in first place, was a repeat win for young Robbie Hassan, Endura Pedal Power, over current pro, Jason Allen, Subway-Giant Team (13 times New Zealand Nat. Champ. & Commonwealth Games gold medallist, team pursuit), by nearly a bike length, with Herbalife's, Andrew Hawdon, taking third. Robbie's win also provided the added bonus of attaining his Elite race licence.

The 'B' race, resulted in a bunch finish, with Brian McCardle, winning a narrow sprint victory over his young junior rivals, Dale McCallum (Bicycle Works) and Bradley Stokes (Pedal Power). As afore- mentioned, there was an unfortunate crash in the final 200 metres, resulting in Jason Barnes, (Glasgow Nightingale) being taken to the Victoria Infirmary, with a fractured collar bone. Happily, he was discharged on Saturday, and we wish him a speedy recovery.This was a well organised event which had the additional benefit of beautiful sunny weather.


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Photos and video will be uploaded soon!!