Tour of the Campsies 2010

Basked in sunshine on a slightly breezy day, the Campsies couldn't have looked more inviting. For those tackling the slopes of the Crow Road the invitation was maybe less welcoming than initial appearances suggested. Coming just a mile after the start the Crow Road climb gives no easy start with probably the steepest section being after the Golf Club entrance. For some the climb is a chance to show off climbing skills, for others an obstacle to tackle before putting down the power on more familiar flat terrain.

With a number of competing events over the weekend a field of 45 entrants was still impressive at this time in the season however better calendar planning would definitely ensure this event gets the larger entry it deserves. Defending Campsies victor from 2009, Arthur Doyle unfortunately had to withdraw his entry due to work committments. Despite this there was huge competition between the top favourites with the pundit hard pushed to determine the odds.

Another feature of the event for years has been the "Arenberg pave" section between Fintry and Kilearn. Cursed by many for bouncing high pressure tubs off the tarmac it also tests riding line and rider toughness - at least that's how we see it! Here's hoping the Council ignore the recession and make repairs soon.



When news came through that the Couriers' Jim Cusick had punctured it was assumed that he was a victim of the first sector of pave shortly after Fintry. Not so, as Jim later confirmed. He sensed a slow puncture on the hill climb which was enough to end his day in the saddle. A multiple past winner of this event, it would have been interesting to have seen where Jim would have featured on the final leaderboard.



As the top contenders finished it was clear that a close finish was in store. Firstly Jamie Kennedy of the Couriers set the top time with a strong 1hr1m47s. This was quickly bested by his teammate Alan Thomson with an excellent 1hr00m5s. Time trial stalwart Ian Grant of Dooleys then shaved a slender second off this time. Riding in Fire Service colours Chris Smart came close with an hour and 6seconds but the next podium rider to stop the clock was Joe Wilson who matched Grant's best.

Now an organiser's nightmare is an inability to split the finishing riders for prizes. As good as the experienced timekeepers were, they had no ability to split the top two beyond the second level. Tied winners and a shared trophy would certainly have been an unusual outcome. This predicament was avoided however when Alistair Robinson of Team Leslie Bikes continued the momentum of his superb hill climb with an outstanding ride to beat the hour and finish at 58m21s. The fact that 2 seconds covered places 2nd to 5th was amazing. A better tuck on the descent, a slow gear change or careful cornering could have made all the difference.