PEDAL POWER HITS WEST LOTHIAN
Article:John McComisky
Images:Pete Ward

West Calder based Pedal Power are the headline sponsors of a sell out Cyclocross race that takes place in Bo’ness, just outside Edinburgh.

Jonny McBain,the head of the shop operation is delighted to be involved, especially as it features a large West Lothian contingent who will be racing.

“ This race is a pleasure to be involved in as it brings the very best racers in our area to an end of season event, we have over 20 riders from West Lothian including seven riders from our shop club team. David Lines who will be wearing our tartan kit is a former Scottish Champ and Commonwealth Games rider, is one of the favourites for the race. He goes up against riders who have a similar pedigree but also raw novices, which is in my mind the beauty of the sport in Scotland”.

The Dig In at the Dock Cyclocross race on 6 January 2013 has been an overwhelming sell out with the initial 100 entries snapped up in a few hours. Organisers David Hamill and John McComisky were left with a problem that race organisers rarely have, and the solution to that was to open up a further 38 places on the start grid for next Sundays event.

“It only seemed fair that we accommodate all those who missed out and we were able to give a race to everyone who missed the first cut. Even at the time of going to press there was still another 20 riders on the waiting list, but for the event to run smoothly and for race safety, the amount decided is as much as the course can handle”

Aside from the gathering of the cream of Scotland’s best racers which include International Road Race and World Cup Mountain Bike riders which include :

Robert Wardell Trek Alpine Bikes
Gareth Montgomerie GT Racing UK
Genevieve Whitson Ronde (NZ)
Eileen Roe Team Scotland
Davie Henderson GT Racing UK
Ben Greenwood Vanilla Bikes
Franco Porco Leslie Bikes
James McCallum Rapha Condor JLT

The event has a host of track-side entertainments and novel features, these include, a January Sale of cycling goods in the trade village with a host of top Scots bike shops present.
Hot and cold food provided by Wider Rover and Steam-punk Coffee as well as Absolutely Sweet from the town.
A free tune up service for local bike riders as well as the handing out of safety lights from the cycle charity Bikestation form Edinburgh, live DJ Kerr Sproull, a very noisy and fun Samba band and free face-painting for kids as well as adults.

The organisers have even put together a 24 page programme with articles and event information which is likely to sell out before the action starts, and race sponsors Pedal Power have 100 cowbells to hand out on the afternoon of the event.

The flag drops on the action 12pm with track-side entertainment, and the race proper will go at 2pm till 3pm with an after party ceremony to pay tribute to the winners. The organisers are encouraging local participation and all are welcome to enjoy the day.

There will be course crossing points that will be marshalled and dog walkers are advised to have their pets on a lead for the duration of the race.

Details of the event can be found here as well as a course map:

http://www.facebook.com/events/433919666670808/

Submitted by John McComisky

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