Cameron Mason returns to win HUPcc Scottish Cyclocross Series opener
Brechin served up a healthy dose of cyclocross fever to kick start the Scottish season, a brilliant course, a great atmosphere, and a superstar winner in the final race of the day.
Finally the weather gods were looking down on organisers Clive Sharman and Neil Raitt, as volunteers and racers alike were treated to some lovely September sunshine. Despite rain in the build-up, the course remained extremely fast and dry, giving a fresh challenge to those who’ve ridden Brechin before.
In the Senior Open race Cameron Mason dominated the field to take the win, lapping the entire field in the process. Despite some rain in the latter half of the race, Mason didn’t let that affect him as he emptied the tank in preparation for his international season. A close battle for second between made a great spectacle, Grant Scott and Murray Gray completing the podium, with Sandy Holl unfortunately DNFing after two mechanicals. Richard McDonald took the Masters 40 win, and was the second fastest rider on the course, despite starting a minute behind the Senior racers. In the Junior Open race, Edward Lindsay was victorious with a strong performance to start his winter campaign.
Then penultimate race of the day was the Senior Females where Harriet Hendry of Solas Cycling would score a memorable victory. The young rider, who has recently stepped up to the senior ranks, showed her talent by winning by nearly a minute over Lauren Johnston of Hervelo, with Rebecca Trimble of Dundee Thistle rounding out the senior podium. In the Female Masters 40, Lettie McDonald took a commanding victory, whilst in the Masters 50, Sian Tovey took the win in a closely fought battle between the top three, narrowly beating Caroline Harvey and Megan Mowbray. In the 60s, it was Helen Winton of Vanelli-Project Go who was victorious, whilst Emma Campbell of Deeside Thistle won the female junior race with a dominant performance.
There was some great racing in the Youth categories, with Falkirk Junior Bike Club doing the double in the Youth A and B female races thanks to great rides from Ella McQueen and Isla Reekie. Reekie would best Eilidh Scally from Johnstone Jets after a great race, with Emma Nicholson of Glasgow Riderz third despite a long run after a mechanical. Ernie Smith of Stirling BC and Lucy Robb of Pentland Racers would join McQueen on the podium in the U16 race.
On the Open side Josh Stewart wasted no time making his presence felt in the Youth A’s with a commanding win. Rhuaridh Fulton would pay for his efforts in battling for the win, eventually coming home third with Gregor McNaught besting him on the final lap. In a bumper Youth B field it was Sam Kingan who climbed onto the top step of the podium after a dominant win, with Leo Walsh and Angus Dowens completing the podium.
First up with the fresh new timetable for 2025 were the Masters 50 and 60 Open competitors, and it was a familiar face in Dougie Cameron, 2024 Series winner and reigning Scottish champion, who led from gun to tape. Marcus Illingworth and Douglas Sharp would join him on the podium. In the 60s it was Moray Firth’s Gregor Grant who took top spot – it will be interesting to see how the battle for the Series crown shapes up with organiser Neil Raitt back on the grid in three weeks’ time.
Following them it was the U12s, who were exposed to sections of the main course with Brechin able to make use of the extra daylight hours a September round offers; the Under 8s and Under 10s also enjoyed a great morning of racing on their own bespoke course.
A big thank you to the many volunteers who made today possible – the sport wouldn’t happen without you.
Don’t delay, get your entries in for round two today
