The organisers and selectors were keen to challenge the riders today with longer stages than have been raced in previous years. The course more demanding than Apley Circuit.
U19 Men 4 laps totaling 111km took its toll on many of the riders. Rory Mac Kenzie was impressive getting across a good break to Taylor Gunman and Tom Findlay, the field chased them down and all three paid for their effort after they could not stay with the lead bunch on the last lap. Sean Joyce rode a smart race and finished sixth keeping his GC hopes alive for the TT tomorrow. Jeremy Stevens had a mechanical and could not chase back on.
Ashleigh Neave rode a strong race but failed also to hold on to the lead bunch on the final lap (3).
Two other U19's managed to stay with the small front group of open contenders. Rachel Mercer managed to get away with a team mate and increased her already substantial lead. Ashleigh will hold third in the U19 GC but has made it difficult to improve her place in the TT tomorrow due to the time lost.
The U17 boys rode three laps and the 70 strong field was blown to pieces. Fraser Gough was 5th and Duncan MacKenzie finished with the lead bunch, Duncan and Fraser are both in the top ten on GC and the TT tomorrow promises to be an exciting finale to this strong contest. Tim Lutter finished in the 2nd bunch with Sam Clark close behind. Logan and Lance were futher back.
U17 girl Megan Watson got away with 7 others on the first lap but a small gap on the hill sprint meant a hard chase up the next couple of hills. Unable to bridge she was caught by four others.
They were unable to reel in the strong bunch and along with the yellow jersey holder watched GC get away by valuable minutes. Megs finished 10th and continues to impress with her tenacity.
U15 Regan Gough continued his form from the recent CHB tour and finished fifth. The 1 lap of the circuit took its toll and the boys pace put them in sight of the U17 girls. Tobias Robertshawe came in eight with William Green, James Lochhead and James Fulford all futher back and slipping on GC.
The event finishes tomorrow with the TT surely a race of truth with the miles already on the legs over the last two days
