Alex-Barr
Joined: 20 Nov 2011
Posts: 24
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 Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:13 am Post subject: Obree Sportive Report |
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Three Albertos Went to Ayr.....
It's not every day you get to meet a cycling legend face to face (unless you're the Slab's missus), so the joy was unconfined when Jamesie, George and I had a blether with Graeme Obree, undoubtedly one of the top two Scottish cyclists ever (we've yet to meet Chris Hoy, but he's not too shabby either).
The scene was the sweat-soaked aftermath of the second Graeme Obree Sportive in Ayr on Sunday (see pictures on the RACC picture gallery).
The 68.5 mile course took in many of the training roads used over the years by the double world hour record holder and double world pursuit champion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graeme_Obree
A look at the link above records some of the phenomenal achievements of this modest and charismatic gent. His rousing round of applause from the 500 cyclicts and supporters gathered at start of the race underlined the affection he's held in across the sport, with one guy travelling from EGYPT to participate.
The course itself was superb, with some of the quietest and smoothest roads in Scotland - (in truth, they really put the pothole-strewn tracks we have to endure in Lanarkshire to shame).
Two big hills, the Nick o' Balloch and the aptly-named "The Screw" were the 'highlights' of the undulating ride (see gallery shot of the intrepid Alberto trio making light work of the climb - NOT!), and despite the regularly torrential rain, a brilliant day was had by all.
Special mention to Mr Skinner for some jaw-dropping Wiggo-esque spells at the front of the bunch, bringing us in over the last 20 miles in grand style.
Thoroughly recommend this for next year. |
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