John Archibald set a new Scottish record with victory in the Scottish District 50-Mile Championship organised by Fife Century Road Club, while Alexandra Hayden finished as fastest female.

Riding for HUUB Wattshop, a time of 1:38-09 helped Archibald claim the Ali Speed Trophy and beat the existing mark for the course, with Douglas Watson (GTR – Return to Life p/b Streamline) second in 1:45-24, while Watson’s clubmate Ray Wilson took the final spot on the podium in 1:48-00.

In the women’s event Hayden (Vanelli-Project GO) was clear of the field in 2:09-50, beating Miriam Bennet (Kinross CC) who set 2:28-42, while a time of 2:33-53 helped Angela Patterson of Musselburgh CC to third place.

“It was grim!” said Archibald afterwards. “There was continuous rain for the entire event. However, the organiser did a great job with marshalls etc because the course is effectively 25 miles out and back, so you cover a lot of road.

“It was tough and undulating, with a few villages where you have to be wary of traffic. I had a good ride in the circumstances, but would have much preferred a dry day.

“It was a Scottish record, which is a great result to take away. The length of the race always surprises you, but my pacing was pretty spot on with my plan.”

Elsewhere, the quickest espoir prize went to Royal Albert CC rider Lewis Keoghan in 2-19-02, while a time of 2:58-33 helped Laura Van Zyl (Fife Century RC) to the road bike prize.

In the Scottish Veteran’s Time Trial Association category, best age adjusted time went to Watson in 1:41-56, with Stephen Wilkinson (Vanelli-Project GO) second in 1:49-50 and clubmate Marc Anderson third in 1:51.44.

Watson and Anderson combined to claim the age adjusted team prize.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. This report by James Ayles.

Results:

Open:

1. John Archibald (HUUB Wattshop) 1:38.09

2. Douglas Watson (GTR - Return to Life p/b Streamline)    1:45.24

3. Ray Wilson (GTR Return to Life p/b Streamline)  1:48.00

4. Robert Graham (GTR - Return to Life p/b Streamline)      1:52.20

5. Leon Marshall (Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA) 1.53.12

Female:

1. Alexandra Hayden (Vanelli Project GO)    2:09.50

2. Miriam Rennet (Kinross CC)         2:28.42

3. Angela Paterson (Musselburgh RCC)        2:33.53

4. Laura Van Zyl (Fife Century RC)   2:58.33