FULLARTON Wheelers’ racing week started in the drizzle at Bellahouston Park for the latest in the West of Scotland Youth Crit Series.

The poor weather meant a smaller than normal turnout from the young Wheelers, but Zoe Watters took her place in the U16 girls event wearing the Series Leaders’ jersey.

The small field lead to a tactical race and Zoe was one of the two girls who got into an early lead and then began a game of cat and mouse as they lapped the course together.

Ultimately in a confused end to the race, as the boy’s race finished simultaneously, Zoe was pipped over the line by less than two seconds. Her second place was her fourth podium finish of the summer and means she will retain the Series Leader’s Jersey.

On Sunday, four Fullarton Wheelers participated in the Scottish Cycling 25 mile Time Trial National Championship in Forfar, hosted by Dundee Thistle. All the Club’s riders put in strong performances along a course that started on the A90, running to Brechin and back, with one turn after 12.9 miles. Gordon Graham was the best of the FWCC riders finishing in 55min 35sec, with Derek Skinner 1:00.20", Aileen Clyde 1:02.41 and Catherine Logan 1:03.11.

A strong headwind on the return leg effected many riders but not John Archibald of Pro Vision who won the event taking the FWCC President, Graeme Obree’s, 23-year-old Scottish record with a time of 47:58.

The fine weather also meant there was a good turnout of 14 Wheelers for the Club’s Sunday Social Run. After leaving The Portal at the usual time of 9.30am, the Group headed away from Irvine to Cunninghamhead where they turned right through Kilmaurs and on to Fenwick.

After taking a wrong turn and inadvertently disturbing a cheery farmer’s morning coffee the group eventually found their way to the fast Moscow to Galston Road.

After this a series of uphill attacks by youth rider Martha Hillard ensured the pace did not slacken as the riders took on the climb up to Sornhill and eventually on for a café stop in Sorn village.

After their re-fuelling, the riders climbed again out of Sorn to Mauchline, and then cut across to Dundonald with the group eventually splitting as riders made their way back home.

A total ride of between 45 and 50 miles for most with 2,500 feet of climbing.