Grand day out for the inaugural Tour of the Glens, a National B race in the badlands between Alyth and Glenshee. The roads are quiet, the going heavy and nary a flat part on the course. (I think there was a flat bit at half way for about a mile, and the scenic finish on the Backwater Dam wall. )
A reduced field due to a clash with the Scottish Track Champs, but 40 riders set off chasing 20 points paying positions. It went off quickly - one rider punctured at 6k and never got back on so had a solo 105km chase, and to his credit was only about 30 minutes down at the end. A group of 12 wet away on the first lap of the opening 8.5 mile circuit. That lead had stretched to many minutes as they went over Kilry Moor to the second circuit, along the Glen Isla road to the Spittal of Glenshee, then Blacklunans to the Bridge of Brewlands. On the first ascent of Drummer hill, Craig Wallace powered clear accompanied by Matt Barnett. Matt couldn't hold that pace and slipped back. By the finish at Backwater Dam the field was in pieces, Craig Wallace taking the win in 2:56 (71 miles) and the largest group coming in being 8 riders.
Generally a very good day - safe racing and good weather, and a post race spread that was almost entirely home baked. Mmmm...