Tour de Trossachs attracts top field

Although the start sheet for the Tour de Trossachs on October 3 has still to be finalised, it looks a very interesting race. Due to extra demand for places the field has been extended to 140, and both national and world champions are down to take part, as well as number of newcomers who want to try this classic course.

Arthur Doyle (Dooleys RT) will defend his title for the third time, with the big question being will he beat the hill climb and course record set by Jason McIntyre in 2007? Alistair Robinson (Team Leslie Bike Shop), who was second to Matt Bottrill at last week's Rudy Project race in North Yorkshire, will be hoping to improve on last year's ninth position and is in form.

The women's field looks very competitive, with Jane Kilmartin of Cult Racing, who was second in North Yorkshire travelling to Scotland. Mari Todd (Sandy Wallace Cycles), the course record holder, will defend her title. While hoping to add to the numerous national titles she's won this year is Christine McLean of Shetland Wheelers. Anne Plant the world masters road champion is also visiting Scotland for the race.

The first rider starts at 10am and the organiser, Jane Hazlitt is hoping a noisy crowd will turn out and cheer the riders on, especially on the Dukes Pass where it's a Scottish cycling tradition to meet each year to catch up with the gossip in between the riders going by. Details of the race can be found on www.ivycc.co.uk and updates can be found on www.braveheartcyclingfund.com .

The race has a long history and for the first time this year will be a round of the Rudy Project TT series, although the organiser is a little disapponted that only 16 riders from south of the border have taken up the challenge to ride in the tracks of previous winners like Robert Millar.

Cycling Weekly rode the route last winter and we can honestly say that the rest are missing a treat. This is one of the most beautiful time trial courses in the world.

Related links

Bottrill seals Rudy Project TT series win