Douglas Watson secured a dramatic victory in the Scottish 10-mile Championships hosted by Glasgow Nightingale CC on Sunday morning, with Alexandra Hayden narrowly securing the women’s title at Bishopton.

GTR – Return to Life rider Watson clinched the men’s title by just six seconds in 19-44, edging out rival Alastair McNichol (Dooleys RT) who clocked 19-50 over the course, while Muckle Cycle Club’s Alexander Milne was third in 20-12.

50-year-old Watson, who has enjoyed a fine start to the 2023 campaign, had been predicted to go fastest by Spindata and lived up to his billing with a fine ride.

“My aim was just to beat my Spindata prediction, that's been a self fulfilling prophecy recently!” said Watson.

“It was typical Scottish weather today, so I wasn't expecting it to be quick but there were some great rides from the team and some of the younger riders times were superb also.”

With victory, he managed to improve on the runners-up spots he achieved at the Royal Albert CC 10-mile time trial on April 23, and the Loudon Road Club 10-mile time trial, while he also took victory at the Fife Century RC 25-mile time trial earlier this season.

The women’s event also saw a tight finish, with Vanelli-Project Go’s Alexandra Hayden registering 23-05, just four seconds ahead of Jadan Vive Le Velo’s Beth McRae in 23-09, while the final spot on the podium went to Hayden’s teammate Lorna Breetzke in 23-16.

“I didn’t have to much expectation for this race to be honest as just came back from Majorca and had been feeling like the long miles had caught up with me a bit,” said Hayden.

“However I felt better than expected and was on for a sub 23 mins until I was halted due to heavy traffic approaching a broken down car on the roundabout.

“I’m doing the 50tt at fruechie on 28th May so hope to keep on improving.”

Hayden’s victory was her second of the season so far. She was victorious at Fife Century RC’s 25-mile event two weeks ago, while back in March was second at the GTR Return to Life two-up ten alongside Brian McCardle.

This event, run on the WW10/01 course, starts under the railway bridge at West Ferry roundabout and heads west to Port Glasgow roundabout before returning.

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

* A gallery of images from this event is available here

Results:

Men:

1. Douglas Watson (GTR – Return to Life)               19.44

2. Alastair McNichol (Dooleys RT)              19.50

3. Alexander Milne (Muckle Cycle Club)  20.12

4. Marc Anderson (GTR – Return To Life) 20.28

5. Sandy Waller (Edinburgh Road Club)   20.31

6. Graham Smith (Vanelli-Project Go)

Women:

1. Alexandra Hayden (Vanelli-Project Go)                23.05

2. Beth McRae (Jadan Vive Le Velo)           23.09

3. Lorna Breetzke (Vanelli-Project GO)     23.16

4. Amy McQueen (Ronde Cycling Club)    25.00

5. Miriam Gilbride (Pro Endurance)           25.19

6. Valerie Martin (Dooleys RT)     26.02