Bike rider wins annual Scottish cyclists vs runners race

Cyclists have come out on top against runners in an annual cross-country race in Irvine, North Ayrshire – with the bike riders’ dominance put down to the growing popularity of cyclo-cross.

The Cyclists vs Harriers race pitting those on two wheels against people on two legs has been held every year since 1958, reports the Daily Record. It’s featured some big names in the past – Graeme Obree is a former winner.

The race on Sunday 21 December at Irvine Sports Club was the 57th edition, with a redesigned course including a tougher section across Irvine Moor to try and restore more of a balance between the disciplines, with cyclists dominating in recent years.

Irvine Running Club’s David Millar [not that one – ed] went off strongly, but was overhauled by two cyclists during the second half of the race and finished third, with Ayr Roads CC’s John-Paul Baxter winning in 27 minutes 32 seconds.

His clubmate Peter Ferrier finished second, 21 seconds behind, with Millar a further 10 seconds back to complete the podium.16-year-old

The first woman home was also on a bike, Lorna Sloan from Ayrodynamic TC, whose time of 31 minutes 30 seconds put her in 14th place overall, while in the under-20 category, the runners triumphed through Dillon Agnew, finishing 11th in 30 minutes 34 seconds.