Best of UK cyclists prepare for north east Fife routes test

The area is set to welcome back the British Junior Road Race Series as it holds its fifth stage on our local routes.

The Kingdom Junior Classic hosted by the Spokes Cycles and organised by Race Director Craig Grieve had already made a favourable impression in 2015, with very favourable feedback from some of the top UK teams who competed last year.

With additional backing of Fife Council’s strategic events investment programme and Limits Power, the stages are set to enliven the Fife countryside and provide a perfect showcase for cycling and cyclists in the area.

The format of the event sees a morning rollout from Madras College where riders take in a 62km route finish up on the main drag at the village of Kennoway.

The action is far from over in the village though, as format on the Saturday includes a second stage which will leave the Kennoway Race HQ and head around the lanes and byways in a 54 km stage that will arrive at the Royal Home of Scottish Kings at Falkland Palace.

A fierce climb will crown new king to the area however, in the shape of the rider who masters the tough and sinewy run uphill to be crowned King of the Hill and a finish in Craigmead Car Park high up on the rafters of Falkland Hill.

The Sunday stage will take in the picturesque Cults Hills area and the peloton will take in a series of laps of the area in a 98km road race to bring the event to an exciting climax and a finish again at Kennoway.

Local interest centres on the professionally run Spokes RT with many of the riders local to the roads and surrounding area.

There will be no real home advantage though, as the event has attracted the top junior teams from the UK and Isle of Man.

With the likes of VC Londre, Pro Vision SJ Academy, VCUK PH-MAS all up at the sharp end in earlier rounds and riders of the quality that have competed at World Championship, National and Tour Series level, the Spokes Kingdom Junior Classic round could be key to the series itself.

Heading the individual points standings after the Isle of Man round is Ben Hardy of the Windmills Wheels CC.

The best of the local riders are Grant Martin and Timothy Jones, who are holding top fifteen series slots, and along with Spokes RT team mates will be looking to vault up the standings at the home event.

Councillor Mark Hood, executive committee member and chair of Fife Sports Partnership said: “I’m pleased we’re set to welcome some of the UK’s best junior cyclists to Fife this weekend and look forward to seeing them in action.

“We have a strong cycling community in Fife and this is a great opportunity to showcase what good local partnership working can deliver.”