I was in the first group of, I think nine riders. We'd done our homework, and knew that we should be able to hold a lead of 17 minutes over Kev & Gilbert if we broke away early. So.......2 miles into the race I put the hammer down and split the group.

Two other Deeside riders (Des Young & Mike Pithie) came with me as planned, along with eventual winner Charles Spence. The four of us worked a fast through and off, taking 50 revs at the front each. Mike dropped off the pace on the fast section towards Haddo, so we were down to three. I put a dig in again on the hill up from Haddo, however this dropped my other team-mate, so Charles & I eased up and waited for Des. We knew that we'd have a better chance of staying away if there were three of us. We continued to work hard & well together, and were getting regular time checks from the assistant commissaire.

After we'd passed Methlick for the second time, we were told that we still had almost four minutes, so if we kept up the pace, then we'd stay clear. By the time we passed the raxton turn on the way in we still had over two minutes on the chasers, so the three of us were going to contest the race.

This was going to be a first for me, but I felt strong and confident. I attacked twice on the way to Methlick, but on both ocassions Charles stayed on my wheel. Each time I sat up and waited for Des. It would come down to the final 500m up the hill to the graveyard.

It was cat & mouse now, as we all took the chance to get our energy back up the first part of the hill. Charles was on the front, with Des sitting on his wheel, and me on Des. Three times Charles tried to move off and get us to come through. Each time Des just sat on his wheel. Brilliant! With about 150m to go, Charles started the sprint. It all seemed to happen in slow motion. I managed to come round Des, and was gaining on Charles with every pedal. Unfortunately for me, I had left it too late, and Charles took the win by a wheel.

He'd been strong all day, and done his fair share of the work. We'd finished with a lead of just over two minutes over the chasers. Des & Mike had also done a great shift, and I'd tried everything I could to win the race.

Last year, this was my very first bike race. I finished 16th. A year on, with loads more experience, I finished 2nd. Can't wait for next year!

Alasdair