The first running in three years of the Annual Straiton Struggle Road Race supported by Harry Fairbairn BMW was blessed with glorious weather and some fantastic racing.

The race had been understandably cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic but took to the tarmac once again in an eagerly awaited event that certainly didn’t disappoint.

The route covered the traditional nine mile loop around the outskirts of the picturesque villages of Straiton and Kirkmichael and through the centre of the ancient village of Crosshill with five laps for the women and six for the men.

The Women’s race was first and had some strong riders. The bunch remained together for the first 6 miles and then Natalie Stevenson (Glasgow IVY CC) and Beth Macrae (Ayr Roads CC) broke away at the climb out of Crosshill.

The bunch remained unmoved and failed to work together, Natalie and Beth established a one minute lead quickly, which then steadily increased over the laps. In the sprint finish Natalie proved the strongest taking the Win. Beth Macrae was second and Catriona Locke (Torvelo racing) was 3rd.

It was the first time that the females had a standalone race.

British Cycling said on their website: “We felt it was about time there were more events where ladies could compete in their own field and so have taken steps to address that.”

The men’s race was packed full of strong riders and did not disappoint. Straight from the off, there were numerous attacks from various riders, with the bunch marking the moves and not allowing to much of a gap to appear. One notable rider, Davie Lines had several attempts at making a break to no avail.

After numerous laps, the 50 strong field was whittled down to 10 riders up the final climb to the finish. Calum Thornley (Wheelbase Cabtech Castell) took the win with Louis Moore of Vanelli – project go in second and Jamie Mackenzie (META bike Division) was third.

Harry Fairbairn generously supplied Merchandise prizes for the competitors and provided a Fully Electric BMW IX3 to be used as a support vehicle.