Catriona Lockie on top in Etape Loch Ness to be crowned fastest woman again
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EAST Kilbride cyclist Catriona Lockie once again came out on top at Etape Loch Ness as she was the fastest women's rider.
The 30-year-old retained her fastest female title in the 66-mile challenge as she was four minutes ahead of the chasing pack, finishing in a time of two hours 58 minutes and 12 seconds.
The Torvelo Cycling Club athlete was top of the podium ahead of Lynne Cordiner of Moray Fifth Cycling Club in second place in 3.02.00 and Natalie Munro of Moray Gravel Collective third in 3.03.54.
Lockie, a religious, moral and philosophical studies teacher at Arran High School, says she was pleased she produced a performance capable of taking top spot once again.
"This was one of my big targets this year, to win it once is pretty good, but to win it again is really hard," she said.
"Although I was a bit slower than last year, I found it a bit harder because the conditions were cold and there was more wind.
"To be fastest again is a real boost as I haven't been cycling seriously for long."
Lockie set the women's course record in 2021 when she recorded a time of 2.54.59.
But she says due to the conditions this year, the event was going to be a different challenge.
"Last year, conditions were perfect, but with the wind and the cold temperature this year, I found it a bit harder.
"I didn't expect to go faster than last year, but I was pleased to go under three hours as I wasn't sure if I would be able to do that with the form I was in.
"I am still pleased with my time and to go under three hours is impressive."
Lockie is now preparing to compete in the Scottish Women's Road Race series, and will take part in a race in Glasgow in two weeks time.
She is also considering going for a hat trick of fastest times at Etape Loch Ness next year.
She said: "There might be more pressure on me to do that now."
In the Queen of the Mountain section of the competition, Emily Palmer took the title in a time of 26.02.
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