South Uist cyclist shines through snow and ice on debut to win Strathpuffer for first time and become British champion
KERRY MacPhee claimed the Strathpuffer Women’s title on her debut as she powered her way to become British 24-hour endurance champion at Contin Forest.
The South Uist athlete, who is now based in Stirling, claimed the women’s title at her first attempt as she rode through snow and ice around the clock to come out on top.
MacPhee (38) who represented Scotland in mountain biking at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, completed 17 laps of the 12.5 kilometre course in a time of 23 hours 31 minutes and 55 seconds.
She was two laps ahead of Gail Brown who claimed second place with 15 laps with 23:52:15 with Emily Greaves third with 14 laps in 21:12:04.
Speaking about her victory, MacPhee says it was a tough challenge, but pleased that she was able to come out on top.
“The race itself was absolutely savage,” she said.
“The mental load throughout the whole thing because of the snow and the sketchyness was hard going.
“But the spectators, volunteers, marshals and people giving you jelly babies, it was amazing I have never felt anything like it.
“I have been on the start before but never actually raced as I have a mortal fear of the cold. I managed to conveniently put it off every year, but I thought it was about time I got on with it.”
MacPhee comfortably won the race by two laps, but she said she was always focused on her own performance throughout the 24 hours.
She said: “I would come through when someone would update me and my pals who were racing would update me as well.
“I can’t believe how well it went, even though I feel awful, but I am absolutely delighted.”
As well as competing for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, MacPhee has also competed at the Highland Trail 550 and in cross country.
She said this Strathpuffer was one of the toughest competitions that she has faced.
She said: “This is a whole other level of savage.
“This was so tough but so rewarding to tick off the laps and just get around.”
Beattie (29) pedalled 23 laps through snow and ice around the 12.5km course to take the crown in a time of 23 hours, 55 minutes and 37 seconds.
He was three laps ahead of his nearest rival Colin Ritchie who finished in second place with 20 laps in a time of 23:58.25.
Niall Shannon claimed third place with 18 laps in a time of 23:21.40.
There was also success for Dingwall Academy who won the School Eights Competition. The team of eight completed 23 laps in a time of 24:46:26. Gordonstoun School came second with 18 laps in a time of 24:48:11 with Glenalmond College in third place with 15 laps in a time of 23:32:38.