Scottish XC MTB series round 2

The second round of the 2005 Scottish Cross Country Mountain Bike Race Series takes place this weekend at the Aonach Mhor site near Fort William. The Nevis Range/Aonach Mhor Ski Area is situated 4 miles North of Fort William coming from the South, on A82, or 5 miles South of Spean Bridge if coming from the North (Inverness or A9 way).

The Round 1 elite men's race saw Gareth Montgomerie set the pace and take an early lead in the series with the up and coming 19 year old Robert Wardell following in second place. This weekend will see if the Scottish Champion James Ochterlonie has recovered from his early season exertions and injury in Cyprus and if he is fit again to test the young pretenders. With another strong field likely other top finishers from Glentress such as James Fraser Moodie, Scott MacRae, Iain Nimmo and Bruce McClearey will be out to improve their rankings. Top Scottish women's rider, Ruth McGavigan, raced with the Sport men last time, so it remains to be seen if the other women, especially Julie Cartner and Catherine Niblock will get a shot at challenging her this weekend.