Helen Wyman and Amira Mellor to Race in Scotland
words: dave hamill
pics: stefan wyman/anthony robson
Helen Wyman (Kona Racing) and Amira Mellor (Next Wyman) have today confirmed they will be closing off the current cyclocross season with an appearance at Dig in at the Dock in Bo’ness on 19th of February. Their willingness to travel to Scotland is testament to the fast building reputation of the Bo’ness race. Race organiser David Hamill had this to say.
“We’re over the moon to have Helen back racing in Scotland and that she and Amira chose our race in Bo’ness. They have the choice to drive just 90 minutes from Helen’s home and ride the C1 race in Oostmalle, but instead they’re choosing to make the trip up to Scotland. She promised to come to the race someday and she has remained good to that promise. I’m chuffed to bits.
Helen is really popular wherever she goes and people in the Scottish cyclocross community adore her, so the decision to come up and see us again will go down very well I’m sure. She’s a crackin’ lass and a fantastic ambassador to both cyclocross and women’s bike racing generally. She’s done a tremendous amount for the sport.”
Nine time British Cyclocross Champion Helen and husband Stef will be delivering cross clinics the day before the race, one in the morning for under 16 year olds and another in the afternoon for the older riders. Keep an eye on the Dig in at the Dock Facebook page for more details of these being announced.
Helen told us how happy she is to make a return to racing in Scotland.
“It’s going to be cool to be back in Scotland, this time for my first experience of Dig in at the Dock. Everyone knows I’m a fan of Scottish CX and this will be a really fun way to finish my season. The crowds in Scotland are by far the biggest in the UK, so I’m hoping they’ll be making some noise as I take on the men. Of course I’m hoping for a mud fest for my last outing, and I’ll expect cow bells to be ringing.”
It will be Amira Mellor’s first experience racing north of the border and Hamill is keen to build on an already strong women’s field.
“Dig in at the Dock is the last race in the Super Quaich Series where we categorise riders by their racing level rather than age or sex. So riders get a challenging race at every level. We already get a strong field of female riders at Bo’ness and Amira is an amazing addition to that. I’d like to call on more women to come and race, be they among the best riders in the world like Helen and Amira or a mum of four kids who’s getting a bit bored of spin class. You will have someone to race against and you’ll be very welcome.”
Dig in at the Dock has a special place in the Scottish cyclocross calendar thanks to the spectator-friendly approach taken by the organisers. There are prizes for spectators and photographers as well as riders with cowbells and horns provided for the cross fans to make plenty of noise. A balance bike course is also provided to keep the really young riders entertained.
It’s a very popular race in Scotland with rider entries tending to sell out within minutes of opening.