Eastern Promise RR 2019

The 2019 edition of this popular ERC event will be held on Sunday 18 Aug on the Howgate circuit. The peleton, consisting of 60 cat 2, 3 & 4 riders, will leave the HQ at the Eddleston Village Hall at 11am and be neutralised until it reaches the circuit. After 4 laps and 55 miles of racing the finish will be at the top of the Westloch climb after tuning off the A703 Peebles Road. Only 40 finished in atrocious conditions last year, so 'things can only get better', or so the organiser hopes. Be there to witness the result.

Tom Merry of The University of Edinburgh CC will be wearing number 1 while defending his title. Logan Maclean, who came second, will not be present as he will be in France competing in a UCI event. Tom will face stiff competition for the top prize from 3rd placed Alastair McNicol of Dooley's Cycles and Wheelbase CabTech Castelli's team of Sam Lashley and Davie Lines. Neither of these rode last year but the latter took on tough 'training' on the Isle of Man so he could be the man to watch. In addition, almost 50% of the field are 2nd cat riders, and then there are the 6 junior riders, always the dark horses. These include the promoting club's Louie Doig who has put in a number of notable performances including his ride at the Junior Tour of Ireland.

Logan also won the prestigious Eastern Promise Lantern as best placed ERC rider so there will be a new holder after this edition. Seven ERC riders will be in the running for the trophy, including 3 juniors. Club chairman, Simon Bullock, will be hoping to repeat his best performance as best ERC rider at the Lothian Flier RR but that race's organiser, Alan Dean, will have other plans. Kyle Thomas and Alex Ball are unavailable as they're in Norway on international duty with the Scottish Junior team.

The race counts as a round of the season-long Scottish Cycling's East & Central Region road series so there are many competitions in the event.

Edinburgh Road Club would like to thank all those who have volunteered to support the race and wishes the riders a safe and enjoyable day of sport.