The Lloyds Bank National Marathon Championships took place in the stunning yet demanding terrain of Newcastleton, as Cameron Orr and Anna Flynn secured elite wins.
Riders faced a challenging and varied 90km course that started in the town centre. The route featured a mix of tough climbs, technical sections, and fire-road ascents, alongside fresh-cut trails and bike park features that tested the riders’ skills and endurance. Fortunately, the weather remained dry for the majority of the race, with only the last few competitors catching the rain.
Teamwork proved vital in this marathon, with many riders working together to push through the tough conditions.
In the men's open race, Cameron Orr (Wilier Triestina Vittoria Factory Racing Team) and Tom Martin (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli) started strong, staying close and frequently swapping places throughout the first lap. However, early in lap two, Orr seized an opportunity and broke away, establishing a commanding lead. Both riders experienced tumbles in the final kilometres at the same section, but Orr’s lead was so significant that it didn’t affect his victory.
In the women’s race, Anna Flynn (Spectra Racing) and Grace Inglis (Unattached) battled side-by-side for most of the marathon. In a thrilling finish, Flynn managed to edge out Inglis by just nine seconds at the line. Meanwhile, Amy Henchoz (TORQ Performance) struggled with traffic early on, allowing the leading pair to open up a gap. However, Henchoz put in a blistering final lap, clawing back nearly three minutes to finish less than a minute behind the leaders.
Nick Craig (Scott Pioneer DJ), competing in the veteran over-50 category, faced mechanical issues mid-race after breaking a pedal. Despite this setback, the mountain biking legend powered through the field, overtaking many of the open category riders, including all of the veteran over-40 competitors. He secured seventh overall and finished a massive 17 minutes ahead of his closest categorised rival, Marc Chamberlain (TY Cycles Race Team).
In the sportive event, Wayne Barr (Velocity 44RT) and Henry O’Brien (Scotia Offroad RT) worked together throughout the race, crossing the finish line side by side in a show of camaraderie.
The event on the Scottish Borders delivered thrilling battles, stunning performances, and showcased the grit and determination of riders across all categories.
