Location: Girvan Academy, Girvan, South Ayrshire
Event: 10 June 2012

Rapha Condor Sharp rider James McCallum has pledged his intention to defend his title at the South Carrick David Bell Memorial.

As in 2011, riders will be faced with two passages of unsurfaced forest roads in the Carrick Forest.

McCallum and his Rapha-Condor-Sharp team will be hoping to take home their share of the guaranteed minimum £2,000 prize fund. However, competition will be tough with teams such as Endura Racing, Herbalife-Leisure Lakes and Vanilla Racing already signed up to compete.

The promoting club, Ayr Road - Harry Fairbairn BMW, have already secured National A status for the 47th running of the 100mile event to be held on Sunday 10 June 2012, guaranteeing the best possible line up of British professional and elite cyclists.

As in 2011, riders will also be faced with two passages of unsurfaced forest roads in the Carrick Forest. Thanks to cooperation from the Forestry Commission, the ‘strada grigio’ will return, something akin to the dust roads of Tuscany but with the discomfort of the pavé of Flanders and Roubaix. Set under the majestic views of Merrick and the Galloways, organisers are confident this is the most scenic road race route in the UK.

The South Carrick David Bell Memorial will come as the climax of a weekend of sporting activity starting with the passing of the Olympic torch and including a family cycle ride and opportunity for sports cyclists to ride the route in the lead up to the event.

2011 champ James McCallum called the route visionary, and commented that ‘the race has the potential to be better than the Rutland’ while organiser Christopher Johnson praised the fantastic support of South Ayrshire Council and the South Carrick Community. “As a club, we have a hugely ambitious timetable looking forward to 2015 and the 50th edition, and from the very start all our partners have bought into our vision. With such commitment from club members, sponsors, friends and partners we are confident of success in achieving Premier Calendar status by 2013.”