A SECOND cycle race held in memory of a stalwart of the sport that an a West Fife business for more than three decades took place on Sunday.

Sandy Wallace, who for over 30 years ran his successful cycle shop in Inverkeithing, was honoured by a field of 73 riders at Loch Leven.

Born and brought up in Kirkcaldy, he was the owner of Sandy Wallace Cycles, which was located in Hope Street, providing equipment, repairs and support for recreational and competitive cyclists alike.

Amongst those who called upon his services was the late Dunfermline-born, Commonwealth Games rider, Rab Wardell, who sadly passed away last year.

Sandy died in August 2021, following a short illness, and, last June, the first annual Sandy Wallace Memorial Time Trial was held in his honour.

In addition to running his business, Sandy formed a cycling team bearing the same name, and was also at the forefront of helping to establish another, Ryan's Bike Surgery - Thomson Homes.

Backed Backed by Inverkeithing-based Ryan’s Bike Surgery, and Thomson Homes, located in Cowdenbeath, it features riders such as Silas Goldsworthy, a former Scottish time trial and track champion, and established the memorial race.

Utilising a testing 12.5 mile circuit, starting on the south side of Kinross, following the road around Loch Leven before finishing at the new Kinross High School, a strong group of riders took part, including from West Fife clubs, Ryan's Bike Surgery – Thomson Homes; Dunfermline Cycling Club; and Team Andrew Allan Architecture.

In good, dry conditions with warm temperatures and a strong breeze, providing a challenging first half of the route as riders raced into the wind, before enjoying a welcome tail wind for the latter part, 15 competitors opted to race on regular road bikes, with the majority jumping into the saddle of specialist, aerodynamic time trial bikes.

Defending champions Kyle Gordon (RT23), and Natalie Stevenson (Glasgow Ivy CC) were once more victorious, with Kyle, a member of Team Scotland at last summer's Commonwealth Games, winning the male category in a time of 25 minutes and 21 seconds, averaging 28.9 miles per hour.

Natalie, in a time of 30:00, whilst averaging 24.4mph, took home the female category, with both riders getting their hands on spectacular, custom-designed trophies, whilst there was also an excellent haul of prizes for other top competitors.

Kyle was a very close friend of Sandy's, and raced at the Commonwealth Games in custom-designed helmets, featuring the saltire and bearing Sandy’s name as a special tribute, both of which were used in the race, one by Kyle, and the other by Sandy's son, John, who finished sixth in the Road Bike category, racing for Ryan’s Bike Surgery - Thomson Homes.

The day was a fitting tribute to Sandy, who was posthumously awarded the coveted Scottish Cycling Gold badge of honour for his contribution to cycling in November 2021, and an emotional day for his family and friends.

Race organiser Silas said: "Thanks to everyone who supported the event, either by racing or helping out on the day, we hope we did Sandy proud and see you again next year!"