James McCallum, Andrew Sinclair, Chair of South Carrick Community Leisure, Councillor Ian Fitzsimmons and Chris Johnson race organiser.
South Ayrshire Council has been named the venue for one of the UK's most prestigious cycling events later this year. The South Carrick David Bell Memorial cycle race will take place on Sunday 10 June 2012 and the 2011 winner, James McCallum, has pledged his intention to defend his title when the race takes place in what elite cyclists call the Ayrshire Alps.
This is a high profile cycling event, the promoting club, Ayr Roads - Harry Fairbairn BMW have already secured 'National A' status for the 47th running of the 100 mile event guaranteeing the best possible line up of British professional and elite cyclists.
Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Tourism said: "The South Carrick David Bell Memorial will come as the climax of a weekend of once in a lifetime opportunities and sporting activity starting with the Olympic Torch Relay and including a family cycle ride and opportunity for sports cyclists to ride the route in the lead up to the event.
"I am positive that this race will raise the profile of sport in South Ayrshire and encourage enthusiastic and determined cyclists to come and watch the race and return and ride parts of the route.
"The Carrick area will receive a boost to its economy, many of the people coming to see the race will take the opportunity to explore South Ayrshire.
"I am sure that many people will be inspired to take up cycling, or cycle more when they watch the event. We have a great network of cycle paths across South Ayrshire, whether you use them to travel to and from work or during leisure time. Cycling is a great activity which exercises the body and can improve mental wellbeing.
"I would like to wish all the riders good luck when they take to the saddle and do their best to pedal to success.
This is an event that the public can go to and watch the race and also have a fun family day out.
Thanks to backing from South Ayrshire Council and support from South Carrick Community Leisure the event that will see prestigious cycling teams including Endura Racing, Herbalife-Leisure Lakes and Vanilla Racing competing in the race.
The race is rightly feared by the Scottish cycling community, with its tough ascents of the area popularly referred to as the 'Ayrshire Alps', and also for its who's-who list of former winners including Robert Millar, the late Jason MacIntyre and current Scottish Road Champion Evan Oliphant. With such a rich history, organisers are already building towards the 50th edition to ensure a spectacular celebration of Ayrshire cycling, and the life of David Bell. More commonly known under his penname 'The Highwayman', Bell was a local journalist who brought his explorations by bike between the 1930s and mid 1960s alive in print.
Riders in the event will be faced with two stretches of unsurfaced forest roads in the Carrick Forest. Thanks to co-operation from the Forestry Commission, the 'strada grigio' will return, which will create dust roads to challenge the cyclists. Set under the majestic views of Merrick and the Galloways, organisers are confident this is the most scenic road race route in the UK.
Local community leader Andrew Sinclair Chair of South Carrick Community Leisure, local Councillors Ian Fitzsimons, John McDowall and Alec Oattes and the Council have all lent their enthusiastic support to the event.
Andrew Sinclair, Chairperson of South Carrick Community Leisure said: "We are delighted that the David Bell Memorial race will be based in Girvan and use an exclusively South Carrick based route. We would like to encourage members of the local community to support the organisers ARCC, by volunteering to help on the day, or by turning out to spectate with family and friends. This is one of the many events we are working to facilitate in partnership with South Ayrshire Council in the lead up to the anticipated opening of the new leisure facility."
The 2011 champion, James McCallum has called the route visionary. The organiser of the race, Christopher Johnson, praised the fantastic support of South Ayrshire Council and the South Carrick community, he said: "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. It's going to be a great event and I hope the people of South Carrick will embrace this event and really make it their own.
For more information about the 47th South Carrick David Bell Memorial, visit ayrroadscc.com/daviebell/