Highland mountain biker smashes West Highland Way record
A Highland mountain biker has reclaimed his record time for completing the gruelling 96-mile West Highland Way.
Fort William rider Gary Macdonald has also become the first person to cycle the route in under nine hours, setting a new record for the second time in less than a year.
Mr Macdonald broke a six-year-old benchmark last August when he cycled the way from Milngavie to Fort William in nine hours, 28 minutes and 34 seconds, knocking an hour off the previous best time.
Then former Commonwealth Games cyclist Rab Wardell from Glasgow, who held the record in 2011, beat Mr Macdonald's time by 14 minutes and two seconds to reclaim the record.
However, joiner Mr Macdonald has just smashed that record by completing the route in just eight hours 40 minutes and 14 seconds.
The way follows old cattle drover routes and 18th-century military roads along the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, across sprawling Rannoch Moor, and up the zigzag ascent of the Devil's Staircase footpath in Glen Coe before reaching its final destination in Lochaber.
It is one of the world's great trails, regularly listed by magazines and travel guides. Last year marked the West Highland Way's 40th anniversary.
Mr Macdonald said on Facebook: "It’s was no secret that after my first drop of a hat attempt last year I’d be back, but this time ready to tackle my initial goal of sub nine hours.
"Last year I set a new fastest known time (FKT) cycling the West Highland Way in 9hrs 28mins 34secs. I laugh at this now because of how ill prepared I was. I didn’t train properly and did it at a silly time of year with everything so overgrown due to no footfall from the first lockdown.
"My record didn’t last long... Holding a full-time physical job and training at the same time really takes its toll and it certainly had me in dark places at times, but in the end it was all worthwhile and has me currently in the best shape of my life! Possibly too skinny, but I’ll now enjoy a few beers and full breakfasts for a while.
"My initial thoughts before my first attempt last year was that I believed nine hours was achievable. Never did I think 8hrs 40mins 14secs would have been achievable!
"I started off in frosty conditions, and couldn’t feel my hands or feet for the first 1.5 hours. Soon the sun started to come out to warm me up, however you never get 100 per cent ideal conditions for the whole ride and I had a block head wind on the final leg from Kinlochleven.
"I never really believe in myself and haven’t for years, in both cycling and trials, but I guess I should really look back at all I have achieved in the last 38 years and be proud.
"It all comes down to sheer dedication from myself and I couldn’t do it without the support from my truly amazing family, friends and sponsors. I appreciate every single one.
"There will be pro riders and many others that will be attempting the West Highland Way soon and I certainly will never try it again if there’s a new FKT set. I am content and proud with my current record. It’s not fully sunk in yet, at the moment it just feels like a 'ride home' for me!"
Mr Wardell competed at the Commonwealth Games in 2006. He is a former British Championships medallist, a multiple Scottish cycling champion and a winner of the Race The World USA competition.
