Barclay leads from the front at Ingliston

CAPITAL student Kevin Barclay (Pedal Power) underlined his determination to retain the Cycling Scotland Ingliston Criterium Series with a masterful display in bitterly cold conditions at the Royal Highland Showground last night.

The 20-year-old went to the front of the field early in the race and quickly established a lead of five seconds, which he extended throughout the remainder of the 40 minutes. Barclay eventually crossed the line around a minute clear of the runner-up Paul Newnham of Edinburgh RC, who edged out series leader David Lines in a home straight sprint. Newnham's team mate Oli Young clinched the support race with an impressive turn of pace, just getting the better of Niall Aitken (Pedal Power).

Meanwhile, Kate Cullen will bid to put recent selection controversies behind her when she returns to action tomorrow. The 30-year-old Capital star, who was overlooked by British selectors for the World Championships in Manchester last month, has signed for the Dutch team Moving Ladies and will line up in the Ronde van Gelderland.

Also in the race will be Pippa Handley, the Lothians rider now competing for Dutch team Tubanters, who chalked up her first win as a pro in Germany last week.