The 2014 SSDT started in bright and mild conditions at 7.30am today, Monday 5th May, with piper Willie Evans leading number 1 Iain Shankie away from the start platform in Fort William. The rest of the entry would follow along in 1 minute intervals and then negotiate the relatively short road trip up to the first group of sections at Leanachen.
A few slack marks were lost in this first group as riders settled into the day, top runner Jordi Pascuet (Jotagas) being one that was caught out by the the small rolling rocks near the exit. Jordi would make amends and drop just one more throughout the rest of the day for a good top ten position, and best over 40 rider, once all the scores had been counted.
James Dabill (Beta), Dougie Lampkin and Sam Conner (Beta) remained feet up all the way around the days 30 sections but Michael Brown (Gas Gas) and Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) are just behind on a single dab, both lost on the very final section of the day.
The top end of the score sheet is tightly packed with the top 30 riders having scored 10 or less and local hope Gary Macdonald would have also been at the top of the list had he not dropped a maximum on the first of the two sections at Coire Mhorair.
South Shropshire's Shaun Fox has has placed an early claim for the best newcomer award and in the keenly fought female class Emma Bristow has taken a commanding lead over Becky cook, losing just under half of Becky's final tally. Sandra Gomez sadly suffered machine issues and is out, but is able to carry on and ride on Tuesday on a no awards basis.
Tuesdays action gets under way at Laggan Rocks with the first riders arriving at 8.30am, the weather forecast promises some bright spells and light rain.
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