Cycling: Hand left contented despite being pipped by teen team-mate Hassan

Published on Friday 4 March 2011 10:36

Despite being edged into second place in Saturday's opening race of the Scottish Power Renewables Super Six Series at Gifford, Scottish international Gary Hand was a happy man.

The assistant manager of the Endura/Pedal Power Development Team was pipped on the line by his teenage colleague Robbie Hassan at the end of the fast-paced 65 mile race which was contested over eight laps of a tough circuit around the East Lothian village.

The recently formed Livingston-based squad aims to provide a route to the professional ranks for Scottish youngsters. And the team's distinctive green kit was visible throughout the afternoon, with Hand, Hassan and their team mates Davie Lines and Liam Cowie all having spells in the lead.

English riders Ben Greenwood (Rapha Condor) and Tom Last (Sigma Sports) battled their way into contention over the concluding lap.

But it was 19 year old Hassan who had the edge in the concluding sprint, clinching the win from Hand and Last.

"We are looking to help bring on the young lads in the team so that was a perfect start", said Hand. "I was really chuffed with that."

An equally competitive support race saw Capital rider Dale McCallum (the bicycleworks.com) finish as second junior.