McCallum leads a posse of Scots cyclists across the Border

Lothians cyclist James McCallum heads a posse of Scots looking to make a successful cross-border raid at the Leazes Criterium in Newcastle tonight.

The Rapha Condor-Sharp rider is a former British criterium champion and has been in good form this season although he has not yet managed to top the podium.

He will be looking to put the record straight in the Leazes event against a top-class field that also features Capital man Evan Oliphant (Team Raleigh), who was sixth last year, young Borderer Grant Ferguson (100% ME), and a strong squad from West Lothian outfit, Endura Racing.

The race carries a four-figure top prize and McCallum said: “Crits are my thing and I love riding them. However, the Leazes crit is really tough due to the course and the competitive nature of the races.”

Oliphant, who will also be in the saddle on Sunday for the Beaumont Trophy in Northumberland, the latest round of the British Cycling Premier Calendar Series.

Oliphant took the win in 2006 but faces tough competition over the 108 mile route if he is to repeat that success.