Cumnock TT Finale: Rain Jackets On, Championship Wrapped Up
Cumnock TT (late season)
The forecast for Sunday 27th September’s second Cumnock TT, the final round of the 2026 club championship, read more like a warning: heavy rain sweeping in from the southwest, due around 9.30–10am. Cue some creative reading of the 09:00 start time, with a few riders rolling away from the top of Barhill Road as early as 8am to try to outrun it.
In the end the deluge never quite arrived. The wind certainly did, and by half nine things were properly damp. Definitely a rain jacket day.
Eight riders took on the A70 out-and-back to the edge of Muirkirk. On the way out there’s the long drag from Lugar up to Cronberry junction, which punishes anyone who goes too hard early. The return has the rises past the farmhouse and French’s yard, the fast run back down into Lugar, and the Longhouse Farm kicker at the very end, there purely to be rude.
Fastest on the day was a returning-to-form Dougie Ferguson in 47:32, quickest on both legs. John McCracken was second in 48:11, and just one second behind Dougie on the outward leg, a strong contender for most annoying second of the season. Billy Ramsay completed the top three in 49:54. Well done to everyone who turned out and got stuck in regardless of the weather outlook. As Club Chairman often reminds everyone - Rule #5 (and Rule #9!)
Cumnock TT results. Return to form late in the season for Dougie F.
Championship standings
The men’s title was already in Paul Reid’s pocket. Paul finished on 165 points after a hugely consistent season, and was far enough ahead to sit out the last couple of rounds without worrying. Congratulations, Paul.
There was still a scrap for second, though. John and Billy both went for it on Sunday, and John’s ride secured the spot on 146 points, with Billy third on 133. Those are excellent seasons from both.
In the ladies’ championship, a huge well done to Dawn Henderson, champion on 140 points. Dawn proves again that turning up and riding well every time is what wins championships. We’d love to see a few more names on that board by the end of 2027. If you know someone who’s been thinking about giving it a go, bring them along. We’ll even make sure “steady” means steady.
Thanks to everyone who raced, timed, marshalled and cheered this season. Same time next year, ideally with a drier forecast.
Final standings for the Men’s championship - chapeau to the big man Paul Reid!
well done to the ladies - Dawn got herself out on more than half the events, cracking consistency.
