Thai race win lifts Coutts to the next level

ALEX COUTTS completed a superb victory in the Tour of Thailand when he produced a polished ride in the sixth and final stage to defend his yellow jersey and seal the biggest result of his cycling career.

At the age of 24, the win for Coutts, who is currently riding for the Giant Asia Racing Team, should strengthen his bargaining position when it comes to seeking a contract for next season.

Meanwhile, back on home soil, Gary Hand (Pedal Power) edged out his team-mate Gordon Murdoch to win the final leg of the Scottish Power Renewables Super Six Series in difficult conditions around the roads of East Lothian yesterday. The duo rode a measured race to reel in escapees Callum Wilkinson (Bicycleworks) and Matt Cronshaw (Kinesis) in the latter stages of the race before coming home with almost a minute to spare.

Another Pedal Power rider, Niall Aitken, won the support race ahead of Colin May (Edinburgh RC) but it was third placer, James McPake of Falkirk who took the overall win.

South of the Border, City of Edinburgh rider Matt Haynes took the honours in the Scunthorpe Track Meeting to secure the overall win in the British Sprinters League.