Great course with sunny and dry weather for the Northerns today. The men had a full team and Kate Ayres ran a super race as our womens representative. We think Kate finished between 40th and 50th.
It looked like a ‘carnival’ of running with tents , marquees and colours of all descriptions adding to the atmosphere. We were in pen 69 and it looked a reasonable draw !
The men’s race was 12k with some good leafy flat but four taxing climbs. A mad dash to the first bend and then some jostling for places along the first stretch of flat before the ascent.
Always good to see crowds all around the course , but the cheers were for everyone except Wilmslow !
Results are not yet available but our six counters were in order:
Malcolm Fowler ( 40/50th)
Tom McGaff ( 100th ish)
Ray Eagle ( ??)
Nick Bishop (??)
Mike Cooper (??)
Trevor Faulkner(??)
Malc and Tom seemed happy with their runs and Ray particularly so.
My dismal January continues and Mike admitted to having his most enjoyable xc race !
Trevor was as reliable as ever and more than achieved his pre-race goal of ensuring that he showed a clean pair of heals to a fair few runners.
Tom summed it up , when he heard the PA announce the winning team ( six to count ) as he crossed the finishing line . Excellent administration and some fine runners .
Thanks and well done to all six.
We now only have the Nationals in London to complete a full xc season. Separate note and email to follow.
Nick.