Wilmslow scoop first overseas team prize in St Tropez classic
After months of planning and thanks to the meticulous arrangements of Monsieur George , our international weekend arrived .
A buzz of expectation was in the air as we chatted at the airport and soon our Jet2 flight was circling the millionnairres coast line of Nice , St Tropez and Plan de la Tour .
Friday night we were hosted by George and Stella and we also met up with Peter and Sue Nelson.
Keen for an early night we arrived in darkness at our base for three nights ‘Chambre d’hotes’.It exceeded expectations . A fab place and great hosts . The following day we were able to see the 24 acres of countryside and vineyard that it occupied .
Saturday was registration day to collect numbers and a day of leisure in St T .
Sunday morning was an early start . Breakfast at 6.15 . The race started at 9.00(8.00 UK time).
The St Tropez classic is part of a French series of races sponsored by Asics.
The race started on the harbour front alongside boats that only billionnairres could dream of .Besides an elite pen , runners had to approach the start line via a one way system to prevent runners walking to the front line ( Tony , please note !). This made runners get there on time and form an orderly tailback.
We had closely studied the course map and we had seen the course being marked out the previous day. A couple of laps of the town including some narrow twisty cobbled parts , some climb out of the town and up to the citadel , a stretch of open road out of the town before returning for a dash to the market square and the finish.
The gun sounded and we were away. The crowd lined harbour front resounded to the cries of ‘allez , allez vite ‘.
The course snaked its way around the town and then climbed away from the centre before twisting back and repeating the loop . By the third loop , it was clear that with some regular climbs , the twists of the cobbled alleys that this would not be a fast course but was certainly different . Opinions changed by mile four as the climbs became off road scrambles up a rocky trail for some 400 metres to the top of the citadel. Views over the bay were stunning but no chance to look as we now raced through a wood and care had to be taken of the tree roots running across the path . Sprayed luminous orange by the organisers to warn.
The course was now challenging but one that we all agreed was a real good course . A couple of miles out of town on the road which we noticed was downhill……..yes we then turmed back and came back up hill !
Two miles to go ……what was in store ! We were then sent down a rocky series of steps snd snaked back to the harbour . Into the last half mile . A dash through the town and the square was in site . The course had support everywhere but particularly back at the square .Thanks to Anne , Mike , Sue and Peter for your support . Faces popped up everywhere to cheer on the blue and yellow of WRC. A guest appearance also by Nicki’s husband …..allez Wilmslow.
Chips bleeped constantly as runners crossed the line .
Besides the customary water and energy fluids , runners were offered any amounts of , fresh fruit , chocolate , local cake and a choice of rose or red wine . Wow !!
The atmosphere at the finish was great almost unique !
A childrens fun run followed with two police outriders at the front ! The UK were represented by Victoria Mowat. A star in the making .
As we regrouped , we felt that we had been part of a real experience . Italians , French amongst others where nationality meant nothing . Experiences in pigeon french were exchanged .
A rostrum and some fine trohies awaited the winners . This was a well organised event.
We made our way back to our base in the knowledge that we had all enjoyed a very different course , run in perfect conditions and in an atmosphere that we had all found intoxicating .
Rest , relaxation , food and wine followed with the tour dinner to follow . A message was even read out on behalf of our absent chairman Roy who was warm weather training in Portugal.
Monday at leisure in Nice and the jetting back to Manchester . A two hour delay but did anyone care ? No , it was more time to enjoy !
A great weekend . Fab location , a great experience and well done to all. Numerous PB’s , Dr Kate by three minutes !
Thank you to our supporters , thanks to George for being not only the perfect guide but all of the arrangements . Thanks also to Kate who masterminded much of the arrangements while in France .
So reality sets in as I write this and reps on Tuesday night . A little time to relax and then planning for WRC 2007 tour .Places at a premium and guarenteed to sell out fast !
Au revoir,
Nick.