Sunday October 18th.
That the trip to the South of France was mainly about eating and drinking was given lie to by Janine, who was also fourth lady overall, winning the F45 category and Nicky winning F55. Bernard ran well, overtaking Nicky in the final 800m as she sought to hold her balance on the slippery paths through the town. Patrick also had good race beating both Nicky and Geoff. Ian was the third prize-winner, albeit in the MV4 category, we had drunk both bottles of wine before the discovering this was over 70.
The weather in St. Tropez had, the French complained, turned cold on Thursday but Sunday was wet. The French treated the surface with some respect, running around the puddles. More accustomed to these conditions we ploughed straight through. Rain before the start is unpleasant but with the temperature rising to 16o by the end of the race, we welcomed a steady drizzle.
The start on the quayside was picturesque but congested. (Some of us thought the enforced slow first 2k helped our overall performance). We then started the climb to the citadel. I could see Patrick and Bernard ahead and caught Sharon who was struggling with her breathing. Then it was down and back for a second splash through the town centre. Once we had repeated the town loop we started to climb again and I feared a second visit to the citadel, but they were saving that for later.
Just before 8k there was an ambiguous sign with 8k to the left and 16k to the right, with some doubts I chose ‘16k’, which proved to be correct. Don’s knee was giving him pain and he opted for the 8k finish.
We now headed out of town passed, apparently, Bridget Bardot’s house but she was not out to cheer us. It is a nice downhill section, not so nice was the sight of the leaders coming back up the other side of the road and the knowledge that every stride down was going to be matched, before long, with a climb up. Coming up was Janine, with Paul on her shoulder and Tim not far behind. We then split away so no chance for mutual encouragement with Nicky, Patrick, Bernard or Geoff. The ascent started around 11k, by now Jan was coming down, she lacked training miles and had volunteered to be the Wilmslow tail. It was here I felt the benefit of the slow start, unusually picking-up places on an uphill section and even on the steeper climb up to the citadel. A fast hairpin descent took us through 15k into the town, then a twisty, undulating route back to the quai and onto to a centre ville finish. Sharon had caught me close to the end at Llyn Brenig, I glanced nervously back but seemed to be safe.
Anne and I were first to arrive at the Bergerie (literally the shepherd’s hut), where we had stayed on our previous visit 9 years previously. We had dinner with George, a Wilmslow runner before they emigrated, in Ste. Maxime. George and Nicky had organised the outing. Jan, Sharon and Nicky arrived Friday afternoon followed by Janine who had flown out of Gatwick. Geoff and Don should have been with us but had missed their connection in Frankfurt. So just six of us set off for an evening at George and Stella’s to the news that Tim, Bernard, Geoff and Paul were not yet on Easyjet from Liverpool but marooned in the bar. A lively evening was enriched by Geoff and Don’s arrival at 9, but the expectation that the Liverpudlians would not arrive until half past midnight caused a seeking of solace at the Bergerie bar.
Saturday, George took us to Grassin and Ramatuelle and we had lunch and sunned ourselves on the celebrity beach, Pampelonne, even managing a paddle. Then into St. Tropez itself for registration with the rest of the afternoon in the sunshine on the hotel terrace. Francoise, our landlady, organised a dinner, pasta, in the village.
On our return it was candles and birthday cake for Patrick.
Breakfast Sunday 6:30, race 9:30
50 Janine 1:09:03 1st. FV1
53 Paul 1:09:22 MV2
70 Tim 1:11:03 MV2
129 Patrick 1:15:19 MV3
138 Bernard 1:15:39 MV2
144 Nicky 1:15:53 1st.FV2
154 Geoff 1:16:39 MV3
271 Ian 1:21:54 MV4
344 Sharon 1:25:36 FV1
536 Jan 1:35:41 FV1
674 finishers with Don opting for the 8k
Our winners made their bow on the podium, back for a shower, then into Ste. Maxime for a final meal together, the delicacy of French cuisine being largely squandered in favour of burgers, albeit burgers of quality (you’ll have to ask Sharon about her trousers, l’ve been forbidden). Then a fond farewell to Paul, Tim, Patrick and Bernard all needed for work on Monday.
We were happy to stay-in for evening with red, rosé, beer and snacks from the supermarket and a Greek moment from Nicky.
Monday, Don and Geoff headed-off for Munich. The girls initially to Nicky’s but we were re-united on the 21:45 to Liverpool
Ian.
MV4 is people born in the years 1936-1945. It would seem that my prize was genuinely and honestly won and we don’t need to give the wine back. Ian
Excellent report Ian.. Thanks to all involved for arranging a great weekend.. Thanks also to George, our man in St Tropez.. Bit gutted I had to clear off on Sunday before the drinking started in earnest, but after pipping Nicky ( due in no small part to my failure to understand the warning cries of “c’est glissant” by the marshals ).. Probably for the best that I caught the plane home !