Bollington Nostalgia

Sunday July 9^th.

Summer Series, Race 12

You do not need to necessarily look at the front runners to appreciate why this is a fascinating race, perhaps the most popular in the calendar. Back in League 4 the first 4k, uphill, Julie would run away. The next 2k, descent, would play to Ian’s strengths then the 2k along the tow path would belong to Simon. None of us could be confident as to which of us would be in the lead when, at the end of the tow path, we reached the hill through the woods or when we hit the final mile, downhill on the road.

In all probability, the changing characteristics of the course played to similar contrasting of strengths and weaknesses for all the other Leagues. l will have to leave it others to comment how things panned-out in their sector of the race.

It was warm when we arrived in Bollington but 10 minutes before the start the cloud dispersed, it was going to be hot.

First Wilmslow man home was Rob, who added to his long list of finishing second, Allan was 10^th., Matt 13^th., Graham 17^th. and Richard Harrison 21^st.

Diane was our, and the race’s, first lady and 6^th overall. She was followed by Amanda, 3^rd. lady and Di, 5^th. lady. Amanda? I seem to remember, perhaps 7 years ago now, Amanda doing a brilliant run here, well she’s done it again. On her day, she’s a talent, but a fragile talent, it does not always happen for her. When did she last race? We need to persuade her to race more.

Graham Duce was the first League 2 runner, but after three consecutive wins, we might question whether he should not be deemed League 1 status. Next was Di who did well to edge out Ian, who excels at romps over the hills. Louisa is another who is at her best on this sort of terrain, she finished ahead of Tim and Janine, who goes better on the road, and Paul.

A second victory in League 3 for Mark, in front Nicky. Sally is good on the hills but lacks miles in the legs. Chris sustained his revival and finished ahead of a subdued Gareth performance. Then came John in front of Gail, who was claiming an alcoholic Saturday evening, and Cat, whose unemployment might well prove a boost for her running.

In League 4 it went to form, Julie gained too much on the ascent for Ian to catch her on the descent, Ian gained too much on the descent for Simon to catch him on the tow path. We all benefited from Roy and Mike’s support. Stephen made a rare appearance, perhaps the course reminded him of Lyme Park, where he does much of his running. Catherine has been distracted of late and Trevor kept Don company.