SEAA XC Shuttleworth
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We just managed to squeeze in a ladies team before close of applications for this event, (thanks to Chris Parello for her speedy help) and fielded a team of 4 ladies in the 35+ category (despite certain team members being somewhat long in the tooth for this age group). Unfortunately our 5th team member, Ronnie Singleton was unable to race on the day - we missed you Ronnie. It was a sunny but cold day at Shuttleworth and I hadn't realized there would be so many teams and age groups from all over the South of England. Quite an impressive gathering. Team tactics were to finish the race! We all found it strange to be in a group of just ladies! When the gun finally went (starter had been taking lessons from x-factor presenters) I was happy to sit behind the lead group as they hared off on the first small lap and sure enough by the end of the lap most of them had worn themselves out and left me to pick up into an easy 3rd place a short distance behind two girls who I knew were quick xc ladies. The lady behind me was supported by her family and friends, so the whole way round all I heard was "go on Karen" and "come on mum". The hill kicked in on the second, longer lap, to be repeated on the third and longest lap before running round the lake and into the finish. 'Karen' was a fair distance behind me as I crossed the road towards the finish, but I could hear encouragement for her continuing, so kept my pace up until I was in the finishing funnel. Right in the funnel she came up fast behind me, so I kept on running, but to my astonishment the judge at the finish line shouted Winchester not Bedford for 3rd place! Not best pleased, I had to wait for her to go past me, but contented myself with the thought that we were there as a team and one point would not be a big deal. How wrong can you be? Renee ran a great race and came in 12th place, not far behind was Carla in 18th and Sally brought the team home, but as 4th in did not count towards our score. We eventually found out that Winchester ladies had beaten us into 2nd place, coming in 3rd, 10th and 19th positions - a total of 27 points to our 29. Had my place and the Winchester lady's been reversed, we would have tied for first place! So ask Matt Burgin who came in 3rd and 4th, as he was standing on the finish line. A frustrating day, but still some really strong running and a great effort from the current leading ladies xc team. Long may it continue ...well, to the end of the season anyway. Photos are of the team before and after the race. Gill Fullen |
