Two Breweries

1996

Conditions: dry but a strong head wind all day.

Started very steady - not racing. Found my 'level' alongside Brian Waldie for the first 4 miles. A group of 8/9 had opened into a lead pack a couple of minutes in front of us. Running into the wind kept me cautious and steady. Pulled away from Brian just before 1st checkpoint at Birkscairn Hill. Caught up with leaders by the end of the drop into Glensax. Group split up in several directions on the ascent. I was lying 8/9th over next couple of check points. Brian caught me again but I lost him for good on the descent into Glenrath. Suddenly got very warm in the Glen. Took on water, ran on with Martin Flynn for company over Whitehill and down to the main road at Stobo Castle. Struggled badly on the flat. More water. Martin pulled well away. I started cramping on the lead up to Trahenna. Was walking for bits. Must remember to take jelly babies to top up energy levels in future. Was pleased to start climbing again as this was easier for me than trying to run on the flat. Caught up with Martin again and we punched the last control at the same time on the summit. It was blowing a gale up there. I was unsure of my descent line when Martin ran in a different diection from what I expected. My legs were gone and had to bite into Mars bar for a booster. Fell three times on descent. Martin disappeared from sight finishing three and a half minutes ahead. I managed to hold on for a well proud seventh place.

Posted by Manny Gorman on Wed 30 Nov -0001 | comments are closed

Category club races