Back hame fir crimbo

Glad to be home in Motherwell for a few weeks and mercifully, the weather has been pretty decent. Signed off from 2005 Catalan racing with a good 3rd place finish at the Olot XC behind 5 times World XC participant Pere Arco. Hoping to make more of a splash at the Banyoles XC on the 15th January when i get back to Girona.



Completed the Bangcock Challenge yesterday as in 2004. This year though was the first open race, under Triathlon Scotland license and the race was extended to a full duathlon - 1 mile run up, then down Tinto Hill (photo below end of first run), 21 mile bike and then a full ascent (2320 ft i think) and descent of Tinto. It was bloody hard and was i glad to be able to ease off a bit on the slippy descent. Won with a few minutes to spare while Angela Mudge again showed great cycling and multisport potential coming in 4th overall.

Many thanks to the organisers Lanark Multisport, marshalls and police who ensured a great day with perfect weather conditions. Sure to grow and grow this race is pure cult!

Some photos here on the Strathaven Striders website.

Results here.

back to bike

Phew! almost 9 hours of running last week, including 2 hrs on the Friday before the Girona XC on the Sunday. But came through without any niggles and a 5th place in the cross. Off steady and lucky if i was in the top 20 after the first small loop, but then the miles told and i was passing people all the way, in the end not too far off the winner. SWitching to a bike block now but will continue to do the XC season, hoping for a top 3 at the Salt race this Sunday. . .