14 June 2008
Race Report by Jenn O'Connor
The Altura Patterson Training team had a good day in great conditions today. Showers on the start line dampened down the track, but not the spirits of the competitors. The women's elite field was strong as ever with 14 starters including full time pro Kate Potter after an early season on the World Cup circuit. Kate set the pace off the start but it was Sue Clarke, who is local to Grizedale and helped design the course, who made the first move. Unfortunately for Sue she punctured on the first section of singletrack, and National Champ Jenny Copnall took the lead. The second technical climb was where Potter made her move, and never looked back. I stayed with her for most of the first lap, but lost time on a fire road climb. Jenny Copnall stayed with me for the first two laps until I managed to make a gap and pull away. Potter took the win, with myself second and Jenny C third. I'm really pleased to be racing strongly again and coming back into form after a disappointing early season hampered by migraines.
In the men's elite race Gareth Montgomery took the win from newly crowned Marathon Champ Ian Wilkinson, with Adrian Lansley taking the final podium spot.
In the masters women's race Ruth took an early lead, but punctured on the first lap. She fixed the puncture with a Seal n Flate, but was then playing catchup, and took a tumble cuttting her leg. She managed to claw back most of the lost places to finish third, maintaining her lead in the series. A heroic effort from Ruth.
In the masters men's race Graham Warby took the win from Matt Barrett, and Luke Moseley in third. Coach Andy Patterson finished 16th, making up the lost places from the long climbs with some aggressive descending. Andy chose the new Panaracer 2.3 Rampages for this harsh rocky course, while I opted for the Razer MX 2.3s. Great choices both.
Tomorrow is the marathon, and Ruth will be defending her lead in the 75km category, while I will be testing my form in the 100km event.
Pic is the elite women's podium.
XC Results
Elite Women
1. Kate Potter (Cotic Bontrager)
2. Jenn O'Connor (Altura Patterson Training)
3. Jenny Copnall (Subaru Gary Fisher)
Elite Men
1. Gareth Montgomery (Colnago Ergon)
2. Ian Wilkinson (SIS Trek)
3. Adrian Lansley (Pedal On)
Masters Women
1. Graham Warby
2. Matt Barrett (Lutterworth CC)
3. Luke Moseley (Climb On Bikes Sludge Racing)
Masters Men
1. Nina Davies
2. Caroline Goward
3. Ruth Mordaunt (Altura Patterson Training)
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