Sunday, November 01, 2009

Clwydian Hills fell race

Race: Clwydian Hills (Bad weather short course)
Time/Position: 47:40 (9th/89)

It seemed puzzlingly cautious to shorten this race because of 'bad weather': how much trouble is it possible to get into on Moel Famau?! I suppose it would have been uncomfortable for the marshalls, and wonder if MM-style dibbers and controls are the way to avoid these situations. It was disappointing that we didn't get the expected punishing challenge of the new course - instead it was just a quick sprint from Cilcain up the bridleway to Ffrith, then up the usual Friday route to the crossroads. Strong winds made the boggy, bikeable section over the ridge hard work - but it soon got easier for the descent down to the Vale side and climb back out to Moel Dywyll. I was keeping my place quite well, then made up some ground on the front runners on the descent to the lake and (especially) when I took a more direct line up to the final checkpoint at pt400. A fast finish, using all the shortcuts, saw me finish 9th (one down on last year) in what seemed a strongish field.

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