Time/Position: 1.16.03 (4th from 42)
There have been various versions of this race over the years, from the old 'Tavern Trial' onwards. This is only the second time I have done this particular version, but it is really good and does make the most of the northern Clwydians. From Llangynhafal, a steep climb takes the breath away before a fast contouring section north to gain another steep climb which eventually leads to the contouring path which heads towards the Moel Arthur col. Then comes the horribly steep climb straight up the front of Arthur, followed by an awkwardly narrow descent until the blast down towards Pen y Cloddiau. Rather than taking this direct via OD, the race heads up the gentler track, which still proves quite a lungbuster and goes on for longer than you might think. A steep kink up to the fortifications and then the top of Pen y Cloddiau after which the navigation is easy: follow OD all the way to the Cilcain col. This final section went reasonably well (I can remember blowing on it in the past) and I felt fairly strong by my standards. I was closing on fourth place for the final section along OD and finally went past him on the last descent back to the farm, which is grassy and very quick. A couple of minutes quicker than when I last did the race, although that was in 2019, and I wasn't racing much at the time.
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