Jon M reports..
Tewkesbury fielded skeleton teams for first of this seasons XC events. Black Bridge in Gloucester was the venue and the racing attracted not just the top local teams but also several of the regions best.
With junior races starting first, it wasn’t until the afternoon that a competitive ladies race started. 2012 Olympic prospect Emily Pigeon lead from start to finish however, Tewkesbury’s very own accomplished international runner, Angie Sadler display her familiar grace as she lead the Tewkesbury team of three over a non-demanding 7.1 km course. Sadler finished in 12th place with only some great XC talent ahead of her.
Club Captain Cathy Dudfield was just two minutes behind her team mate in 31st position. Pleasing, as the Captain’s target race is just 8 days away in Stroud. One minute later, veteran talent, Carol Cowley crossed the line scooping another V55 1st place. The Bredon runner will also be running in the Stroud ½ Marathon - defending her 2005 V55 crown.
The team of three formidable females won the vets competition.
The men’s team were two runners short of the requisite six. Nevertheless, Tewkesbury’s XC sectary Andy Hawkins, demonstrated expert XC running. Setting off at a good pace and not letting it slip during the men’s 11.2km course. Despite producing a good performance, the high level of competition meant that Hawkins had to settle for a top 25 placing. Satisfying as the clubs best distance runner has the Stroud ½ Marathon as a priority too. One minute behind Hawkins came Jon Mansfield. Mansfield paid the price for keeping pace with Hawkins for the first 15 minutes as a convoy of ten runners passed the struggling Triathlete late on. Stuart Dudfield set off at a controlled pace and maintained it throughout. Hampered by a niggle mid-race, he finished strongly. Phillip Howells produced another fine example of pace control. The ultra-distance runner had a faultless run in the first of a Gloucestershire series of four events over the winter.
Women 7.1km
12th Angie Sadler 31.13
31st Cathy Dudfield 33.27
34th Carol Cowley 34.28
From 84 finishers
Men 11.2km
23rd Andy Hawkins 40.01
32nd Jon Mansfield 41.09
88th Stuart Dudfield 46.52
107th Phillip Howells 49.32
From 141 finishers