National Marathon Championships

 

National Marathon Champs incorporating R5 of the Trek marathon series

Coed-y-Brenin, 23 Sept 2007
Report & Images Joolze Dymond

 

Results: All Categories

 

Sunday saw the second ever GB National Marathon champs get under way in Wales, at one of the country's most popular trail centres, Coed-y- Brenin. Like last year the going was wet, but in a much worse way. There were no river crossings to navigate across, just streams of water pouring from the heavens, that made the going that much tougher. The course utilised much of the same trail used the previous day in the XC races, but with an added extra section making each lap in the region of 12.2km. This meant for all those signed up to the full championship distance of 100km ( or 97.6km really), faced 8 long laps around this ardous circuit. It certainly wasn't for the faint hearted.

Champions: James Ouchterlony and Liz Scalia

 

81 riders fancied their chances in the full distance for the senior men's event, but by the end of the 8 laps and nearly 5 hours of racing only 16 managed the full distance. It was as one rider explained a real war of attrition with mechanicals, punctures and just sheer bad luck to contemplate. One rider missing from the line up was the previous days elite race winner Peter Riis Andersen, his tale of woe taking another twist, as hed spent the night being horribly sick obviously he wasnt going to have too many fond memories of his trip to Wales
Defending champion Nick Craig, was victim to the dreaded puncture quite early on, as were many more.

 

Nick however chose to battle on and despite losing the head of the group by nearly 3 mins, stuck his head down an got on with the job. Ahead of him lay a small group containing series leader Will Bjergfelt, Dave Collins, James Ouchterlony and Ross Creber. For 3 solid laps Bjergfelt was the man towing the race around, letting no one past, however clear his intentions were he couldnt sustain the pace and quickly felt the lead slip from his grasp. This left Ouchterlony out in front controlling the race, varying his speed, to try and break the rest of the group.

 

Youngster Creber hung on for as long as he could but by lap 6 he'd blown his doors off and his race was about keeping himself in contention. Meanwhile Dave Collins kept a close eye on proceedings and let Ouchterlony ride his own race. By lap 7 Ouchterlony was out on his own, being steadily hunted down by the man on a mission, Nick Craig, who'd steadily picked his way up the field and was now lying in 2nd spot. However the gap was just too much to close in one lap and Ouchterlony at last, after nearly 22 years of racing grabbed his first GB national jersey.

 

Craig closed in but could only take 2nd and Collins ended his lack lustre XC season with a solid bronze. Meanwhile Duncan Jamieson, put in a good ride to snatch 4th spot ahead of a rapidly fading Creber who managed to salvage a creditable 5th. Bjergfelt took 6th and with it saw his overall victory slip through his fingers. This honour now went to Ouchterlony, who also found himself the proud owner of a bike, which was promised to him if he'd won.

Nick Craig, second and Kate Potter, fastest Women, but not qualifying for the championships on nationality

 

Defending champion Jenny Copnall took the decision not to race leaving the door wide open, for a new champion. Would we see young rider Amy Hunt add to her win the previous day or would marathon stalwart Liz Scalia use her experience and sheer grit to get her through race. Series leader Kate Potter, was not looking forward to taking on this challenge, the thought of 6 long hours in the saddle in the pouring rain didnt go down too well. Still she knew if she was to take the series she would have to start at least.

 

So the scene was set and it was Potter and Hunt who once more found themselves uneasy riding companions as the race took off. Potter's climbing abilities were matched by Hunt's descending, with each giving no edge. Meanwhile behind them Liz Scalia battled on, with Sally Bigham and Mel Alexander keen to get on terms.

 

Potter soon got into her stride and her flowing form soon saw her with an advantage over Hunt. When Hunt punctured, it looked as if the Championship was sure to slip through her fingers, but she dug deep and rode through it. However by this time Liz Scalia had overhauled the younger rider and it looked now as if the gold was set to be hers. Then the race took an unusual twist, with Hunt being disqualified. A well wisher, meaning no harm had given Hunt outside assistance, in the form of a push, unfortunately this was in front of a commissarie and they could do no more than abide by the UCI rules that govern national events and for Hunt her quest was all in vain.

Mud in your eye - Ochterloney and Turnbull benefit from the free race mud pack!

 

Potter unaffected by what was going on behind her stormed through to take the win and series title in just over 6 hours, her Aussie status though meant she couldnt claim the National title. 13 mins later and Liz Scalia became first Brit home and took the National jersey. Sally Bigham a further 11 mins adrift picked up the silver and Mel Alexander took the bronze. While Wendy Cashmore in her first 100km came home in 4th.

 

Pete Turnbull took the vets 100km for the second year running but at least this year he got a jersey to prove it. Ed Nicholl was in the hunt for victory early on put a puncture put him out of contention. Michael Powell kept Turnbull company for the first couple of laps and then Gavin Rumbles caught up and Turnbull took off leaving the two in his wake. Rumbles carried on to take silver and Powell settled for bronze. Again out of 28 entered only 4 managed the full 8 laps in this difficult race. Lone vet lady Tracy Miles took it all in her stride, this being a walk in the park for the lady who completed 3, 24 hour solo races in 2 months. She took home a well earned Gold medal for her troubles.

2 hours after the start of the Big one the 50km & 25km riders were unleashed on the trail, ready to pit their own battles against their peers and of course to challenge them selves.

Gareth Montgomery peers through the mud

 

In the mens 50 km James Ouchterlonys team mate Gareth Montgomerie rode a strong race to take the win, making it a good day out for the Singletrack/Pipedream team.

 

Billy Joe Whenman kept the Scottish rider company for most of the race, but Montgomerie got away on the last lap leaving Whenman in 2nd spot ahead of Oliver Holmes in 3rd and Torq leader Matt Hart taking a rare moment from his busy schedule to take part and picked up a fantastic 4th spot, I wonder if he got Torq bars as his prize?

 

Series leader Nadine Spearing was narrowly defeated in the womens 50km, as she rode most of the race without a back brake, she was finally overhauled by a delighted Ruth Mordaunt whod never ridden a 50km marathon before, and was pleased to have taken the win. Nadine was philosophical about her defeat, knowing that she had retained her overall lead and claimed the series win. Kate Betts picked up 3rd.

 

Peter Bromwich took the 50km vets race ahead of 2nd placed Denys Jones, while Anthony Cowling took 3rd. Denise Burton was obviously on a winning streak this weekend, when she added the vet womens 50km race to her name along with the previous days vet womens xc race. In her first (and possibly last) marathon race Burton rode convincingly to take the win with Sally Daw in 2nd and Amanda DArcy in 3rd. DArcys final position being enough to secure the overall series win.

 

In the 25km race Michael Butler had clearly shaken off any nerves he may have had from the previous days race and stormed round the 2 lap event to take his 2nd win of the weekend. Just 21 secs behind came a fast finishing Bengareth Roff with David Nichols just another 32 secs behind in 3rd.

Coed-y-Brenin is a tough gnarly venue

 

In the women's 25km race it was another youth rider who dominated proceedings. Rebecca Thompson took the win to add to her win from the previous day. Stiff competition from Hannah Barnes came to nothing when Barnes had the misfortune of puncturing on the first lap. Carla Haines took 2nd with Sam Bryant back in 3rd.

Well it might have rained and rained hard, but what we lacked in sunshine we made up for with some great grit and determination and some interesting racing. For some it was a lottery just getting themselves, their bikes and tyres around the trails in one piece, but mainly the overall consensus was it was a big thumbs up from all the riders.

 

As the day drew to an end, the sun finally made an appearance and Ouchterlony could be seen riding into the sunset, panniers on his bike, ready for a new adventure in his adopted home of Tenerife.

 

Many thanks to all those that made the race the success it was, to all of you that made the decision to ride, despite the atrocious weather, To Clive at Quaver Catering whose hot teas and coffees saved the day and to all the trade supporters who braved the conditions to make the event that little bit more interesting for those spectators who wanted a bit of retail therapy in the wet. Many thanks once again to Martyn and the crew and InEvent, we know youve got plenty of tricks up your sleeve for next year, lets hope theyre all as fun as the events weve had this year, but any chance of organising some decent weather for a change?

Riders comments:

Rebecca Thompson 25km
Yeah really pleased to take my second win in 2 days. I was a bit worn out after yesterday, the course wasnt much different from the XC race to be honest, just an extra bit that really didnt add on much, but it was good fun. I was racing with Hannah (Barnes) on the first lap, she was miles ahead of me at one point, she wasnt even in sight, I was getting a bit worried, but I gradually caught her and passed her on the descent and she punctured and pulled out so I did the second lap on my own. But I had all the guys in the 50km to pace me so it wasnt that bad.

Gareth Montgomerie- 50km
It was a shame about the weather at the start; it was good to see the sun come out in the end. I was riding with Billy Joe Whenman, but he wouldnt come through, I was sitting up and he was riding next to me but not coming past, so it was a bit annoying. But I had a bit of a mechanical and he stopped and waited so it was alright. I got a gap on the final climb and kept going. My eyes were hurting with all the mud but the rest of it was okay, I think I got the series too. Its been a rubbish few weeks with the Worlds selection thing, but ah its good to end on a high and now Im ready for the beer.

James Ouchterlony 100km
Thats my first win in England since Ive been racing. It was a usual marathon, a race of attrition really, you know people dropping off for this reason and that. This year Ive been lucky, I tried Nick Craigs thing of saving myself for the Sunday and not do the XC race the day before. I havent had this luxury these last 2 years; Ive had to get my results in the XC.

 

I had a poor start, I always miss my start, I had to work a bit to get up there. I was expecting a gridding at the start, there might have been but I didnt notice. But no, good, Im just really happy, thanks to my team I have a bike for the winter, thats more of a relief than the joy of winning the race. The deal was if I won the race I got to keep the bike. The first 4 laps we had a group containing Ross (Creber), Dave (Collins), Myself and Will (Bjergfelt). Nick (Craig) punctured and spent much of the race hunting us down.

 

Lap 5 I started to push a little bit more pace, it looked like Ross was starting to struggle a bit, Dave had a problem with his gears and then I had a problem with my gears riding the last couple of laps with just the big ring. This actually pushed me on, on the climbs I had to keep a little bit more speed to keep the cadence right. With 2 laps to go I got that time check and the news that Nick was coming back, he was only a 1min 20secs behind, I thought oh well just turn the throttle and started working. Before that I was just drifting round on my own, not taking it easy but not pushing it either.

 

So yeah my first GB National jersey great, Id never won a race in England since I started racing and the sun came out as well, brilliant, now Im off to Tenerife.

Pete Turnbull 100km vet
Yeah that was a fantastic ride today, brilliant course, it suited me big climbs and stuff and I like it wet and muddy as well. All the grit comes out. I was with Mike Powell on the first lap and Ed Nichols passed me on lap 2 really pulling away. He must have had a puncture on about lap 4. Gavin caught me up on lap 4 so I had a big lap 5 and then I didnt see anyone else after that. Great race, I really enjoyed it, despite going over the bars on the first lap. Im a bit of a crash test dummy Im afraid I have a bit of a reputation for that. Ive won the championship race now for 2 years out of 2 but this is the first year it's recognised and I get a jersey, which is good. I'd be gutted to be beaten the first time there was a jersey available. Can I just add a big thanks to George Rowes hes kept me in good shape all year and also to Richard and Claire at Gateway cycles, they keep me going.

Ruth Mordaunt 50km
That was my first 50km ever and I got the win! Im very very shocked! It was really tough so much climbing but a whole heap of fun with all that mud and those descents. Nadine had trouble with her brakes and it was a close call at the end but I just managed to sneak past her and get the win.

Dave Collins 100km 3rd
I don't know what to say really, Ive had a few turkeys out there this year, a bit of a non year with regards to XC racing, I gave Bibbs my wheel yesterday, to try and keep him in the overall. Ive been fancying this one for a while, wasnt sure how well Id go though, I havent ridden 5 hours for a while. So Im a bit pleased with that result. Nick punctured early on, I knew it was going to be inevitable he was going to come past; I wasnt going quick enough to keep him at bay. The gap was pretty close at the end. I didnt puncture! There was nothing that was going to stop me today I had 3 inner tubes with me just in case! James was riding really well today, he was in that front group he was really quite clever, alternating his pace lots on the climb, Creber and Bjergfelt were happy to go with him on it but I just hung back a bit cos I knew come 2 1/2 hours in it was going to get messy. I struggled a bit; I got to 3 hours and needed to change tanks a bit, struggled for 30mins but came round and got there. I didnt have any gears or brakes left so just as well the race wasnt any longer.

Nick Craig 100km 2nd
It was a bit disappointing today, I punctured going up hill, which isn't what I was expecting. Towards the end of the last climb on lap 2. I lost about 3 mins, I tried to come back a bit too hard, I thought Im gonna have to press on a bit here, it took a while. I just kept riding really I got back to a minute and a half. I was picking them off, but fair play James knocked out a strong ride. He deserved it, hes been at it a while. It was a grand day out.

Debbie Burton 50km vet women
Ive never done a marathon before it was awful! The first 2 laps were fine but I just got tired my back was giving up; I struggled on the last 2 laps. The mud was fine. I forgot there was a vets sub category I was just out for the ride so to win it was a real surprise.

Kate Potter 100km
I've been feeling quite tired on the run up to this weekend, so wasnt sure how I'd go. Yesterday was a bit disappointing, with the puncture. And today I wasnt looking forward to going out there; I guess its a mental thing. My legs were really on form but it was by no means easy. I had no idea what gap I had on the rest of the field and when my brakes went on the 5th lap I was hoping there was a bit of time so Paul could change the pads. I just tried to hang onto to my bike on the descent and tried really hard on the climb and just got here!

Liz Scalia 100km First Brit woman
I wasn't expecting this; I wasnt sure how Id feel today. I saw Kate was really strong yesterday, so I just let Kate do her thing. Amy looked strong on her second lap, I was hoping my experience would help me through Amy then had a few problems on the 6th or 7th lap and I just got past and kept going. It went okay. A great course, really hard. Kate did an excellent race and deserved to win but Im delighted to have got the jersey.

Martyn Salt Organiser
Loads of people came up to me and said thank you for the last 4 years, which has been really nice, I hope weve made a difference and now we feel ready to pass the baton onto another organiser who is able to take it on and move the series forward again. I think 4 years is enough. Well be doing a UCI class 1 XC race at Plymouth next year and well still be doing the Marathon Championships, we also have a new 12hour series that well roll out next year, so InEvent will still be doing plenty of events and well see most people around, which will be quite nice. We enjoyed putting on the events and meeting all the people so well miss that side of it. This weekend, it was a lot harder to do an event in this venue; its not ideal for the parking. I think in some ways weve spoilt people with having the parking and camping all together and this weekend has not been quite the same. But people were asking for a more technical course and from a riding point of view its worked. Logistically it has been a hard venue to put together but all in all its gone pretty well despite the rain at least the sun came out in the end for a sort of final send off.