For the second time in two weeks it was back to Scotland for cross country action. After the big crowds and technical course of Fort William it was a little tamer this time. The course was at Drumlanrig Castle just north of Dunfries. The trail pixies had been at work again making the trial in the woods for us races. The course was well designed for both the spectators and races. The races had no idea where they were as they zigzagged up and down the hillside as the same spectators kept appearing around the course.

 The elite race was another good one. Not for me really as I have been struggling the pasted couple of weeks. The race set off up the first climb with National Champion Oli Beckingsale setting a hot pace looking as if he was back to form. Only my Giant teammate Paul Oldham was able to go with the pace. The chasing pace contained Phil Cooper, Stuart Bowers, Dave Collins, Zak Toogood and Ian Wilkinson. I was struggling to stay in contact with this group. Nick Craig caught and passed us three quarters of the way around the first lap (he had had a slow start as he was gridded a few rows back) and went in pursuit of Oli and Paul. On the third lap we passed Paul Oldham who was fixing a puncture. I was still struggling to stay in contact with the chasing group which had lost Phil Cooper.

 On lap four the race really kicked off, we caught Oli Beckingsale who was going very slow. He had run out of juice and was barely going forward, this was a dramatic turn around from his invincible start. He packed later in that lap. I was still struggling to stay in contact. Ian Wilkinson made his break for home with a lap and a quarter remaining. He was now going for second place as only National Technical Coach Nick Craig remained at the front. This blew the group to bits. I passed Zak and Stuart with my aim now on third place which was held by Dave Collins. Despite every effort I could not catch him. The result remained 1st Nick Craig, Science in Sport riders Ian Wilkinson and Dave Collins 2nd & 3rd and I finished 4th. Not bad considering how bad I felt for the first couple of laps.

 With Jody Crawforth not making the trip north I will have taken the overall lead in the Giant NRS national series. The next round is not until the end of August at Sherwood Pines.

 Next week I will be at the Saab Salomon 24 hour race with my team mates Paul Oldham and Jamie Norfolk. The forth member of our Giant team in Wold Cup winner Rune Hoydahl! See you there....

Results www.timelaps.co.uk

(written 16/06/03)

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