Thanks to Tom for this report of Ryde Harriers taking part in the Arthur Biggs XC race. Ed
The race for the Arthur Biggs trophy was an open handicap with runners who had competed in either of the previous race being ranked by their best time and set off accordingly. After these tricky calculations it was just a race for the line with first back the winner.
Rare sunshine prompted carnival-like scenes at the start as the first few runners set off to rousing cheers. Cheers soon became gasps as the challenging course showed it’s nasty side with the heaviest ground of the three races coupled with a strong, gusty wind.
First home for the women was Abigail Sollars just ahead of Sarah Sharp from IOW RR with Kath Levrier from Ryde Harriers in third. The men’s race was won by Neil Cooper from Wight Tri who crossed the line fifteen seconds ahead of Simon Levrier in second. Third went to Ken Beak from Ryde Harriers. There were juniors running again but with a reverse of the previous result as Harry Rann came in before Dominic Jacobs.
There were series trophies up for grabs as well for any Harriers who completed all three races. For the women Sarah Kavanagh added to her IOW and Harriers championship wins with the Victrix Lodorum crown. The men’s trophy saw a battle-royal between Les Cupis and Tom Blackwell with both runners on equal trophy points but the former starting 20 seconds behind the later. Cupis quickly closed the gap and the lead changed hands a number of times before Blackwell looked to have lost his chance as he took a minor wrong turn in the last half-mile but his younger legs just heaved him over the line to take the Victor Ludorum trophy.
