Medals at the SEAA XC Masters Championships

The Masters XC Champs were back at Horspath nr Oxford this year but over a revised course set further into the countryside and taking the men much further up the hill than previous versions of the event. Lovely sunny and crisp conditions also offered a welcome change from the usual mudfest.
nThis event is run in conjunction with the Intercounties match so there is a vibrant "big-event" feel to the day as well as the fun of Masters racing. I'm told it's a pleasure to be out front without those pesky young speedsters leading the field and filling the top places on the course.
nOur ladies continue to excel and in packing 4,6,10 on the course Lucy Elliott, Kathy Bailey and Jane Gandee were 2nd team overall and 1st W50 team with Lucy winning the gold medal in her age group and Kathy the silver in hers. Our front three were well backed up with a strong WADAC contingent so we had 8 ladies gracing the field in their black & gold vests and then supporting the men's race in their bobble hats.
nAs ever it's a tough act to follow such talent but this year WADAC had perhaps it's best ever representation in the Men's races with 13 men running and complete scoring teams at V40, 50 and for the first time also at V60. Jacques Caignard led us home in a fantastic 10th place with Rich Bidgood also enjoying the chance to run with the front pack and finishing 14th. David Comb finished in 30th to round out our top 3 and strong enough to finish 4th overall and 3rd V40 team....yes that is SEAA medals for our V40's! In the individual age cats Rich was 3rd in his (that too might be a medal) and Jacques was 7th in his. Our V50's suffered a bit with calloffs but still finished 5th team with Marius Kwint a fine individual 4th. It was perhaps the first time WADAC has fielded a V60 team at this event (Martyn West having always had to run down an agegroup) so we were pleased to all stay upright and finish 4th (and not last) team.