Those Swedes Again!

Today it was the World Ranking Knockout Sprint for the Elite men and women, whilst the rest of us common or garden orienteers had two short sprints, all around Stirling University.  The Swedish women were triumphant once again, finishing in first and third places after four gruelling sprint rounds, athletes being knocked out at every stage.  However, they were split by our very own Megan, on the left here, well done Megan!

Tony and I were up and off early to try and fit Plean Parkrun in before we took part in the sprints.  We actually made it to the University in good time for our starts.  Plean was a smashing parkrun course and to be recommended if you are up Stirling way.  It was a butterfly loop of pretty woodland with lots of undulations.  

The two sprints were several hours apart so we were able to spectate the elites and cheer on our GB Squad (and everyone else of course!)  Several of our GB athletes won through the rounds but only Megan finished on the podium.  After the final Elite race, we went out again on our second sprint.  I made an error and almost missed going to no. 7 and had to go back for it, which lost me valuable time.  

As soon as the prizegiving was over we headed south to Jen and Pete's.  Three runs in one day is unusual for me and I'm yawning loudly now.  One more race tomorrow, this time an urban around the city of Stirling and then the weekend will be over.