Tom Lancanshire Wins Home Countries Cross Country International in Saturday Preview of World XC Course by: Scottish Athletics March 29, 2008
Despite the bitter cold and windswept conditions in Holyrood Park this
afternoon, UK athletes were on top form as they competed in the first
Home Countries Cross Country International for 18 years.
In the women's 6km race Gemma Miles (ENG) took first place with a
superb effort ahead of Victoria Wilkinson (ENG) and Freya Murray (SCO).
The top three dominated the race from the start, accompanied by
Felicity Milton (ENG) who eventually finished fourth, setting a tough
pace and showing incredible end of season form.
Miles and Wilkinson battled for the lead throughout much of the race
but Miles' strength showed as she left Wilkinson on the bell and with
sheer grit and determination took a 100m lead, which she extended
towards the home straight finishing with a time of 20:30, to take
victory by 17 seconds.
Miles said: "I've not been feeling 100% in the build up to this so I'm
really pleased with how I ran today. I did hope to make the GB & NI
team for the World Cross so I was a bit disappointed not to be
competing tomorrow."
When asked how she felt as she pulled away at the bell, she said: "It
was good having the screen because each time you came into the finish
straight you could see what was going on."
"It's a great idea to have the Home Countries International and make it
a two day event. My next race now will be the Dublin 10K race next
weekend, then I will start to prepare for the summer.
Overall, England took the team honours with 14 in the women's event,
from Scotland with 27. Wales finished 3rd with 58 points on count back
from Northern Ireland who also finished with a total of 58.
In the Men's 8km event, it was a battle between Tom Lancashire (ENG)
and Tom Russell (SCO), who pulled away from David Webb (ENG) and Steve
Vernon (ENG) mid way through the race.
Lancashire's strength showed up the steep hill, but Russell was
determined to give it his best shot in front of the home support,
including his family who were cheering him on from the course.
On the final lap, Lancashire edged in front and pushed on downhill with
the finish line in sight, meanwhile the battle for third was beginning.
Vernon had maintained a solid third place for most of the race until
the closing stages when team mate Webb came through to take the third
spot with a great finish.
Lancashire said: "I'm really happy to win. I felt comfortable on the
first two laps, but couldn't shake off Tom, so eased off a bit and
waited until the final hill. My basic speed is pretty good, so I held
on for the finish.
When asked about the importance of a Home International, he said: "I
think this event is a really good, especially involving the Juniors,
one of them has to score. It's a good opportunity for them.
"My winter has gone well, my best winter ever. Hope to carry it over to
the summer. I'm back training in Bolton now, I've taken a semester off
University."
Scotland's Tom Russell said: "I felt really good, but Tom was just
stronger on the hill. I wasn't really expecting to win but just wanted
to get out there and do the best I could.
"The home support was brilliant, my Dad and my brother were out on the
course, it really really helps. I'll definitely be out watching
tomorrow. If this event is held next year, I will definitely be back."
In the Men's team competition, England finished on top of the podium
with a point's score of 14, ahead of Scotland with 34 points. Wales
were third with 37 points ahead of Northern Ireland who scored 68.
Results;
Women
1. Gemma Miles (ENG) 20:30
2. Victoria Wilkinson (ENG) 20:47
3. Freya Murray (SCO) 20:53
4. Felicity Milton (ENG) 21:10
Men
1. Tom Lancashire (ENG) 24:39
2. Tom Russell (SCO) 24:42
3. David Webb (ENG) 25:14
4. Steve Vernon (ENG) 25:19
