---

The Fight for First

Gary Vallance, Usual Suspects / 08.09.2006

It was with mixed feelings that team Usual Suspects drove towards Pippingford Park. There was no doubt that we were all looking forward to the event, the fast pace and shorter distance has suited us before. However, we were nervous. For the first time ever, we had one clear objective – to win.

Race briefing was a damp affair, and event organiser Paul Magner made light of the vista of surrounding countryside, completely hidden in thick, rolling mist. Soggy racers hovered about beside the transition area, leaving their jackets on until the last minute, before revealing a swathe of new Helly Hansen race bibs. We didn’t have to wait long, at the starting signal we began our opening run away from the event hub and into the parkland.

A Quick Warm Up

It was barely minutes before we wished we’d just worn the race vests over bare skin. Spared the wind and rain it became apparent how warm it actually was. We had threaded our way to the front of the pack, keen to wake ourselves up, and make an early impression on the race. Within about ten minutes, team “Scenic Route� took the helm, maintaining a comfortable pace to the first challenge, spreading out the teams behind.

An old favourite amongst race organisers, our first extra-curricular task involved “three man skis�. Familiar with the kit, we regained first place, and dived into transition.

See All Stories On This Race