Senior Ladies Report – LXXXI Juan Muguerza Cross Country, Elgoibar

Senior Ladies: Holly Dixon, Megan Gadsby, Sophie Tarver, Kate Willis

After missing this iconic World Cross Country Tour Gold Race last year due to local Spanish air strikes we were excited to return and as always it didn’t disappoint.  The ladies enjoyed visiting the course on the Saturday and the added bonus of the sun looked for a good day of racing the following day.

Unfortunately Sophie Tarver pulled out the day before we travelled due to illness and Kate Willis sadly pulled out on race day due to illness also.  Holly and Megan stayed focused on the task ahead and were excited to race against Beatrice Chebet of Kenya, Melknat Wudu of Ethiopia, Francine Niyomukunzi, Burundi and the well known Spanish athlete Carolina Robles.

The race started at a comfortable pace and the field stayed together on the first lap of the track but by the time the came through the tunnel after the first small lap Beatrice had already gained a considerable lead, Melknat and Francine sitting behind closely followed by Carolina Robles.  The French athlete Marie Mouchard and Spanish athlete Angela Viciosa chased the leaders and after a little gap Holly and Megan followed in the next group of 6 athletes in 9th and 11th place.

Coming round to start the second of the three large laps saw Holly catch Marie Mouchard and Angela Viciosa  and led the group taking Carla Arce with her and Megan just sitting off the back of the group.

On the final lap Holly pulled away from the group and now sitting in 5th place pushed on up the last hill unfortunately the Spanish athlete Carla Arce caught her coming into the finish.  Holly was delighted with her 6th place with Megan also running a positive race finishing in 11th place.

1. Beatrice Chebet, Kenya 
2. Melknat Wudu, Ethiopia
3. Francine Niyomukunzi, Burundi
4. Carolina Robles, Spain
5. Carla Arce, Spain
6. Holly Dixon
11. Megan Gadsby

Megan Gadsby (10), Holly Dixon (12)

From left to right: Kate Willis, Holly Dixon and Megan Gadsby- walking the course