Katie Wins Commonwealth Trial – Sunday 16th Aug.

Katie Ingram had another superb performance on the fells when winning the Commonwealth Mountain Championship Trial at Keswick. This was also the selection race for the World Championships in Italy on the 6th Sept, so another GB vest in the bargain. Katie sat in on the first lap which circumvented the Latrigg summit, running just behind Kate Goodhead – who narrowly beat her in the European championships, but on the final 20 metres of the steep climb up Latrigg on the second lap Katie overtook Kate at pace and eventually pulled out a minutes lead by the finish.

Gary Priestley and James Kevan were also running the trial for a place in the U/23 England development team that will be racing in Slovenia in the Smarna Gora Mountain race, which will be held on 3rd Oct. James unfortunately got severe stomach cramp and had to pull out after completing two laps, but Gary had a truly outstanding race finishing in 14th place only 23 seconds behind training partner Rob Hope, and infront of England Internationals Ian Holmes and Danny Hope, and looks certain to be chosen for his first England vest. Very impressive for only Gary’s second ever fell race!

Suzanne Budgett also took in the trial for international selection experience, and I am sure that she learned a lot about the racing at elite level, the course of 9k /1800 ft over two laps of Latrigg were pretty tough on a not too hospitable day with very strong cold winds on the tops.

The Commonwealth Mountain Championship races will be held in Keswick on the 18th – 19th Sept.

If you would like further info: http://www.cumbriacommonwealthchampionships.org/