Big Weekend 1 - Storm Eowyn 0
Forth Valley Orienteers were in good form at a weather-disrupted Big Weekend, with strong showings across the three race series in Edinburgh.
The traditional Fight with the Night opener was postponed by 24 hours, due to Storm Eowyn and a red weather warning for the capital, but a dozen podium finishes, including blockouts on two of the courses, were a highlight of the City Race on Saturday.
FVO flexed its muscles on the Men's Vet course, with a full blue and gold podium. Will Hensman won the course in 51.20, four minutes ahead of Dom Edward, with Paul Hammond 3rd in 56.16. Roger Goddard, Rob Truswell and Chris Kelly were also prominent for six FVO men in the top 10.
The top two on both Young Junior courses were from FVO, as Sophie Edward (22.59) headed the course with Lucy Finch (32.20) 2nd girl, and the two separated by HyperVet Ian Hendrie (31.57), running out of course. Oscar (35.58) and Ethan (37.53) Baikie were the top two boys.
Fraser Cheyne was 2nd on Junior Boys, in 18.57, and a trio of FVO women were prominent on their Veteran courses, as Rachel Kirkland was 3rd (54.08) in Veteran Women, and both Alison Cunningham (43.01 in SuperVet) and Liz Godfree (40.47 in HyperVet) topped their class.
The Fight with the Night was hastily rearranged for Saturday afternoon, but a smaller than normal field and a daylight running saw two from FVO in the top 10 on the Medium course, as Fraser Cheyne was 2nd (17.39), having threatened the front on more than one occasion, and Alison Cunningham was 6th (20.01)
The final stage on Sunday was a Classic distance race around Arthur's Seat, and formed the first round of the Scottish Inter-Club Championship, where FVO is the eight-time defending champion, and a magnificent seven podium places, including wins on the longest and shortest courses, were the highlight of the day.
Chris Smithard got the earliest start on the Brown course, and set a mark of 57.12 that nobody could match, as he claimed the victory to get his season off to a great start. Alison O'Neil was the leading lady on the course (68.16) with Scarlett Kelly 3rd (79.40).
There was an FVO double on Green, as Alison Cunningham was 2nd (34.34), just ahead of James Edward (34.51). Lucas Baikie had the mid-course lead for what would have been an audacious win, but shed five minutes on the 8th leg to drop out of contention into 5th. On Yellow, Catriona Downie was 3rd, in 23.04, and on White, Oscar Baikie picked up the win in 18.57.