Super Spanish Steps
There were two FVO teams in action in Spain over the weekend, with success right across the board, and four medals claimed.
First up was the Malaga Sprint meet on the Costa del Sol, and Cathy Tilbrook profited from a late mispunch by the long-time leader in W55, to win the class in an aggregate time of 90.56 for the five legs. Brad Connor had to work hard in M55, but another mispunch, by the 4th placed man, guaranteed him the bronze medal for the week (89.21). Roger Goddard only raced in the first three rounds, but was well placed for a push at the podium at that stage, with two wins and a 2nd from his three runs.
The serious action was saved for the weekend, and the Spanish Sprint Championships, and Cathy made it through to to the semi-final of the W55 Knockout Sprint, before she was 7th (16.17) in the Sprint race, and Dawn Goddard saved her best for the end, as she was 9th (17.16) in the same class.
No sooner had the dust settled than another event opened, this time the highly-rated Maximus four day event in Central Spain. The opening Long race brought a bronze medal for Alison Cunningham , in 48.45, while there was an FVO double in the Middle race, which was won by Alison in 28.55, with Hazel Dean 47 seconds back in the silver medal.
The Sprint stage saw Fiona Hendrie come through strongly to lie 2nd (15.37) for a while, before being edged back into 5th, and Hazel had another top race with another 5th place (11.56). This set up a Chasing Start for the final stage, and Hazel was first into action, with Alison starting just 12 seconds later.. The pair battled hard throughout the course, and it became clear that the overnight silver medallist was having a rough time of it, as Alison came through for 5th place on the stage (38.47) and the silver medal. Hazel was home in 40.01, for 9th, but had a three minute cushion for the bronze.