2023 SEASON KICKS OFF IN NEAR PERFECT CONDITIONS
Near perfect conditions for first time Skimo racer Ed Smith © Skimo Scotland
It was 2017 when we last raced at the Lecht so to return with near perfect conditions was an added bonus. Holding a race on Hogmanay, especially in the Highlands of Scotland, was always going to be a gamble but in true Skimo fashion, 21 brave souls embraced race day. With a noticeable absence from a Mr Wild, eyes were focused on Donnie Campbell, but with James Macleod (2nd behind Finlay in the 2019 British Championships), Neil Raitt and Tom Blankenstein also racing, no place was secured. We also had the bonus of a few new names to the Skimo scene which added to the uncertainty of it all.
Donnie Campbell (L); Matt Knowles (C); James Macleod (R) © Derek Meehan
Respect to Skimo connoisseur Emma Holgate for actually getting to the starting line despite feeling crook but more impressive was Tash Burley who had come off a night shift just a few hours earlier. Having successfully arranged child care at the final hour, Alison Thacker was also signed up for (I think) her second Skimo Scotland race.
Emma Holgate and Neil Raitt © Skimo Scotland
It become obvious from the start that there wasn't a clear breakaway winner for the gents, with Donnie Campbell, James Macleod and newbie Matt Knowles all completing the first lap in 10 minutes. It took a few laps for Donnie to gradually pull away completing 7 laps in a time of 01:19:00. James and Matt battled it out though out the race with Matt's last lap of 10 minutes securing his second podium place in Skimo. In total 6 males completed 7 laps within the allocated time including newbie Nathan White who finished in an impressive 4th position.
First time Skimo racer, Matt Knowles makes his presence known. © Skimo Scotland
Alison Thacker was a comfortable winner in the female category successfully completing 6 laps (just!) within the allocated time. Emma Holgate secured second place with 5 laps and Susie Ranford 3rd place with 4 laps, after just missing out on her 5 completed lap within the allocated time.
Alison Thacker powering out the transition to secure her first Skimo Scotland win. © Derek Meehan
Our first ever German racer, Klaas Ebel © Skimo Scotland
Nathan White currently holds our FKT for the Cairngorm 4000er's. First time racing in the series © Skimo Scotland
Bob Elder proving that lycra isn't a requirement © Skimo Scotland
A big shout out to all the racers who made this a very pleasant way to end off 2022. A massive thank you to all the volunteers who makes these day happen and to The Lecht for hosting us. The next race will be the Dynafit British Championships at Glenshee on March 11th. Entries will open early February.
DYNAFIT BRITISH SKIMO CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022
If there were 5 seasons in one day, it just had to happen on the same day as the British Skimo Champs. Thunder and lightning, blizzards, monsoon rain and blue ski's did not stop the 10th Brit's from taking place at Glenshee Ski Centre.
The last time that any Skimo racing took place in the UK was on the 25th January 2020 and previous to this was on the 19th March 2019. We have to look back to the 2017/2018 season for any kind of real 'series'. With a Scottish winter season that has become renowned for being one of the windiest on records that we can remember, it was therefore with some trepidation that we decided to push forward with a race this season.
The last time that any Skimo racing took place in the UK was on the 25th January 2020 and previous to this was on the 19th March 2019. We have to look back to the 2017/2018 season for any kind of real 'series'. With a Scottish winter season that has become renowned for being one of the windiest on records that we can remember, it was therefore with some trepidation that we decided to push forward with a race this season.
© Mr Drew Photography
We were delighted to see 28 racers on the Starting List, with a mixture of old regulars, new regulars and a whole bunch of newbies. Defending champion Ursula Catton was back racing having recently become a mum but with Emma Holgate also on the starting line it was never going to be an easy race.
© Mr Drew Photography
From the very outset the male category was always going to be interesting. With defending champion Finlay Wild noticeable abscent from the starting list, it would have been a bookie's nightmare. As 2nd placed male in the 2020 Brit's, Johnathan Turnbull was a sure contender but with the likes of Donnie Campbell, Neil Raitt, Bjorn Verduijn, Charlie Sproson and Matt Reedy who all have a proven record within the Skimo circuit there was no room for error. Also noted were both Tom Blankenstein and Pete Davis flying the British Army Skimo Team lycra suits recently back from camp training in the Alps.
© Mr Drew Photography
One of the best things about Skimo is the ever growing Skimo community. With quite a few names on the starting list that were new to us it's amazing to watch them fully embrace the conditions that Skimo throws at them. It becomes really fun when people new to the scene are competing for podium positions.
© Mr Drew Photography
Due to the dramatically changing weather conditions, there was a complete rethink about the course and with the help of the Glenshee staff we managed to pull one together that would challenge the racers (and marshalls).
The Course. 4 laps. Roughly 1200m ascent/descent, multiple transitions and 13km. © Crown copyright
With a 1400 start, it was obvious that we had a race on.
© Mr Drew Photography
Ursula demonstrated that becoming a new mother is no excuse for slacking and led the female pack from the start and completed the course in 01:45:27.
© Mr Drew Photography
The female dark horse came in the form of Katie Henderson. Although new to the Skimo scene, Katie has a strong ski touring background combined with an impressive hill running CV. Throughout the course Katie and Emma Holgate were never far apart but it was Emma who came in second in 01:53:07 with Kate just behind in 01:54:18.
© Mr Drew Photography
If we thought the female race was close, the male race couldn't have been closer with a constant cat and mouse game between Jonathan Turnbull and Donnie Campbell. Behind the leaders, there were numerous battles between Charlie Sproson and Matt Reedy and between Thomas Green and Pete Davis (check out their times).
© Mr Drew Photography
However, the racer that created the biggest shock came in the form of Neil Palfrey, who confessed later that this was his first Skimo race but had done 'quite a bit of ski touring'. Neil managed to hold onto his 3rd position from the start and finished the course in 01: 33.23. It was Donnie who crossed the finish line first in 01:32:11 winning his first British Championships title with Jonathan just behind in 01:32:46.
(L-R) Donnie Campbell, Jonathan Turnbull, Neil Palfrey. © Mr Drew Photography
(L-R) Emma Holgate, Ursula Carron, Katie Henderson. © Mr Drew Photography
A big shout out to all the racers who made this a very pleasant return for Skimo. A massive thank you to all the volunteers who makes these day happen and to Glenshee for hosting us. It wouldn't be the same without you. Until next year….
DYNAFIT BRITISH SKIMO CHAMPIONSHIPS KICKS OFF THE 2019/2020 SEASON
For once a good news ski story in Scotland.
It was with a heavy heart that we had to cancel the first race of the season at The Lecht in December due to lack of snow. Nobody thought that we would be able to race in January due to lack of snow and the unseasonably warm temperatures. However, Glenshee Ski Patrol had given the heads up to the organisers that they felt there might be a possibility. This was all Skimo Scotland needed to investigate.
2 days before race day, the organisers drove towards the Glenshee hills asking themselves where the snow was. Then suddenly white patches started to appear which got bigger and bigger and suddenly they thought that there might be a slim possibility to race. Carrying their skis for 20 minutes, they then spent the majority of the day skiing lovely spring snow in natural depressions which had held onto the snow and exploiting snow fences which had done their job perfectly.
It was with a heavy heart that we had to cancel the first race of the season at The Lecht in December due to lack of snow. Nobody thought that we would be able to race in January due to lack of snow and the unseasonably warm temperatures. However, Glenshee Ski Patrol had given the heads up to the organisers that they felt there might be a possibility. This was all Skimo Scotland needed to investigate.
2 days before race day, the organisers drove towards the Glenshee hills asking themselves where the snow was. Then suddenly white patches started to appear which got bigger and bigger and suddenly they thought that there might be a slim possibility to race. Carrying their skis for 20 minutes, they then spent the majority of the day skiing lovely spring snow in natural depressions which had held onto the snow and exploiting snow fences which had done their job perfectly.
© Mr Drew Photography
The racing pack was small but on Saturday 25th January, 22 racers stood on the start line for the Dynafit British Championships. According to seasoned racer Nick Brown's stats, the race was 8.69km in length with a vertical height gain of 1157m which this makes it one of the biggest courses we have ever put on. With most racers not having the opportunity to train on snow this season, it was a brutal introduction to the Skimo Scotland race series.
© Mr Drew Photography
Finlay Wild dominated the race from the start completing the course in 1 hour 5 mins. Jonathan Turnbull came in second with a time of 1 hour 21 mins but one of the closest battles was with Ursula Moore and Neil Raitt for 3rd place overall. Ursula kept strong and finished in 1 hour 23 mins and confirmed her position as female British Skimo Champion. Neil, our first (unofficial) Male Vet secured his 3rd place in the Individual Male category in 1 hour 24 mins.
© Mr Drew Photography
A welcome return for Suzy Devey who secured second place in the female category in 1 hour 37 mins. Rachel Campbell took third place in 1 hour 44 mins. Disaster for regular racer Rosanna Henstock who fell on the first descent and broke a ski forcing her retirement early on.
© Mr Drew Photography
Great to see new faces to the scene, Franck Bitard being one to keep an eye on in the future. With a heavy set up he completed the course in 1 hour 46 mins.
The organisers are still in shock having managed to pull off a race against the odds. A huge thanks to the staff at Glenshee Ski Centre for bending over backwards to help us; Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team who marshalled our most remote and inhospitable transitions and our regular team of marshals who go the extra mile to help bring this all together.
Focus will now turn to the west coast, namely the Glencoe weekend of racing on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd February.
The organisers are still in shock having managed to pull off a race against the odds. A huge thanks to the staff at Glenshee Ski Centre for bending over backwards to help us; Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team who marshalled our most remote and inhospitable transitions and our regular team of marshals who go the extra mile to help bring this all together.
Focus will now turn to the west coast, namely the Glencoe weekend of racing on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd February.
© Mr Drew Photography
2018/2019 SEASON FINALLY KICKS OFF
.The 2018/2019 season has been one of the worst on records for snow sport enthusiasts, let alone Skimo Scotland. We cancelled the Lecht 2090 race in December. We cancelled the British Championships to be held at Glenshee in January. We cancelled the weekend of racing to be held in February at Glencoe. Winter finally decided to reappear at the beginning of March which meant that against all expectations, we decided that we would try and race at Nevis Range over the weekend of 16/17th March. It will not be a weekend we will forget about.
© Mr Drew Photography
The Vertical race on Saturday had 22 racers on the Starting List and in true Skimo Scotland fashion the conditions weren't idea overhead. A vertical race is when racers start at the bottom of the hill and ski to the top. There are normally no transitions involved with a vertical race.
Skinning tracks were ablated with the winds which meant that being at the front wasn't necessarily a good thing. A great race to watch with racers competing for pole position throughout. In the end it was James MacLeod who crossed the line first just ahead of Johnathan Turnbull - both relatively new to the Skimo Scotland scene and first time on the podium for both of them. Seasoned racer Neil Raitt (Vet) was pushed into 3rd position and all were within 27 minutes.
Rosanna Henstock took 1st place in the Female category in 39 minutes with first time racer Nicola Gover coming in 2nd.
Skinning tracks were ablated with the winds which meant that being at the front wasn't necessarily a good thing. A great race to watch with racers competing for pole position throughout. In the end it was James MacLeod who crossed the line first just ahead of Johnathan Turnbull - both relatively new to the Skimo Scotland scene and first time on the podium for both of them. Seasoned racer Neil Raitt (Vet) was pushed into 3rd position and all were within 27 minutes.
Rosanna Henstock took 1st place in the Female category in 39 minutes with first time racer Nicola Gover coming in 2nd.
© Mr Drew Photography
Having cancelled the British Championships on 2 separate occasions we decided to use the Sunday. Potentially our biggest course that we have raced in our entire history with c.1000m ascent over 8 km. In an individual course racers are expected to race up and down the hill, on more than one occasion, with numerous transitions included.
27 racers were on the Starting List and as expected Finlay Wild broke away from the pack from the outset and completed the course in 53 mins. A big battle between James MacLeod, Jonathan Turnbull, Neil Raitt, David Smith and Andy Bryce for the remaining podium positions with James taking 2nd and Jonathan 3rd. All these racers competed the course in less that 1 hour 8 minutes.
British Team Member Ursula Moore dominated the female category and finished in 1 hour 9 mins. First time Skimo Scotland, but very long standing supporter, Alison Thacker from Off Piste Performance had a fantastic race taking 2nd place with Rosanna Henstock in 3rd.
Full race results can be seen here.
27 racers were on the Starting List and as expected Finlay Wild broke away from the pack from the outset and completed the course in 53 mins. A big battle between James MacLeod, Jonathan Turnbull, Neil Raitt, David Smith and Andy Bryce for the remaining podium positions with James taking 2nd and Jonathan 3rd. All these racers competed the course in less that 1 hour 8 minutes.
British Team Member Ursula Moore dominated the female category and finished in 1 hour 9 mins. First time Skimo Scotland, but very long standing supporter, Alison Thacker from Off Piste Performance had a fantastic race taking 2nd place with Rosanna Henstock in 3rd.
Full race results can be seen here.
© Mr Drew Photography
It was great to see so many new faces to the Skimo Scotland racing scene this weekend. It's an acquired taste and separates the tough from the toughest. A special mention to Kevin Leather who decided that the British Championships would be his introduction to the Skimo racing scene.
That's our race season started and now finished in one weekend. Enjoy the summer, get training and bring on next year and with it, the 8th year of Skimo Scotland.
That's our race season started and now finished in one weekend. Enjoy the summer, get training and bring on next year and with it, the 8th year of Skimo Scotland.
THE DYNAFIT NEVIS RANGE RACING WEEKEND WRITE UP
The last races of the season took place at Nevis Range on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March. In typical Skimo Scotland tradition, the winds caused us problems on Friday with the gondola unable to run which meant that no course preparation was carried out before the weekend. Thankfully the winds eased on Saturday, the sun came out, albeit briefly, and despite the blowing snow it turned out to be a fairly pleasant afternoon.
We kicked off the weekend on Saturday with the Vertical race and 21 racers on the starting list. The race started for the first time outside the top station and racers sprinted to the bottom of the quad chair before heading up the far west side of the pistes to the summit plateau.
In the male category Donald Campbell managed to keep the pack behind him and finished 1st in 26:32, his first time on top podium. Not far behind was Neil Raitt in 27:39 and Andy Bryce in 28:38.
We kicked off the weekend on Saturday with the Vertical race and 21 racers on the starting list. The race started for the first time outside the top station and racers sprinted to the bottom of the quad chair before heading up the far west side of the pistes to the summit plateau.
In the male category Donald Campbell managed to keep the pack behind him and finished 1st in 26:32, his first time on top podium. Not far behind was Neil Raitt in 27:39 and Andy Bryce in 28:38.
© Mr Drew Photography
In the female category, Rachael Campbell dominated the pack once again finishing 31:47. Jozi MacKova came in 2nd place in 37:12 and Rosanna Henstock took 3rd place in 39:20.
The fastest Nevis Range Vertical times are still those set in 2016 by Ben Bardsley and Jozi MacKova but this was over a slightly shorter course.
The fastest Nevis Range Vertical times are still those set in 2016 by Ben Bardsley and Jozi MacKova but this was over a slightly shorter course.
© Mr Drew Photography
Sunday morning started off with fresh winds, blowing snow and poor visibility but with the support from the ski patrol we managed to set the course into the back corries. There were 29 racers on the starting list on Sunday. Thankfully about 30 minutes before the race started, the sun came out and we were rewarded with another amazing day on the mountain.
The course remained the same as Saturday for the first skin of the day to the summit plateau. From the plateau racers returned down Switch to enter into the back corries via Wingers Wall. A fabulous descent down to the very bottom of the brave heart chair before racers skinned up back into Pin Ball Alley. From there, it was get yourself back into the resort and finish with a 200m run to the finish line.
The course remained the same as Saturday for the first skin of the day to the summit plateau. From the plateau racers returned down Switch to enter into the back corries via Wingers Wall. A fabulous descent down to the very bottom of the brave heart chair before racers skinned up back into Pin Ball Alley. From there, it was get yourself back into the resort and finish with a 200m run to the finish line.
© Mr Drew Photography
This turned into an extremely fast and furious race with the strong skiers gaining time on the descent. In the end only 100 seconds separated the first 3 racers. It was another win for Donald Campbell in 45:11; Neil Raitt in 2nd with 46:44 and Andy Bryce in 3rd with 46:51. In the female category, Jozi MacKova took top podium in 52:30 ahead of Rachael Campbell in 55:57. Abigail Hathway took 3rd place in 1:06:13.
15 racers managed to complete in course (6.8km and 823m ascent/descent) in less that one hour.
15 racers managed to complete in course (6.8km and 823m ascent/descent) in less that one hour.
© Mr Drew Photography
Being the last race of the season, our (just for fun) series results was also concluded. Donald Campbell took top position with Finlay Wild in 2nd place and Andy Bryce in 3rd. Rachael Campbell took top position in the female category with Jozi MacKova in 2nd place and Rosanna Henstock in 3rd.
Our season has now come to an end. We have successfully managed to race 5/6 races and have avoided the brown snow for the first time in our 6 year history. A huge thank you to all the racers, the resorts, the sponsors and supporters and our fabulous marshals for making this season one of best we have ever had.
Enjoy the spring, summer and autumn and we'll be back in 2019 for the 7th year of Skimo in Scotland.
Our season has now come to an end. We have successfully managed to race 5/6 races and have avoided the brown snow for the first time in our 6 year history. A huge thank you to all the racers, the resorts, the sponsors and supporters and our fabulous marshals for making this season one of best we have ever had.
Enjoy the spring, summer and autumn and we'll be back in 2019 for the 7th year of Skimo in Scotland.
THE DYNAFIT GLENCOE RACING WEEKEND WRITE UP
Over the weekend of 24/25 February we were fortunate enough to have one of the best Skimo weekends in Scotland, racing the Dynafit Glencoe Vertical on Saturday and the Dynafit Glencoe/British Championships on Sunday. 29 racers signed up for Saturday (this is the first time that we have raced a Glencoe Vertical race)( and 50 signed up for Sunday, on of our biggest starting lists in our 6 year history.
© Mr Drew Photography
Following what has been a phenomenal winter season so far, this changed on the Monday prior to race day with a considerable thaw and rain downpour which once refrozen provided us with a very firm base. When we inspected the mountain on Friday, we felt that it was too firm to race the advertised course and with a cold wind blowing we opted for a course change.
The course started at the bottom of the mountain on the bike track before racers were finally taken onto the new road. A short 50m section where there was literally no snow saw racers remove skis for a quick run before putting skis back on and remaining on the road to near the top of the chairlift. Instead of heading to Etive Glades, we stayed wide out from the Low Road to finish at the bottom of the Fly Paper.
The course started at the bottom of the mountain on the bike track before racers were finally taken onto the new road. A short 50m section where there was literally no snow saw racers remove skis for a quick run before putting skis back on and remaining on the road to near the top of the chairlift. Instead of heading to Etive Glades, we stayed wide out from the Low Road to finish at the bottom of the Fly Paper.
© Mr Drew Photography
Finlay Wild was once again the man to beat and finished in 26:05 but with a high quality of racers chasing it wasn't certain what would be happening behind. Donald Campbell, who raced for the first time in December at the Lecht 2090, had a fantastic race to finish in 2nd place with a time of 27:14. The big battle was for 3rd place between Tim Gomersall and Jon Morgan and provided us for the first time with some controversy and us allocating penalty points. Jon held off Tim until the very end of the race when a final burst from Tim put him over the line a few seconds ahead of Jon. However, in the light that Tim did miss out a transition at the start of the race, the race organisers issued a 30 second time penalty which resulted in Jon Morgan finishing in 3rd place at Tim Gomersall taking 4th.
© Mr Drew Photography
In the female category, it was Rachael Campbell who took her first top podium place in a time of 34:39. Like Donald, Rachael has just joined the Skimo Scotland family this year and it is lovely to see new racers fully emerging themselves in a new sport. Jozi Mackova done well to finish in 36:07 when she certainly wasn't on top form and it was great to see Zoe Procter back on the podium in 3rd place in 38:30.
© Mr Drew Photography
The entire British Skimo community descended on Glencoe for the Sunday race, which was to be used for the rescheduled British Skimo Championships. With an excellent weather forecast and white snow (for once), the cream of Skimo were on the starting list - with the exception of Suzy Devey who is nursing a damaged ankle.
This has to be one of the strongest group of racers that we have ever seen during the various seasons. To put this into context, the first 14 racers skied the entire course in less than one hour.
This season, the racers raced on the same start as the previous day but did indeed ski out around the bottom of Etive Glades before continuing to the top of the mountain before descending down Spring Run and the entire length of the mountain. A 500m road run took them to the finish at the bottom of the mountain.
Finlay Wild did indeed regain his British Skimo Champ status finishing in 45:26 but Ben Bardsley wasn't going to let Finlay have an easy time and finished in 47:47. Donald Campbell once again gained a podium place finishing in 50:33.
This has to be one of the strongest group of racers that we have ever seen during the various seasons. To put this into context, the first 14 racers skied the entire course in less than one hour.
This season, the racers raced on the same start as the previous day but did indeed ski out around the bottom of Etive Glades before continuing to the top of the mountain before descending down Spring Run and the entire length of the mountain. A 500m road run took them to the finish at the bottom of the mountain.
Finlay Wild did indeed regain his British Skimo Champ status finishing in 45:26 but Ben Bardsley wasn't going to let Finlay have an easy time and finished in 47:47. Donald Campbell once again gained a podium place finishing in 50:33.
© Mr Drew Photography
With the British Women's Skimo team on the starting list this also was going to be a good race and it was Ursula Moore who had the upper hand over Gabriel Lees finishing in 58:20 - the 10th fastest racer in the entire pack. Gabriel finished in 1:00:03 and Rachael Campbell despite her mini adventure getting lost in the descent finished 3rd in 1:08:00.
© Mr Drew Photography
As much as we love our fastest racers, we love our fast racers too. In fact, in terms of value for money, it was Roger Kemp who was the biggest winner on Sunday being out on the course for over 2.5 hours. The weather was so amazing and the skiing was so good, even the marshals opted to ski around the course on more than one occasion!
© Mr Drew Photography
Full race results can be seen here.
British Championships results here.
Series rankings here.
Photos can be seen here.
Huge thanks to Dynafit for providing some great give aways and to Glencoe mountain for making us feel so welcome.
The next and last races of the season will be the weekend of racing on 24/25 March; the Dynafit Nevis Range Vertical on Saturday and the Dynafit Nevis Range on Sunday.
Header
British Championships results here.
Series rankings here.
Photos can be seen here.
Huge thanks to Dynafit for providing some great give aways and to Glencoe mountain for making us feel so welcome.
The next and last races of the season will be the weekend of racing on 24/25 March; the Dynafit Nevis Range Vertical on Saturday and the Dynafit Nevis Range on Sunday.
Header
2017/18 SEASON KICKS OFF
On Saturday 30th December 2017, the Dynafit Skimo Scotland race season kicked off at the Lecht 2090 ski centre. This is the start of our 6th race season in Scotland and the conditions were without doubt the best that we have seen at the Lecht.
© Mr Drew Photography
The snow build up prior to race day had not been idea but a determined Skimo Scotland team and the ever extremely accommodating staff at the Lecht managed to push and shovel snow in all the right places. This allowed us to set a complete course with no heather running involved. With a complete course, there were also minimal transitions - one at the top of the skin into downhill mode; one at the bottom of the descent into a boot section and one to transition back into skinning mode. As always, racers had 90 minutes to complete as many complete laps as possible.
© Mr Drew Photography
When we closed entries there were 34 racers on the Starting List, including last years series winner Andy Bryce, but a couple of very last minute entries including Finlay Wild, was sure to push the race pace. In the end 36 were on the Starting List with 30 standing on the line on race day. There were many new faces this season including some big names from the fell running scene including Donald and Rachael Campbell, so podium places were certainly not guaranteed. In the male category, Finlay Wild did indeed dominate the race with 6 complete laps in the allocated time with Andy Bryce taking a very solid second place. It was a tough battle for 3rd place with lots of racers battling it out but despite an appalling start (kicked off his skin) Malcolm Rudge had one of his best races to take third place. Only 9 seconds separated Scott Robertson and Donald Campbell with both racers complaining about their lack of practice at transitions.
© Mr Drew Photography
Graham Doig without question had the fastest descent times; Mark Thomasson raced on his telemark set up to complete 3 laps and young Calum Kitching had a great first race on equipment that was certainly older than him!
In the female category it was skimo regular Emma Holgate who stole the show completing 4 laps in 01:27:43 with newbie Rachael Campbell clipping her heels to complete 4 laps in 01:28:57 and secure second place. Rosanna Henstock secured her first podium of the series by taking third place.
In the female category it was skimo regular Emma Holgate who stole the show completing 4 laps in 01:27:43 with newbie Rachael Campbell clipping her heels to complete 4 laps in 01:28:57 and secure second place. Rosanna Henstock secured her first podium of the series by taking third place.
© Mr Drew Photography
Full results can be seen here.
Photos can be seen here.
Huge thanks to Dynafit for providing some great give aways and to Wild West for providing some jerky for the winners.
The next race of the season will be the Braemar Mountain Sport Glenshee race, better known as the British Ski Mountaineering Championships. This will take place at Glenshee on Saturday 27th January 2017.
Photos can be seen here.
Huge thanks to Dynafit for providing some great give aways and to Wild West for providing some jerky for the winners.
The next race of the season will be the Braemar Mountain Sport Glenshee race, better known as the British Ski Mountaineering Championships. This will take place at Glenshee on Saturday 27th January 2017.
A WEEKEND OF RACING
It certainly was not perfect blue bird days in knee deep powder, but on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March, we successfully managed to race on both days, salvaging what has been a pathetic Scottish winter ski season.
© Mr Drew Photography
We made a very last minute decision to use the Julbo sponsored race at Nevis Range as the British Championships which were rescheduled for the following weekend. Due to the lack of snow and the unpredictable weather conditions we felt it was better to have a short course as opposed to no race. Despite the emphasis of heather in the photos, there was actually very limited running and the course was pushing over as much snow as possible.
We did not even consider racing over into the back corries this season for numerous reasons. Instead, an unconventional start to the race saw racers assembling at the top of the Alpha button. Once at the start line there was a 500m run to the Goose up track which saw racers skin to the summit plateau. A traverse around the corrie rim then took racers down an untracked Warrens run.
We did not even consider racing over into the back corries this season for numerous reasons. Instead, an unconventional start to the race saw racers assembling at the top of the Alpha button. Once at the start line there was a 500m run to the Goose up track which saw racers skin to the summit plateau. A traverse around the corrie rim then took racers down an untracked Warrens run.
© Mr Drew Photography
Three quarters of the descent, and just where the snow ceased to exist, saw the racers boot packing across the hill side back towards the Goose up track. Another skin back up saw them descent the Goose gully before one final short skin back to the top of the Quad Chair.
Finlay Wild came across the finish line for his 2nd win of the season, and retained his British Skimo Champion, with Andy Bryce taking 2nd and Neil Raitt closely behind. It was a delight to watch Mark Thomasson race, this is the first time that we have had a vet compete on Telemark equipment.
Gabriel Lees, with the 5th quickest time overall, won the Female category with Suzy Devey in 2nd and Emma Holgate coming in close behind in 3rd.
Full race timings can be seen here and photos can be seen here.
Finlay Wild came across the finish line for his 2nd win of the season, and retained his British Skimo Champion, with Andy Bryce taking 2nd and Neil Raitt closely behind. It was a delight to watch Mark Thomasson race, this is the first time that we have had a vet compete on Telemark equipment.
Gabriel Lees, with the 5th quickest time overall, won the Female category with Suzy Devey in 2nd and Emma Holgate coming in close behind in 3rd.
Full race timings can be seen here and photos can be seen here.
© Mr Drew Photography
If we thought that the Weather Gods looked favourably on us on Saturday, they really did push us on Sunday. The gondola remained open as did the Goose T-bar but both Quad Chair and Summit button remained closed due to the wind which meant that marshals and photographers had to resort to human power to get themselves into position.
With a 3rd race on the horizon, we started to look closely at the results. Although Finlay Wild was ahead in the series, he was not on the Starting List for the Vertical which made him not eligible for series results. Andy Bryce was favourite with uncertainty between Tom Blankenstein and Malcolm Rudge for 2nd and 3rd. Only one point separated Steven Worsley and Roger Wild in our unofficial 'vet' category. In the Female category, unless Suzy Devey had a disastrous race she would be crowned this years series Female winner.
With a 3rd race on the horizon, we started to look closely at the results. Although Finlay Wild was ahead in the series, he was not on the Starting List for the Vertical which made him not eligible for series results. Andy Bryce was favourite with uncertainty between Tom Blankenstein and Malcolm Rudge for 2nd and 3rd. Only one point separated Steven Worsley and Roger Wild in our unofficial 'vet' category. In the Female category, unless Suzy Devey had a disastrous race she would be crowned this years series Female winner.
© Mr Drew Photography
With the limited snow cover, racers made their way to the 2nd tower on the Goose up track for the race start and the finished which was on the summit plateau. Andy Bryce crossed the line first, securing a win but more importantly became our 2016/17 series winner. Tom Green crossed 2nd and Tom Blankenstein came in 3rd ahead of Julian Norton and Malcolm Rudge. With Tom's 3rd place, this secured him 2nd place in the series ranking with Malcolm taking the 3rd place on the podium. Steven Worsley came in ahead of Roger Wild which secured him his first win in the unofficial vet category.
Full race timings can be seen here and race photos can be seen here.
Full race timings can be seen here and race photos can be seen here.
© Mr Drew Photography
Suzy Devey came first in the female category securing the series win with Emma Holgate coming second and an injured, but determined Rosanna Henstock coming 3rd. These are the same places for the series rankings.
© Mr Drew Photography
This has without doubt, been the most challenging Skimo Scotland series but we are simply delighted to have salvaged something out of the nothing. We don't look forward to skiing under ski tows but we didn't really have much option this year.
We are once again grateful to the resorts for being so understanding in our demands, our marshals and crew who go the extra mile, our sponsors for providing some absolutely amazing prizes and the people who make this happen. However, we are most grateful to the racers, who have trusted their faith into our decision making and followed us around this season. This is their race series and without them we would have no race series.
Signing off for the summer once again and will look forward to cheering you on next season.
The Skimo Scotland Team.
We are once again grateful to the resorts for being so understanding in our demands, our marshals and crew who go the extra mile, our sponsors for providing some absolutely amazing prizes and the people who make this happen. However, we are most grateful to the racers, who have trusted their faith into our decision making and followed us around this season. This is their race series and without them we would have no race series.
Signing off for the summer once again and will look forward to cheering you on next season.
The Skimo Scotland Team.
2016/17 SEASON KICKS OFF AGAINST ALL THE ODDS
Not quite sure how it happened, but against all the odds, on Saturday 28th December 2016 we did actually manage to kick the race season off.
From afar there looked to be zero snow at the Lecht and it was only the determined racers who put their faith in the Skimo Scotland team who committed to the journey. With 34 racers on the Starting List, 28 racers battled it out in both a mental and physical challenge.
From afar there looked to be zero snow at the Lecht and it was only the determined racers who put their faith in the Skimo Scotland team who committed to the journey. With 34 racers on the Starting List, 28 racers battled it out in both a mental and physical challenge.
© Mr Drew Photography
There was a change in course due to the conditions which saw racers skin from the bottom of the Kestrel to the top of the Falcon turnaround wheel in one continuous skin. The majority was on snow but it wouldn't be Scottish Skimo is there wasn't the obligatory heather and grass to ski over. From the top of the hill, one descent to the bottom followed by a run section back to the start. Racers had 90 minutes to complete as many laps as possible in the allocated time.
The unstoppable Finlay Wild dominated the Male category from the start horn but the real battle was taking place behind him. Andy Bryce, Tom Blankenstein, Malcolm Rudge, Alastair Brunton, Scott Robertson and Thomas Green were all neck and neck for the majority of the race with Andy Bryce slowly pulling away to bring him home in 2nd place. Seconds literally separated Malcolm Rudge and Tom Blankenstein with every lap despite equipment failures on both sides and it was only a desperate run from Malcolm on the last descent that kept Tom off the 3rd podium place.
The unstoppable Finlay Wild dominated the Male category from the start horn but the real battle was taking place behind him. Andy Bryce, Tom Blankenstein, Malcolm Rudge, Alastair Brunton, Scott Robertson and Thomas Green were all neck and neck for the majority of the race with Andy Bryce slowly pulling away to bring him home in 2nd place. Seconds literally separated Malcolm Rudge and Tom Blankenstein with every lap despite equipment failures on both sides and it was only a desperate run from Malcolm on the last descent that kept Tom off the 3rd podium place.
© Mr Drew Photography
In the Female Category it was Fort William based Suzy Devey who dominated from the start with Emma Holgate, Christine Findlay, Emily Oates and Rosanna Henstock fighting it out amongst themselves for the other podium places. Emma Holgate managed to maintain the 2nd position with Christine Finlay finally loosing out to Emily Oates for 3rd place due to skin problems.
There was a general theme at this race with equipment failures. Nicholas Brown was in a good position when his ski broke after only 2 laps and numerous racers reported skins failing to work. There were broken bindings and broken poles. This is not an reflection on equipment but more a reflection on how hard these racers do actually push themselves and equipment to the max.
There was a general theme at this race with equipment failures. Nicholas Brown was in a good position when his ski broke after only 2 laps and numerous racers reported skins failing to work. There were broken bindings and broken poles. This is not an reflection on equipment but more a reflection on how hard these racers do actually push themselves and equipment to the max.
© Mr Drew Photography
In our unofficial Veteran category, Ian Grimshaw, Graham Doig, Roger Wild and Steven Worsley all managed to complete 4 laps with only 6 minutes separating them all.
Full race results can be found here and photos can be seen here.
Massive thanks to Aviemore based Mountain Spirit for race prizes and our ever awesome series sponsors, Dynafit, Scarpa, Outdoor Research, Odlo and Black Crows.
The second race of the season is the British Championships to be held at Glenshee on Saturday 21st January 2017.
Full race results can be found here and photos can be seen here.
Massive thanks to Aviemore based Mountain Spirit for race prizes and our ever awesome series sponsors, Dynafit, Scarpa, Outdoor Research, Odlo and Black Crows.
The second race of the season is the British Championships to be held at Glenshee on Saturday 21st January 2017.
© Mr Drew Photography
CAIRNGORM MOUNTAIN SPORTS NEVIS RANGE
On Saturday 19th March, 34 racers were signed up for the last race of the season, the Cairngorm Mountain Sports Nevis Range. This was to be, sadly, the last race of the season and conditions proved to be slightly more challenging than the previous weekend of racing. This is one of our biggest advertised courses, roughly 8km in distance with c.900m of ascent and descent.
The high ridge of pressure which had been dominating the Scottish weather for the previous week, slowly starting to show signs of weakness. Conditions on the mountain remained either perfect spring snow, heavy saturated snow or concrete depending on the cloud cover. What was skinned or skied once would be a completely different snowpack within 5 minutes of the cloud rolling in.
The high ridge of pressure which had been dominating the Scottish weather for the previous week, slowly starting to show signs of weakness. Conditions on the mountain remained either perfect spring snow, heavy saturated snow or concrete depending on the cloud cover. What was skinned or skied once would be a completely different snowpack within 5 minutes of the cloud rolling in.
© Mr Drew Photography
The course started at the bottom of the quad chair where racers skinned up a sliver of snow (with one boot pack section and a short heather section) to near the top of the chair. Racers were rewarded by literally climbing out of the cloud level to be greeted by blue skies and a cooking sun. However, having to descend back down into the cloud to the bottom of the goose saw some racers dropping too low before realising that they had done so. The skin up the goose can only be described as challenging, perhaps one of our toughest skins due to the completely unforgiving icy conditions, any weakness in technique or equipment were tested to the maximum.
© Mr Drew Photography
Once racers reached the top of the Summit Button, they descended down the switch run to the top of Wingers Wall. Depending on the time that racers entered the back corries, meant that they could easily see the descent or have to ski it blind; ski either perfect spring snow and hard packed ice. The route back to the finish line was supposed to be the normal ski return via Pin Ball Alley but how many racers actually took this line is anybody’s guess. There were reports of skiers crossing rocky sections, dropping too low and having to fish scale back up hill. Once skiers located (it was very think cloud!) Rob Roy’s Return, it was a fast descent back the finish area (over numerous heather sections just to add to the excitement).
© Mr Drew Photography
Bjorn Verduijn had the race of his life and secured his first win at any Skimo Scotland race, with Tom Blankenstein just behind. Our veteran racer, Neil Raitt proved that age is certainly no barrier by securing his first podium place this season in 3rd place.
Jozi MacKova not only dominated the female category but her time was the 4th fastest overall, proving that girls race hard. The friendly battle between Suzy Devey and Emma Holgate saw Suzy gain 2nd place and Emma 3rd.
Jozi MacKova not only dominated the female category but her time was the 4th fastest overall, proving that girls race hard. The friendly battle between Suzy Devey and Emma Holgate saw Suzy gain 2nd place and Emma 3rd.
© Mr Drew Photography
This race will hold many memories for racers, including 2 broken poles and runaway skis for some. Neil Raitt wins 1st place in the unofficial Veteran category with Pete Davies in 2nd and Roger Wild in 3rd. Susan Houstoun wins the Female class.
© Mr Drew Photography
Being the last race of the season, Finlay Wild retains his crown as Skimo Scotland Champ for the series, with Ben Bardsley and Bjorn Verduijn both finishing in joint second place. Jozi MacKova becomes our Female Champ with Suzy Devey in 2nd place and Emma Holgate finishing in 3rd place. In the unofficial Veteran class, Neil Raitt wins with Roger Wild in 2nd and Martin Green in 3rd places. Susan Houstoun wins the unofficial female veteran class with Sue Savege coming in 3rd.
This season there have been 223 racers enter the 5 Skimo Scotland races. This season there were 9 racers who raced at all races, these were Bjorn Verduijn, Tom Blankenstein, Neil Raitt, Roger Wild, Roger Kemp, Suzy Devey, Rosanna Henstock, Susan Houstoun and Emily Oates. Every racer is special to us, but a special thanks to these individuals who get a 100% attendance mark. A special mention to Emily Oates, who having never raced previous to this season has fully embraced the Skimo scene - Emily, we expect big things from you next year.
This season there have been 223 racers enter the 5 Skimo Scotland races. This season there were 9 racers who raced at all races, these were Bjorn Verduijn, Tom Blankenstein, Neil Raitt, Roger Wild, Roger Kemp, Suzy Devey, Rosanna Henstock, Susan Houstoun and Emily Oates. Every racer is special to us, but a special thanks to these individuals who get a 100% attendance mark. A special mention to Emily Oates, who having never raced previous to this season has fully embraced the Skimo scene - Emily, we expect big things from you next year.
A massive thanks to our 5 race sponsors: Mountain Spirit, Braemar Mountain Sports, Mountain Hardwear, Macpac and Cairngorm Mountain Sports and our series sponsors: Outdoor Research, Scarpa, Odlo, Teko, Black Crows, BCA and Dynafit. A thanks to the resorts for letting us race and to our marshals and volunteers who have been amazing during the season.
As we sign out for the last time this season, we sincerely wish you an amazing summer and look forward to cheering you on next winter.
The Skimo Scotland Team
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR GLENCOE & MACPAC NEVIS RANGE VERTICAL
© Mr Drew Photography
The weekend of 27th/28th February saw nearly 100 racers embrace Scottish ski mountaineering racing at it’s best. For once, the conditions underfoot were near perfect, the temperatures remained down, the wind was practically non existent, there were blue skies above and ski goggles were replaced with sun glasses.
© Mr Drew Photography
On Saturday, 56 racers had entered the Mountain Hardwear Glencoe race, with 40 Males and 16 Females racing. With the Great British Championships being cancelled earlier in the year due to race day conditions, it was agreed that this race would be used as the Championship race. Out of the 56 entrants, 52 were eligible for the Brits. The British Championships have been established for the past 4 years but this was the first time that it had taken part on British soil.
The course was slightly adjusted to accommodate the excellent conditions - roughly 6km with 850m ascent.
The course was slightly adjusted to accommodate the excellent conditions - roughly 6km with 850m ascent.
© Mr Drew Photography
Racers started from the bottom of the access chairlift before being pushed out left and back to come in underneath the Eagles Rest Cafe. Continuing on skis, racers ascended to nearly the top of Creag Dubh where they transitioned into ski mode for a traverse/skate to the bottom of Etive Glades. A transition to skinning mode for the ascent of Etive Glades which included a boot pack section due to firm conditions underfoot, before racers reached the top of the Main Basin T Bar Tow. Descending the Fly Paper was not an option due to snow stability so the final descent took racers down the Spring Run before finishing near the top of the Access chairlift.
Finlay Wild secured his 3rd win of the series, becoming the GB Champion in the process being chased hard by both Ben Bardsley & Tim Gomersall. Andy Bryce & Bjorn Verduijn were separated by just 20 seconds to secure 4th & 5th place with Neil Raitt, Paul Cornforth, Tom Blankenstein, David Morton and Matt Reedy being within 36 seconds of each other.
Finlay Wild secured his 3rd win of the series, becoming the GB Champion in the process being chased hard by both Ben Bardsley & Tim Gomersall. Andy Bryce & Bjorn Verduijn were separated by just 20 seconds to secure 4th & 5th place with Neil Raitt, Paul Cornforth, Tom Blankenstein, David Morton and Matt Reedy being within 36 seconds of each other.
© Mr Drew Photography
Amongst our lycra racers, we are always super excited to see racers fully committed to pushing themselves on conventional touring equipment - the unsung hero’s of the Skimo racing scene.
In the Female category, it was Czech Jozi MacKova who dominated not only the race but the weekend. Jozi raced hard pushing both Gabriel Lees and Rosalind Martin into 2nd and 3rd place. Gabriel Lees regains her crown as British Champion first won back in 2013.
A special mention for both Mairi McLellan and Susie Mathews who despite the fact they had never ski toured prior to the race, embraced the race approach and successfully completed one of the harder Skimo Scotland courses.
In the Female category, it was Czech Jozi MacKova who dominated not only the race but the weekend. Jozi raced hard pushing both Gabriel Lees and Rosalind Martin into 2nd and 3rd place. Gabriel Lees regains her crown as British Champion first won back in 2013.
A special mention for both Mairi McLellan and Susie Mathews who despite the fact they had never ski toured prior to the race, embraced the race approach and successfully completed one of the harder Skimo Scotland courses.
© Mr Drew Photography
On Sunday, the excellent weather pulled some of the racers away from the Macpac Nevis Range Vertical but 33 racers stood on the starting line. Ben Bardsley secured his first win in the Skimo race series ahead of Dutch Bjorn Verduijn and NZ racer Matt Reedy. Anthony Robert’s pipped Neil Raitt to win our unofficial Male Vet category, a reverse from the previous day.
© Mr Drew Photography
Jozi MacKova was pushed hard to win her second race of the weekend with Suzy Devey and Rosanna Henstock both back on the podium taking 2nd and 3rd places. Sue Savege won 1st place in the unofficial Female Vet category ahead of Susan Houstoun, once again a reverse from the previous day.
Our last race of the season will see us return to Nevis Range on Sunday 19th March.
Our last race of the season will see us return to Nevis Range on Sunday 19th March.
© Mr Drew Photography
BRAEMAR MOUNTAIN SPORTS GLENSHEE
For the past few weeks, Scotland’s mountains have been under a blanket of snow and in true Skimo fashion, the temperatures rocketed in time for the 2nd race of the season. Despite the depleting snowpack and an altered course - 4.43km with 371m ascent - 54 racers signed up for the Glenshee race, our biggest pack of racers in our short history.
Our biggest group of racers to date © Mr Drew Photography
For the first time, we decided to introduce a 2 lap course. Racers had the option to race over 1 lap or 2, with the 2 lap course having a cut off time of 50 minutes for the first lap.
2015 British Camp Ben Bardsley chasing hard © Mr Drew Photography
In the 2 lap course, fighting off some stiff competition, Fort William based Finlay Wild continued his reign of the Skimo Scotland race series completing the course in 48:57. 2015 GB Champion Ben Bardsley fought hard to come in 2nd place in 52:49 with fellow GB Team member Jon Morgan taking 3rd place in 55:32. A new face to the Skimo Scotland scene was Tim Gomersall, who had a excellent race just missing out on the podium places taking 4th in 56:09. Our homegrown Skimo talent of Andy Bryce, Bjorn Verduijn, Neil Raitt & Scott Robertson created a very close chasing pack. Neil Raitt becomes the unofficial Male Vet winner ahead of Roger Wild.
Tim Gomersall in his debut Skimo Scotland race © Mr Drew Photography
In the 2 lap course for the females, 2015 GB Champion Ursula Moore took 1st place in 1:02:54 with team mate, Gabriel Lees taking 2nd in 1:03:00. Czech racer Jozi MacKova, new to the Skimo Scotland series, took 3rd place in 1:08:00 pushing GB team member Rosalind Martin into 4th place. Off the lightweight racing equipment, Suvy Devey had a great race ahead of Emma Holgate (a ranking switch from the Lecht 2090 race). Susan Houstoun becomes the unofficial Female Vet winner ahead of Sue Savege.
The chasing pack © Mr Drew Photography
In the 1 lap course, it was another new face to the Skimo Scotland race series, Tim Mueller who took 1st place in 38:32 with Calum Oates and Martin Green taking 2nd and 3rd place. Martin Green become the unofficial Male Vet winner ahead of Bob Elder and Roger Kemp. Emily Oates took 1st place in the female category in 43:37.
Roger Wild © Mr Drew Photography
Finlay Wild remains on top with the Series ranking, with Bjorn Verduijn and Andy Bryce behind. Emma Holgate remains on top in the female category with Suzy Devey closely behind. Ursula Moore takes 3rd place. Racers need to have raced in 3 races to to eligible for Series ranking.
Euan Ballantyne racing on non conforming equipment © Mr Drew Photography
A massive thank you to members of Aberdeen Mountain Resuce Team for marshalling and to all our fabulous marshals both on and off the hill. Without you all, this race series would not be possible.
Focus will turn to a weekend of racing in February when we head West. Saturday 27th we will be racing at the Mountain Hardwear Glencoe Mountain race and Sunday 28th we will be racing a Vertical at the Macpac Nevis Range.
Focus will turn to a weekend of racing in February when we head West. Saturday 27th we will be racing at the Mountain Hardwear Glencoe Mountain race and Sunday 28th we will be racing a Vertical at the Macpac Nevis Range.
MOUNTAIN SPIRIT LECHT 2090
Despite the record breaking mild December and the lack of snow Skimo Scotland remained positive and gave the green light to the first race of the 2015/16 race series. With fresh snow on the forecast, the course remained in perfect condition with less than 24 hours to the start.
The ultimate skinning track - 27th December 2015 © Skimo Scotland
Fourteen hours before the race start the winds increased and the temperature soared. Despite skinning and marking the course in the morning of race day, the team then slowly watched the course literally melt before their very eyes. Not be be defeated, an alternative course was planned and once again was watched as it melted away. With the ski centre uplift remaining closed this fortunately allowed a third course to be found exploiting the hard grooming efforts the previous day.
The rapidly melting uptrack © Mr Drew Photography
With 38 racers on the starting list a very brave 29 racers turned out on what can only be described as a very challenging course. A initial run through heather, mud and snow (later slush) saw the racers skin up the piste of the Buzzard run before a fairly short and entertaining descent. All racers had 90 minutes to complete as many laps as possible.
Finlay Wild doing what Finlay Wild does best © Mr Drew Photography
Finlay Wild dominated the Male class from the start completing an astonishing 12 laps in the allocated time with a fairly consistent 7 or 8 minute lap time for the entire 90 minutes. Bjorn Verduijn had an excellent race completing 9 laps just ahead of Tom Blankenstein. Andy Bryce and Neil Raitt completed 8 laps and Scott Robertson, known for being the Telemark King in Skimo, has ditched the telemark equipment and raced on lightweight equipment for the first time. Scott was denied his 8th lap by a mere 11 seconds.
Neil Raitt becomes the unofficial Male Vet winner with Ian Grimshaw and seasoned racer Martin Green picking up 2nd and 3rd places.
In the Female class it was Emma Holgate and Suvy Devey battling it out for 1st and 2nd place with Emma slowly creeping ahead as the race progressed. Seasoned racers Susan Houstoun and Rosanna Henstock remained neck and neck for the entire race with Susan winning by a mere 14 seconds. All these ladies completed 6 laps in the allocated time.
Neil Raitt becomes the unofficial Male Vet winner with Ian Grimshaw and seasoned racer Martin Green picking up 2nd and 3rd places.
In the Female class it was Emma Holgate and Suvy Devey battling it out for 1st and 2nd place with Emma slowly creeping ahead as the race progressed. Seasoned racers Susan Houstoun and Rosanna Henstock remained neck and neck for the entire race with Susan winning by a mere 14 seconds. All these ladies completed 6 laps in the allocated time.
Tom Blankenstein (L), Finlay Wild (M), Bjorn Verduijn (R) © Mr Drew Photography
Susan Houstoun becomes the unofficial Female Vet winner with Sue Savege and Heather Morning picking up 2nd and 3rd places.
Suzy Devey (L), Emma Holgate (M), Susan Houstoun (R) © Mr Drew Photography
A huge thank you to everybody who made this race so memorable. Focus will now move to the second race of the season the Braemar Mountain Sports Glenshee race where racers have an option to complete a one lap course or a 2 lap course. This will take place on Saturday 23rd January.
© Mr Drew Photography