Race report

Saillon-Ovronnaz (Valais &ndash, Switzerland)

24th May.

A problem facing all pre-viewers of races is that the actual line up at the start may be rather different to that indicated a few days before. The second WMRA Grand Prix race was no exception.

The anticipated renewal of competition between Jonathan Wyatt (NZL) and Marco Gaiardo (ITA) did not materialise since Marco did not make it to the start line. Nevertheless Jonathan had to be on good form to beat Julien Rancon (FRA – erstwhile European bronze medallist) by 26 seconds over the 10km/800m climb course.

Jonathan declared himself satisfied with his first serious mountain race of the season and indicated his intention to compete in the full GP series after having a year off in 2007.

The womens line up also defied the pre- viewer&rsquo,s predictions. Anna Pichrtova (CZE) did not run but Martina Straehl (SUI) unexpectedly turned out and duly recorded her second Grand Prix victory. She showed the same devastating form as in the Grand Ballon race in winning by 2 minutes 43seconds. Victoria Wilkinson, showing consistent form, finished second as she did in Grand Ballon. Anne Buckley (GBR), who trains with Victoria, improved to finish third and young Sarah Tunstall (GBR) come in fourth to make it a very satisfying day for the British girls.

The third Grand Prix race takes place in Italy (Merano) on June 15th over the longer distance for the men of 14km and 10km for the women.

Danny Hughes.

Leading positions:

Men:

1        Jonathan Wyatt (NZL)    45.46

2        Julien Rancon (FRA)        46.11

3        Seb. Epiney (SUI)           46.50

4        Georges Burrier (FRA)     48.00

5        Seb. Zarnik (SLO)           48.49

6        Jean Dupont (FRA)          49.29

Women:

1        Martina Straehl (SUI)     52.52

2        Victoria Wilkinson (GBR) 55.35

3        Anne Buckley (GBR)         57.07

4        Sarah Tunstall (GBR)       58.04

5        Anna Frost (NZL)            58.16

6        Val. Galland (FRA)           58.33