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Phoenix team at Cross Challenge

Sunday 24th November 2024

The British Cross Challenge at Liverpool promised exciting races, places on the GB team for the European XC championships in Turkey, and some terrible weather. Sam, Holly, Ravi and Joel scoped out the waterlogged fields on friday afternoon, with Miles and Ben arriving from Loughborough and Leeds universities later that evening. 

Phoenix began the day with Holly Parker in the senior womens short course race, with the winner gaining a spot on the mixed relay team for Great Britain. Holly got out well in a competitive field and after a stop start few months wasn't sure of how she would get on, but a 6th place finish was a good result to open the day.

Next Miles Waterworth, Xander Sproston and Samuel Stapely went in the U20 Men's race which began as the heavens opened. This promised an exciting battle for the top 5 places which gained you automatic qualification for the euros. Miles went out aggressively leading over the first short lap of just under a mile. Sam got out well and was in a good position near Xander who began to work his way through the field. Miles tucked into the leading pack and battled hard to stay with the leaders. Miles held on to the top 5 after a gutsy start and proper battle to finish in 4th booking his spot on the GB euros team. A huge congratulations to Miles and coach Bruce Warren for this phenomenal achievement. This will be the first of many GB vests for miles I’m sure. Xander picked off runners on the second lap to finish in a strong 15th. Sam kept strong through the mud and finished in a great 44th place. Sam is in the bottom year and has 2 more years within the U20 category and promises to build on this result. 

The course was nicely churned up at this point, all ready for track boys Harry Swindells and Ben Connolly (U23) to race. The U23 and Senior Men run together with the U23s completing two large laps (5.6km) and the senior men completing three (8km). Ben and Harry fared torrential rain, knee deep mud and puddles and some serious quality at the front of the race. Ben finished in 80th after some successful road races in the last few weeks, and looks ahead at a promising indoor season. Harry finished in 123rd amongst some big names and continues to build through this winter with the hopes of some reward in the summer.

A successful weekend away for the squad, and some great memories made.

More to come