Young Scots savour Mountain Cup experience in France

Monday 29th May 2023

Report from Phil Mestecky in France

Six young Scots travelled to Annecy in France at the weekend to compete for the World Mountain Running Association International U18 Mountain Cup.

The event, for athletes born in 2006 and 2007, attracts teams from across Europe and as far as the USA and Mexico.

Temperatures in the low 20s, not to mention the high altitude, exaggerated the challenge of the course’s 4.6km distance and 250m of climb.

In the women’s race, the steep 2km climb to the summit of Le Semnoz had the field well strung out with Jessica Taylor of Edinburgh AC leading the way for the Scotland team in 22^nd place.

The steep, rough, gravelly descent was a somewhat new experience for this cross-country and track specialist, but she showed her versatility and excellent commitment to only give up one place by the line.

Behind her, Gala’s Isla Paterson and Inverness AC’s Katie Meek both gave everything on their descents to finish 35^th and 41^st. In the team race, Scotland finished 10^th.

Photos on Facebook by Mike Pearson and Phil Mestecky

Next up was the men’s race. The trial race hinted that there would be little to chose between the three Scots and so it proved.

At the top of the climb, Thomas Hilton of Moorfoot had worked his way up to a top 25 place followed in close order by Ronnie Brown of Team East Lothian and Rowan Taylor of Lasswade.

All three finished strongly, with Thomas picking up four places on the descent before pipping an England rival to finish in 19^th. Rowan crossed the line in 23^rd place not too far behind Thomas.

After giving it all on the uphill part of the race, Ronnie found the terrain quite tough on the descent but managed a strong last 400m on the flat section and picked off several runners in the last-ditch sprint to finish in 28^th place with the team coming ninth overall.

The whole weekend was a tremendous opportunity for these up-and-coming hill runners.

They will all have benefitted hugely from competing at the very high standards of international competition as well as experiencing the opening and closing ceremonies, flag parades and medal ceremonies.

With all the teams staying together in the same accommodation, sharing meals and socialising together before and after the races it will be a weekend that will live long in the memory.

Thanks to Mike Pearson, Jane Robertson and Phil Mestecky for their team management duties and to Allan Hamilton for his organisational support back at home.

After over 10 years of dedicated support and commitment, Annecy will be Mike’s last tour as team manager with Phil stepping up from 2024 onwards.

scottishathletics would like to extend their warm appreciation to Mike for the enormous contribution he has made to junior hill running in Scotland and to the development of over 60 young athletes that he has supported at this event over the years.