Holden poised for ‘double double’ in the CVFR women’s Champs

With all to play for in the CVFR club championships, Saturday’s Lost Shepherd Fell Race was an important counter. Despite its category BL status, this challenging, partially flagged, 15 mile race packs plenty of ascent (2690ft) with nine checkpoints over local open moor and footpath (including Stoodley Pike twice!). 

CVFR’s Simon Fisher, race organiser reported that 76 runners lined up, with Saddleworth runners’ Chris Philips first man back and Todmorden Harriers’ Annie Roberts first woman. Money raised goes to local charities, the Good Shepherd Church and CROWS, Community Rights of Way Service. 

Calder Valley’s women put in great individual performances to win ladies team prize (Catherine Holden, Stella Christanthou and Charlotte Wetton). 

Catherine Holden at the Lost Shepherd Credit Ian Symington

Stella Christanthou at the Lost Shepherd Credit Ian Symington

Charlotte Wetton at the Lost Shepherd Credit Ian Symington

 

 

Catherine Holden also took first FV40 spot and commented “It was a great race actually. Obviously the weather helped, but a gorgeous route. Very runnable despite a couple of killer hills, especially the second ascent to Stoodley.” 

With a full set of CVFR Champs counter races under her belt, Catherine looks poised to ‘do the double’ for the second year running and win the women’s and FV Champs trophies. The top spot in the Club Champs, currently residing with James Cooke is also up for grabs. All will be revealed in Andy Wright’s next club championship update, when official results are collated. Suspense is mounting…

Over in Todmorden, at the Havoc mountain bike track, CVFR’s Martin Howard threw himself down the Yorkshire Downhill Time Trial in impressive fashion this weekend. 

With 524ft of descent (and only 131ft ascent) this fast, short course is described as 1.5km of mixed terrain – moorland, woodland and banked turns for extra pace! Martin Howard flew down to take the win and posted: “Had so much fun at the Yorkshire Downhill Time Trial hosted by Calder Valley Mountain Rescue. Managed to take the win and set a new course record, taking it off the legendary descender Ted Mason.”

Calder Valley’s Anthony Costello also had a great run to finish sixth in Keighley and Craven’s short, 3 mile Beefy’s Nab Fell Race this Sunday.

– Calder Valley News Reporter: Eileen McDonach