Monday's sunshine was, however, the last nice weather for the entire week. Tuesday dawned cold and damp, and it didn't get better once at the Nevis Range centre on Aonach Mor, height 1221m (4006ft). I was working as a XC marshal all week, and Tuesday's Team Relay event brought the first chance to have a look at the new course, altered especially for the Worlds. The views from the top of the XC course were impressive, and meant it was possible to watch riders racing up the climb from the 'Haggis Trap' cross-over tunnel to the start of the main downhill, and then see them pass me at close range.
The order of the Team Relay wasn't fixed, but each team of 4 had to consist of an Elite Man, Elite Woman, U23 man and one Junior. Most teams sent out one of the men first, except for the USA, which made working out who was actually leading a bit tricky. The GB team started well, and led at one point, but despite the best efforts of Jenny Copnall (pictured) on the final leg, faded to finish 9th. The USA meanwhile sent out Adam Craig (www.adamcraig.net) last, and he stormed through the field to win the Bronze medal. The victory went to the Swiss, who also won Gold at the 2006 Worlds.
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