Muddy Mayhem: Champions, GB Selections & Lactic Carnage

The British trial for the European Cross Country Championships never fails to deliver thrilling battles and surprising results. This year, under classic cross-country conditions, Liverpool once again served up some outstanding racing.

The fast starts, sharp turns and constant accelerations of XC are the perfect place for a lactic-buffer, and sure enough it was a fantastic day of racing for FLYCARB-fuelled athletes.

From U20s to U23s to the Senior races, athletes powered by BICARRB booked their places on the British team for the European Champs in Portugal. And as promised… Every athlete who qualified for Team GB, has a full FLYCARB bundle on the way!

The day opened with fireworks in the U20 men’s race, where Michael Clarke, fuelled by Mango BICARRB, stormed to the British title with a fearless front-running display. He was backed up by two huge breakthrough runs: Alex Lennon, who finished 3rd in his first year as a junior with a mature, composed performance, and Luke Dunham, who placed an impressive 6th and now faces a tense wait for final selection. FLYCARB bundles incoming, lads, you earned them!

In the U23 men’s race, Mango BICARRB struck again as Matthew Ramsden dominated to take the title. Behind him, one of the stories of the day: Sam Hodgson grabbed 3rd in a breakthrough season and booked his ticket to Portugal, more HICARB on its way mate! A word too for Will Barnicoat, who had to withdraw through injury, he’ll be back; he’s the GOAT for a reason.

The senior men’s race was a war of muddy attrition, and FLYCARB original Richard Slade delivered when it mattered, powering to 3rd and locking in his first GB vest. He’ll be joined by two more FLYCARB fuelled athletes, Jacob Cann in 4th and Joe Hudson in 5th, rounding out a hugely impressive trio. Just behind, a wall of FLYCARB came charging home: James Kingston, Dr. Dempsey, and Cam “The Man” Allan finished 7th, 8th, and 9th, agonisingly close to selection, but performances they can be proud of.

In the U20 women’s race, the wonderfully imperious Innes Fitzgerald took the win, but FLYCARB-fuelled star, Lizzie Wellstead stormed to silver, powered by Mango BICARRB. She narrowly pipped Izzy Holt, who claimed bronze, and will be Portugal bound with a FLYCARB bundle heading her way. The U23 women’s race was fiercely contested, with a standout performance from Mia Waldmann rising to the challenge to take 3rd and secure a GB vest. Close behind came India Barwell in 4th, bold, brave, and absolutely deserving of the FLYCARB Bundle on its way to her. A special shout out to, FLYCARB favourites from either side of the Oxford-Cambridge divide, Rebecca Flaherty and Bea Wood, who finished 5th and 6th, and both remain firmly in the selection conversation.

Finally, the senior women’s race may have been one of the tightest of the day, with seconds splitting the leading pack. Herne Hill Harriers Phoebe Anderson delivered a sensational performance to finish 4th, while Lucy Jones secured a solid 9th. Returning from the Italian sun to classic Liverpudlian mud, Verity Ockenden fought hard and now awaits confirmation of her selection. FLYCARB prizes are heading to them all!

Liverpool was classically brutal, but FLYCARB athletes thrived. With GB selections in every age category.

To all the athletes who booked their tickets to the European Cross Country Championships: congratulations. Jack and Josh will see you in Portugal where the best in Europe await!