The Mixed Sprint Relay Race took place at WOC 2024 today which consisted of an indoor arena area and maze section throughout the Riccarton Campus of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
The race got off to a flying start for the Great Britain team, with Grace Molloy flying through the course comfortably and coming in second place at the end of Lap 1.
Freddie Carcas took over the reigns and powered through Lap 2 to finish in 5th place just behind Miika Kirmula of Finland.
Ralph Street then proceeded to takeover for Lap 3 elevating the team up to 4th place ready for the final handover to Megan Carter-Davies. Megan did well to maintain her position for some time, but a mistake at one of the last controls saw her drop back to seventh position.
It was an incredibly well fought race with many different and complex route options for our team to consider, and some very strong performances from the athletes.
Pippa Archer, Performance Manager for Team GB said:
“I am so proud of the team, but at the same time am so heartbroken for them. They gave everything, and performed so well under incredible pressure, but it wasn’t our day.
There is a real mix of emotions in the team this evening, but speaking to each of them, it is clear how powerful they found it to run a WOC relay in front of a home crowd - thank you everyone for such incredible support. We have a day to reflect and dust ourselves down, and will be ready to fight again on Tuesday morning!
Switzerland took home the Gold Medal after coming in 1st place, followed by Finland in 2nd and Norway in 3rd place.
Team GB narrowly missed out on a podium place, but the team's focus will now move onwards to Tuesday's Knock-Out Sprint Race, and getting themselves into the Finals!
All images credited with huge thanks to Rob Lines.
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