Was looking forward to this after having to pull out last year at the 3rd control. Decided i would try and stick with the front guys, purely following if i had to. Grabbed onto Brooner from the start, but he then made a significant error heading to #4. No matter, i would have lost that much time by then anyway.
Continued with him up until Glenbrook lake where we split but then all grouped together with Andy and Alistair trying to find a control that was misplaced, then all 4 headed off together. Dropped Alistair on the fast road, then Andy and I split from Brooner.
Over the next 20 controls or so, stuck with Andy and Alistair, reading map as much as I could, but there were some controls where i just couldn't find the opportunity to nav at all.
After picking up the last map, they both hesitated on what i thought was a short leg that i'd pre-read, so i nailed it, only to find i had nav'd straight from 24 to 28. finished the rest of the controls on my own, only losing 10seconds or so on the leaders on each one, and finished 3rd a couple of minutes down.
Probably could have just continued following and actually would have been reasonably confident if i made it to a sprint finish, but didn't think that would be appropriate, and really wanted to try and win it by taking an opportunity and nailing a nav-leg.
Definately learnt a LOT from following the guys, about running in terrain, pacing, and routechoice, very happy i did it.
Such a fun race, and the perfect location for it!
Had a big tumble about 2/3 of the way through. grazes all over, some bruises on backbone and hip, and swollen elbow. Painful, but nothing seriously damaged i don't think.
http://labs.strava.com/flyby/viewer/#1063341833?c=...