Nopesport

Oli Johnson, harsh mispunch

In what is an exceptionally hot day in Denamrk, Oliver Johnson of GBR got 'burnt'. Oli was the victim of an unfortunate miss-punching incident. Oli visited the control, clearly heard the audible beeb, when he visited the download, the SI card registered a time but did not register which control Oli had visited. The GB staff immediately questioned the decision followed by an official protest to the jury. The result still stood and Oli was disqualified. This is unfortunate for Oli as he was in good shape and looked stong in the qualifier. He took his despute to the sportIdent people but there was nothing they could do for him.

Aside from Oli it been another great day for team GBR. every other member qualified from their heat, some more comfortably than others!

Nopesport managed to catch up with members of the team:

Alison O'Neil, the top womens qualifier for the day from GBR commented that it was slightly too fast for her style and by Hanny Allston and Simone Niggli-Luder. It was tough and there was lots of sh1t, but felt she could keep up with Simone which bodes well for the final.

Jon Duncan had a another good day in the Danish forests. JD commented that he was scrapy and was not quite spiking the controls, he puts this down to being vague on the 1:15,000 map. There was one particularly good route choice from JD which he was pleased with. He aims to improve for the final but feels he is in his best shape.

Jenny Whitehead left it late before confirming her place in the final on Wednesday. Jenny, returning to WOC after a 3 year absence, was relieved. She hopes this result will snap her out of her negativity and approach the final with confidence.

Jamie qualified well from his heat. He feels he is in good shape after having two solid runs in the qualifiers and comments that the terrain is 'right up his street'. He is looking forward to the final and dreams of a podium position, but is confident of improving his PB of 8th in Sweden in 2004.

GBR team manager Dave Rollins was upbeat on todays performances with everybody running really well. "Everybody is gutted for Oli" explained Dave.

Nopesport also managed to catch up with Middle Distance runner Matt Crane. Nopesport asked how his 'breakfast challenge' was continuing. Today Matt had a cooked breakfast after qualifying in yesterdays middle distance. This consisted of bacon, sausage, scrambled egg, grilled tomatoes and liver pate. Tomorrow is cold meats.

Team GB must be pleased with 11 out of 12 qualifying although there is a great deal of disappointment for Oli.

JD, looking strong