Titles beckon for Scott and Bannwarth as Winter Spine Race goes down to the wire

Jack Scott and Claire Bannwarth appear on course for emphatic victories at the Montane Winter Spine Race.

It’s always dangerous to take anything for granted at ‘Britain’s most brutal’ race but both have clear advantages going into what’s likely the final day for the leaders.

Out on his own

Last year Scott was denied in agonising fashion after an unintentional navigation error resulted in a time penalty that cost him dear after he crossed the line alongside eventual winner Damian Hall.

Everything points to redemption 12 months on – he has more than two hours to spare over Hall, with Konrad Rawlik in third, and all three well ahead of Hall’s record time.

Gossage going great guns

And Bannwarth is just a class apart again on the women’s side, though she now has fallen a little bit behind Jasmin Paris’ women’s (and all-time) record pace.

She’s still more than six hours ahead of her nearest female rival – and again in fifth overall.

A strong mention too for former triathlete Lucy Gossage who has produced an incredible performance on her Spine Race debut.

She’s a clear second and you can follow her progress in the final stages along with everyone else via this link.