GREAT Britain's ladies certainly had the course taped at Casette di Massa in Italy last weekend.
Helped by Long Preston's Mary Wilkinson, who was 18th, they finished second behind the hosts in the 30th edition of the World Mountain Running Championships.
Having finally overcome a long-term injury, Wilkinson only secured her place in the team at the trial race in Sedbergh last month, but nothing could have prepared the athletes for the highly technical course and hot conditions in Tuscany.
Faced with a gruelling nine-kilometre uphill-only course that climbed over 700 metres, Wilkinson once again produced a strong performance on the international stage.
She was supported in the team by fellow Bingley Harrier Emma Clayton, who finished a magnificent ninth, Kendal’s Rebecca Robinson, who was 14th, and Holmfirth's Katie Walshaw, who completed the quartet in 42nd.
Next year the World Championships are being held in Wales on Wilkinson's preferred up-and-down course, so she is hoping there is significant home advantage!
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