Kris on top form for Great Britain
Forth Valley man just misses out on medal
Kris Jones of Forth Valley Orienteers put in impressive performances for Great Britain at the European Championships.
Jones enjoyed a memorable week with successful races in the sprint and forest relays.
He was in action during the forest relay event after being brought in for injured clubmate Graham Gristwood.
The race was quick-paced from the outset, and Jones worked his way through the pack into the leading group by the fourth checkpoint.
Switzerland and Sweden were leading the way, but the Forth Valley runner seized on minor mistakes from the two powerhouses of world orienteering to establish a small lead four from home.
He held this all the way to the changeover – touching home two seconds up on Switzerland.
Peter Hodkinson got into an all-star pack with Norway joining the chase, but a small mistake meant he handed over to anchorman Ralph Street with bronze in sight.
He was caught by the chasing pack and ultimately finished in fifth after a close battle with the Czech Republic right to the end.
In the sprint relay Jones went off as the third runner of four – taking over from Peter Hodkinson with GB in bronze medal position behind the Swiss and Swedes.
He settled into a good rhythm early, and was particularly impressive on the tricky hill section, handing over to Alice Leake – as the Brits sought out their first sprint relay medal.
Despite an attack by Alice, and nibbling away at the Swedish advantage, the chasing group closed up and GB eventually ended up in sixthplace.
Kris said: “We can’t really be too disappointed given we were in the fight for so long, but this is another case of almost in the sprint relay, which is a bit frustrating.
“Alice gave it everything she had and as a team we can’t ask for more.”