Steven Bazell, who works for train makers Bombardier Transportation, and Adrian Thiemicke, who works for Atos Origin were selected to run, along with Phillip Johnson, Steven Battle, Mick Smedley, Barry Boole and Rebecca Freeman to represent the UK Railway industry (Railsport UK) at the 15^th USIC European Railways Cross Country Championships which was held at Ceska Trebova in the Czech Republic.

Over 100 athletes from 19 countries travelled to the Czech Republic to take part, with runners coming from across Europe and beyond from Luxembourg to Russia and even India .

The race, which was run over a hilly 9km cross country course, which in the winter is used for cross country skiing, was hotly contested between India and Russia , with Andrey Kuznetsov from Russia eventually breaking away on the final lap to take gold. Soji Mathew and Sachin Patil, both from India took 2^nd and 3^rd followed by Alexander Sekletov from Russia in 4^th. India ensured their long trip was worthwhile by dominating the team race to take gold with 40points, with France in 2^nd on 140points and Poland in 3^rd on 228points.

Stoke runner Steven Bazell had a strong race finishing 22^nd and was the 1^st UK runner whilst Adrian Thiemicke was 5^th UK runner, finishing 126^th. The UK team finished a credible 14^th with Rebecca Freeman taking 1^st lady and Barry Boole, the Vet’s title.

Steven Bazell commented “The chance to represent not only my company but the UK railways was fantastic, and it was great to be the first UK runner. It was a fast tough race over a demanding course. I’ve had a great cross country season and this was a fantastic finish to that season.”

Indvidual Results: Steven Bazell 22, Phillip Johnson 33, Steven Battle 73, Mick Smedley 116, Adrian Thiemicke 126, Rebecca Freeman 127 (1^st lady), Barry Boole 133 (1^st Vet).

Team Results:

India 1st, France 2nd, Poland 3rd, UK 14th