Rodgers limbers up for Highland Cross treble

Lochaber athlete David Rodgers aims to win his third Highland Cross biathlon title when the 27th edition of the coast-to-coast running and cycling race takes place between Kintail and Beauly today.

The former Scottish mountain running international has a affinity for the event as it inspired him to get involved in hill running.

The triple Ben Nevis champion first won the event in 2002 and repeated the feat in 2006, but had to settle for seventh position last year when Henry Blake (Highland Hill Runners) took the title.

Blake is an absentee from the field of 720 participants, but Rodgers still faces some tough opposition led by triathlon international Blair Cartmell.

Aberdeenshire’s Alasdair Thomas, who has been runner-up for the past two years and was third in 2006, will also be hoping to take pole position for the first time.

Dundee’s Sandra Brett defends the women’s title she won on her first appearance in the race 12 months ago, but she will again be pushed hard by 2008 runner-up Rhona Buchan (Aberdeen AAC). Roxy Bannerman (Highland Hill Runners), Karen McLeod (Inverness Harriers) and Gillian Cardno-Strachan (Fraserburgh) are among the other leading entrants.

Four men will maintain their own personal record of having taken part in every Highland Cross race since the event was first held in 1983. Graham Forbes, from Bunchrew, David Rose (Inverness), Eric Lawther (Kingussie) and John Talbot (Inverinate) will cover the route for the 27th year.

The race starts with a 20-mile run from sea level at Morvich, Kintail, crossing the 1,000ft pass behind the Five Sisters of Kintail to Glen Affric where each participant collects their bike to cycle the remaining 30 miles to Beauly.

Aberdeen’s Scott Neyedli is favourite to win the Knockburn triathlon, near Banchory, tomorrow.