WATCH: Edderton athlete successfully defends men's title at Highland Cross
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ROSS Gollan successfully defended his title as he claimed victory at the 2023 Highland Cross to be crowned champion for the second successive year.
The Edderton athlete made it two wins in a row as he was the first to cross the line yesterday in the 50-mile duathlon between Kintail and Beauly.
Gollan (26) crossed the line in a time of three hours, 31 minutes and 26 seconds.
He was 11 minutes ahead of Daniel Ashwood from Edinburgh who completed the course in 3:42:07 with Peter Fenwick from Inverness third in a time of 3:44.04.
Gollan only decided at short notice that he would defend his title and was pleased to win it again by such a large margin from the chasing pack.
"It was a bit of a last minute decision this year as I only decided to enter three weeks ago," he admitted.
"It was two very different Highland crosses, last year there was a nice tailwind and this year there was a heavy headwind.
"It did make the run more pleasant as it did keep us cool a bit.
"Once I got on the bike there was the usual cramp, and it turned into a war of attrition.
"I am quite happy to get around without seizing up."
Last year, Gollan says he did have in mind targeting the course record of 3.13.31 set by Keith Murray in 1993.
However this year, due to the conditions on the day, where temperatures reached 23 degrees celsius, he decided to take a more cautious approach.
"Last year, I had the record in the back due to the tailwind," he said.
"But this year, I decided to go more conservatively in the run, so timewise I wasn't too worried this year."
Gollan has represented Great Britain at the World Mountain Running and Trail Championships and is looking forward to competing on the international stage again later this year.
"I am heading out to Europe in July and have a few big races coming out there after competing at Snowdon in Wales.
"But this was perfect training as we have a European heat here at the moment.
"Usually I am stuck in a sauna trying to heat train."
Gollan says he will think about defending his title next year and possibly going for the hat trick.
"Last year I decided I wouldn't go again," he said.
"But the pain wears off after a couple of days and you think about giving it another crack.
"I will decide nearer the time, but the Highland Cross has a special place in my heart.
"You will probably see me again at some point."
