Patrick Dever made his under 23 Great Britain debut in last weeks European Cross Country Championships in Chia, Italy. The conditions were warm and sunny and there was none of the usual mud that is often associated with winter cross country races in the UK.
The men’s U23 team claimed the bronze medal with last year’s winner Jonny Davies (of Reading AC) placing fifth this time around in an incredibly fast-paced race. He had led a group of seven heading into the final long lap but a fierce acceleration of pace had a significant impact on the medal positions. Patrick Dever had an accomplished race, never far off the pace and he finished 49th. The experience of the event will stand him in good stead.