Rome 2013

[madmike]

So could an official clarify that if we reword the certificate and omit the paragraph about the doctor being held 'responsible' , then that will be ok and accepted?

I don't mean to be rude but FFS give me strength! Read what I wrote above again please.

Just send an email and ask if you want an official answer, which will be....................

There is just no helping some people

[madmike]

My doctor just phoned to say he is happy with our medical history and has signed the certificate, he didn't mention a fee. I said I thought the wording had gained something in translation and he seemed to agree, How refreshing. Good luck everyone, hard luck Mike - it must be such a head ache but I know we are all going to have a great time.

good news, Iam looking forward to seeing you and himself. Now if they would just stop digging roads up..............................

[madmike]

I spent the weekend and last couple of evenings checking route choices with Stefano Z ,who is doing a fabulous job updating the Coloseum map as things change. Some of the sections on day 3 will challenge your concentration as the views are incredible.

For those who asked about shoes I can confirm that Stefano will be sending you into the green and hilly bits on day 2 in Villa Ada. Therefore, dobs or X-talons type shoes will be best (I would go for the X-talons myself). Days 1 and 3, my recommendation remains road running flats but if you want to bring one pair of shoes only then you will be fine with x-talon or walshes.

So a tasy looking field on the M21 will include some of the World's best such as Jonas Gvildys and Jonas Leandersson as well as Emiliano Corono and Alesssio Tenani from the Itlaian national team. I can't help wondering whether Innes Brodman's little brother Robin will be as good as his sister? Best Roman is likely to be young Giacomo Nisi with Rhys F-R being my favoutite to be the leading Brit (sorry Dan!).

W21 wil also be a very interesting competition! Some strong Brits here who will be contending for the podium, Sarah R and Helen G for sure and maybe Kim Buckly will be thereabouts too. The home challenge will likely come from the top Italians Christina Kirchlechner and Maria Novella Sbaraglia but also watch out for the pure speed of Lucia Curzio in the urban race. 3 good Romans with local knowledge, as they went to school on one of the maps, are in the field, that is to say the Brandi sisters (Adri and Andre) and the upcoming youngster Bea Baldi (who will shortly be joining Tenani and Corona at Forestale and could be on the world scene in 3 or 4 years). My other tip to watch on W21 is the oustanding young Belgique (a final year junior) Fanny Tilkin.

Lots of good age groupers too. Ruth Ker on W40 maybe in with a shout as will Alice Bedwell on W50. Christine Kidider and Inara Gipsle on W60 are 2 of the strongest runners in that field. For w65+ Jean Lochead may do well.

Mens wise there are some very striong veterans from Norway and Switzerland who will make podium places difficult for the Brits. Roger Thetford on M50 (if uninjured) maybe one to watch as will Spookster on M45 and maybe also on M45 Mr Brendan Bolland of Kimm/OMM fame. By far the weakest mens class looks to be M40 so noomember maybe in with a podium chance too. Ireland's Marcus Pinker is my favourite for M35 with his main challengers likley to come from a band of very good Russians.

[Barny]

Both of us now have nice certificates - cost nothing and took five minutes each
We are very relieved
Just son's to do now

[madmike]

Message from Helen:

Even if you have sent you medical certificate in electronically can you please remember to bring the orignal with you.



I went checking tags and route choices in Villa Ada on Saturday and can 100% confirm that road running flats are not suitable for the steepest slopes - still the skin will grow back on my knees and elbows!

I also got stopped on Sunday by the Coloseum by a pistol toting carbinieri officer who demanded to see my formal authority for putting a little bit of blue tape on a tree - only in Italy.........

[Spookster]

I also got stopped on Sunday by the Coloseum by a pistol toting carbinieri officer who demanded to see my formal authority for putting a little bit of blue tape on a tree - only in Italy.........

Hmmm, what's that guy going to think when you come back in 2 week's time to attach a small box of electronics that flashes and beeps?!?

[madmike]

I also got stopped on Sunday by the Coloseum by a pistol toting carbinieri officer who demanded to see my formal authority for putting a little bit of blue tape on a tree - only in Italy.........

Hmmm, what's that guy going to think when you come back in 2 week's time to attach a small box of electronics that flashes and beeps?!?

I have asked for copies of the permissions to show the likes of him for all the control hangers. Once he has seen a bit of paper with a stamp on it he will be happy

[madmike]

Giuliano is completing the final details in Italian at this very moment after which Helen and I will have to translate them into english. However, for planning purposes I thought you would want to know that the timings for Friday are:

12:00 Event Center opens
12:00 – 15:00 Registration Desk - Working hours
12:00 – 16:00 Model event available near Event Centre
16:00 – 18:00 Mass Starts in waves (gaffling by butterfly)
20:00 Event Center closes

And for Sunday they have agreed to my request for an 0900 first start vice 1000, so timings are:

08:00 Event Center opening
08:30 – 10:30 Registration Desk - Working hours
09:00 – 11:00 Starts
13:00 Prize-giving
14:00 Event Center closing

BTW if anyone does win a prize and cannot stay for the prize-giving due to travel constraints then please let me know on the day and leave me your contact details. I will get the prizes (less expensive biscuits, chocolate and wine of course which might not survive the journey ) back to the UK for you in the fullness of time.

[madmike]

I also got stopped on Sunday by the Coloseum by a pistol toting carbinieri officer who demanded to see my formal authority for putting a little bit of blue tape on a tree - only in Italy.........

Hmmm, what's that guy going to think when you come back in 2 week's time to attach a small box of electronics that flashes and beeps?!?

I now have the piece of paper from the Mayor's office authorising me to attach a small box of electronics, that flashes and beeps, to things in the area around the Colosseum.



PS bring wetties for sunday

[Big Jon]

I also got stopped on Sunday by the Coloseum by a pistol toting carbinieri officer who demanded to see my formal authority for putting a little bit of blue tape on a tree - only in Italy.........

I'm sure that Met Plod could easily do more than that to you if they didn't like you near the Gherkin or other iconic landmark in London.

[Tatty]

Good luck for your events this weekend Mike. Wish I was there with you, but the November Classic calls!

[madmike]

Good luck for your events this weekend Mike. Wish I was there with you, but the November Classic calls!

Thanks Mary good luck with the classic I have had many happy runs there!

ciao cara
Mike

[madmike]

I also got stopped on Sunday by the Coloseum by a pistol toting carbinieri officer who demanded to see my formal authority for putting a little bit of blue tape on a tree - only in Italy.........

I'm sure that Met Plod could easily do more than that to you if they didn't like you near the Gherkin or other iconic landmark in London.

Yes Jon, you are probably rght but they would just shoot me, that would be a lot less painful than the "burocrazia" here

[Spookster]

Well, that was lots of fun! Mass start dusk/night butterfly looped double-length sprint race in a park with a few technical challenges.

Very much looking forward to the next two days...

[Tatty]

Where do we find the results?