Day 8

With our GBDURO20 champion crowned, let's take a look at where the rest of the field is up to.

Jason spotted

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDqULKmDLhr/

Jason has finally been spotted hiding amongst the undergrowth. Rob Brown's mum apparently tracked the rider down, finally giving the world a glimpse of the famous saddle repair.

Jason summitted the Corrieyairack Pass yesterday afternoon, a gruelling 760m off road climb and equally demanding rocky descent, which can be very exposed to foul weather. But riders this year won't have the haven of Fort Augustus as a prize on the other side. The Irish rider pushed through until 11pm, finally collapsing in some comfortable undergrowth, just off the route.

Gail vs Paul

Gail trailed Paul throughout yesterday, unable to eat into his lead. The two riders went around Loch Rannoch and over to Loch Ossian in the evening, possibly enjoying a similar sunset ride that was an unforgettable highlight of my GBDURO last year.

As we go to press, Gail is negotiating the Corrieyairack Pass - feared in cycling and spelling communities in equal measure.

Anisa & James

...sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-...no, sorry. The two inseparable riders actually had quite a bit of distance between them yesterday, which spoils the fun somewhat. After a 16 hour day of racing, this morning James has a 40km lead.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDpDtfjlPDA/

James has overcome a tough couple of days where his dymano broke, leaving all electronics dangerously low on power and his food rations were getting perilously low, amongst other issues! Spirits seem a lot higher now though:

"Room with a view 😍🏕 Last of the good weather today so praying I get enough charge to get me to the finish. No more food rationing too whoop! 650km to go. 5 days of food left. Tons of gas. Very few bandages. 2 spokes gone. Bald rear tyre. Achey legs. Big smiles!"

Adam

It was a tough day for Mr Colvin, with the complete disintegration of his shoe hampering progress. Great to see some military ingenuity on display as he used the ultra racer's trusty ally, the cable tie, to patch up his footwear.

This setback doesn't seem to have dampened his spirits however, as we've been treated to a barrage of smiling selfies tracking Adam's progress through Scotland.

Lanternes Rouges

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDpAZJ4l0va/

Sharon and Chris made prgress through the Yorkshire Dales yesterday, battling recurring illness for 11 hours of pedaling to inch 80km closer to the Scotish Border. The pair stopped for an early night, hoping a 13 hour rest will help them get in a bigger day today.

"Morning! We took a long nights break to try and recover. Not feeling well at all... trying to roll forward as best as can and of course, it goes without saying... still smiling! Made it to Cumbria anyway 😎"

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDpCeoBFyEd/