STEVE DAWES was a surprise entrant and a comfortable winner of the latest FNB cross country event from Mike Wilesmith and Tristan Robilliard.

After a busy period racing in the UK and Jersey, Dawes was not expected to make it to the Fauxquets Valley start line, but had a late change of heart, he said.

‘I was always 50-50 as to race or not, mainly due to last week’s Jersey Half, but Fauxquets is my favourite course and I felt quite good on a brisk run on Thursday so decided to race.’

Dawes sat in for most of the opening lap of six, but then took control. ‘I put in a fast second lap to try and get clear, then settled into a pretty even pace for the remainder of the race.’