Round One Preview 2013/14 - A New World Order?
A new season, a new BERC (well, sort of), a new set of rules, new timetables, but how much change will there be? Andi James will be looking to hold his title for a third season. Peter Smyth is hot on his heels, looking to regain the title he once held. James, however, will not attend round one, leaving the championship lead wide open; James is by far the strongest athlete in the competition. Peter Smyth will therefore attempt to capitalise.
The rule changes for 2013/14 are as follows:
If one visits a station illegally, this would result in a disqualification (whereas, before, it only counted as not having visited). The result would be zero points being scored for that round; the same applies if the wrong station is visited (e.g. Paddington (Cir/H&C) rather than Paddington (Bak/Cir/Dis)). If the mistake is rectified within the time limit then full points will be awarded.
Points will be awarded if the stations are not completed in time for reasons outside the competitor's control. The time limit for a 'standard' round is four hours. A standard round counts as a no-twist Zones 1 and 2 only. Any twist rounds will now have an appropriate extension.
Bus-master Martin "Tangy" Hazel will be in the pound seats yet again, as he will unquestionably make use of obscure bus connections. Hazel can never be counted out of the fray.
Glen Bryant is an outside bet. He came close to winning the championship in 2011/12, and he is very fast. Surely he can get into the top five?
Rhys Benjamin and Rhys Jackson are looking to build on some strong performances in 2012/13. With youth and many more years of challenging to come, Team Rhys are looking to burst through this year amongst the top runners. Benjamin completed a full network over the summer, giving him vital experience, as well as portable WTTs. Team Rhys are an outside bet this season.
Who will win? Time will tell.
The rule changes for 2013/14 are as follows:
If one visits a station illegally, this would result in a disqualification (whereas, before, it only counted as not having visited). The result would be zero points being scored for that round; the same applies if the wrong station is visited (e.g. Paddington (Cir/H&C) rather than Paddington (Bak/Cir/Dis)). If the mistake is rectified within the time limit then full points will be awarded.
Points will be awarded if the stations are not completed in time for reasons outside the competitor's control. The time limit for a 'standard' round is four hours. A standard round counts as a no-twist Zones 1 and 2 only. Any twist rounds will now have an appropriate extension.
Bus-master Martin "Tangy" Hazel will be in the pound seats yet again, as he will unquestionably make use of obscure bus connections. Hazel can never be counted out of the fray.
Glen Bryant is an outside bet. He came close to winning the championship in 2011/12, and he is very fast. Surely he can get into the top five?
Rhys Benjamin and Rhys Jackson are looking to build on some strong performances in 2012/13. With youth and many more years of challenging to come, Team Rhys are looking to burst through this year amongst the top runners. Benjamin completed a full network over the summer, giving him vital experience, as well as portable WTTs. Team Rhys are an outside bet this season.
Who will win? Time will tell.