AMID a wealth of talent from the African continent that would have befitted an Olympic final, it was America that imposed its imperialism upon Holyrood Park on Saturday as Uncle Sam and his cross-country cousins secured rich gains from the Morrison's Great Edinburgh XC.
Of the five senior races, three golden medals were plundered for a trans-Atlantic return. A stirring victory from Emilia Gorecka apart, the contingent from Great Britain & Northern Ireland were left chasing for consolation amid the snow, rain and extreme chill.
And, Chris Derrick argued, his comprehensive triumph in the senior men's 8k should engender a boldness to go to March's world cross in the Chinese city of Guiyang with sufficient self-belief. A Kenyan or Ethiopian monopoly of the prizes should not be pre-destined. Even the leading Britons might travel with ambition aplenty.
"What I hope is that if America can come out and have some good showings, there's no reason why France and UK can't do the same," Derrick, who edged out compatriot Jacob Riley, declared. "Hopefully the USA can put out some good teams and not make it a solo African affair, and get some more interest to get it back where it belongs."
Whether he will face British opposition there remains up in the air. Strong hints have been dropped that only a small squad will be taken to the Far East, with only those deemed capable of a podium challenge likely to receive the call. With a number of Scotland's exponents of the mud stepping up to the plate in GB vests this winter, it could freeze out their dreams of a global excursion.
"I hope they take a small team at least," argued Andy Butchart, who was adrift of Derrick in 16th position. "They have got the money, definitely. They have to give us a chance sometime. So why not now?"
The Perthshire prospect headed a three-strong Scottish contingent amid the 30-strong field with Callum Hawkins three spots behind and Luke Caldwell back in 27th. The native conditions were at their worst, Haggis Knowe smothered in a white sheet with the low ground rapidly turning from green towards brown.
Some thrived, others sank. "It wasn't as horrible as it probably looked but it was tough going," Butchart noted. "We had strong teams ahead of us with the US and Europe but everyone did well. I'm happy that I moved up further than last year so now I have to hope for something decent after this."
With Makena Morley claiming the junior women's title, the USA's advantage in the three-team international contest was almost insurmountable when Gorecka lined up at the outset of the concluding 6k senior women's race. The 20-year-old, who trains along side Scottish duo Beth Potter and Steph Twell in Twickenham, could not prevent GB&NI from ending up third as the United States headed the table on 121 points and with a huge margin over Team Europe in second.
Yet the young Englishwomen signed off on a high. Battered backwards by the onslaught of hail, she demonstrated that her pondering performance at last month's Euro Cross was a mere aberration. Now, she trusts, there will be similarly stellar showings when her track campaign begins,
"The aim is to keep progressing," she confirmed. "There's so much more. My 1500 metres time has to change. In training it's there. I just haven't raced a quick 1500. And then hopefully that helps for the 5000. I definitely consider myself a track runner now. I still like cross-country. But I want to move onto the track."
In the men's elite invitational, Garrett Heath pulverised a pack of Kenyan pursers, including defending world champion Japheth Korir, to repeat his 2014 success, with European 1500m medallist Chris O'Hare down in tenth. "It's just good to get out there and have a little bit of fun," said the Scot, who will return to Boston today to ready for his indoor season. "Although it wasn't much fun."
Elsewhere, Morag McLarty snared first place to guide East to a points victory in the women's Inter-Districts with North of England claiming the men's title.
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