ALEX Teuten added another tick to his bucket list after being crowned British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) cross-country champion.

The University of Southampton athlete defied difficult conditions and a pre-race injury scare to win the men’s long race over 10,360 metres.

His time of 31 minutes and 49 seconds saw off the challenge of Paulos Surafel and Ellis Cross – both of St Mary’s University - who clocked 31.57 and 32.00 respectively.

Teuten, who started a PhD in chemistry in September, said: “This was my sixth BUCS cross-country and I am sure it was the extra experience that made the difference on the day.

“The conditions were tricky, very muddy in places with a steep hill and several obstacles on the course.”

Teuten had had a setback in the build-up to the race, requiring three days’ rest to ease a gluteus muscle problem.

“Whilst it meant my legs were fresh, it was also unfamiliar seeing as I’d had a very consistent season up ‘til then,” he reflected.

“I was delighted to make the start line and a medal was achievable, albeit an unlikely target. As a result, to win was a huge surprise!”

With the athletes donning “warpaint” on their faces and nearly 2,000 vocal students roaring them on, the BUCS cross-country is a unique experience.

“The crowds draw in tightly, often to within a metre of you, which can be quite intimidating,” said Teuten.

“There was a little bit of heckling from rival supporters from St Mary’s University so, in a way, winning the race was the best way to silence their chants.

“To win the BUCS cross-country title is incredibly special to me," he added. "It is something that was firmly on my bucket list of objectives in my athletic career.

“I never thought I had the ability to achieve it though and a lot of it is down to my fantastic coach, Rod Lock, and my family and friends who support me every day.

“I’m delighted to achieve it at University of Southampton too, where I’ve enjoyed my undergraduate years and improved a lot as an athlete.”