An Unusual Race - Test 3

B2 First · Multiple Choice Reading · Cambridge English First 3, Cambridge University Press

You are going to read an article about a race between two famous brothers. For questions 1–6, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.

To raise money for charity, a newspaper and a TV company challenged brothers Jonny and Alistair Brownlee, champion triathletes, to take part in a unique race that would set man against car, and brother against brother. In the wild and mountainous Yorkshire Dales of northern England, Jonny and younger brother Alistair would race to the same point, Jonny in a car on roads, Alistair across country on a mountain bike. 'I'm looking forward to it,' Jonny said, as the brothers took their places on the start line. 'I've never done anything like this before: it's exciting! These roads have beautiful views – and also it's very cold at the moment, so I'll be able to sit in the car and stay nice and warm.' Alistair was similarly eager – though in contrast to Jonny's jeans and sweatshirt, he was decked out in full winter cycling gear. Not that the cold was denting his confidence. 'To be honest,' he said, 'I've seen his driving before, so I'm not sure he's even going to make it. I might just stop for a cup of tea halfway up.' The race started at the beautiful Semer Water late in Wensleydale and was to finish at Yorkshire's highest road, Fleet Moss, some 350 metres up. No problem for the car, perhaps – but with Alistair's first couple of miles involving a 25 per cent incline, the younger Brownlee brother had his work cut out from the start. Barely time for a quick handshake and they were off. As Alistair sprinted away on his bike, heading for a track going straight up the hill and then across country to Fleet Moss, Jonny jumped in the car and was soon on the road. The next time the brothers would see each other would be at the finish line. Jonny's early confidence took an immediate blow. Barely 15 seconds into the drive and he faced his first obstacle. Lumbering out of a field and into the road was a giant tractor. 'Welcome to Yorkshire,' he complained to the cameraman in the back of his car. 'If Alistair beats me, it's all down to this farmer!' Tense moments later, the tractor safely dealt with, Jonny was back in control. Alistair, meanwhile, was struggling with the slope. Barely a couple of miles in and, as his brother released, he was forced to dismount and carry his bike up the hill, past walls and over fences. Bemused sheep gazed on, as the Olympic champion kept up a steady pace, at the bizarre sight of a man in a field with a bike on his shoulders. And then, finally, the summit was reached. Over the other side was open ground, and with the sun coming out and the land spread before him, a chance to show what he was made of. Head down, feet on the pedals, Alistair was picking up speed. In the car, his brother faced another local obstacle. The villages in this part of Yorkshire have stood since well before the invention of the car – and the roads that link them were not exactly made for speed. Jonny attempted to negotiate another absurdly narrow corner. The car slowed to a crawl, then passed through a stream that had formed on the road. Clear of the last village, the car was on a straight race to the finishing line. Neither brother knew how close the other was. As Jonny gunned the engine and sped through the final straight to Fleet Moss, Alistair was flying across his last field and back onto the road himself – approaching the finish from the other side. Head down, legs pumping... and then a squeal of brakes as he reached the line. And then, finally, Alistair looked up. 'Is he here?' he asked the waiting crowd. 'No? Really?' The head went back, the arms up. 'Yes!' Minutes later, the car pulled up and Jonny stepped out. 'Well done,' Jonny said with disappointment. 'I'm gutted.'

being dressed for difficult conditions.

having plenty of enthusiasm for it.

feeling anxious about the weather.

believing in their own ability to win.

The writer explains that before the race the brothers were alike in

The brothers appeared very uncertain of the route.

Alistair's training had been insufficient.

Jonny had a noticeable advantage.

The brothers tried to avoid eye contact with each other.

What is suggested about the start of the race?

He objected to the situation he found himself in.

He was relieved the hill was easier than expected.

He welcomed an opportunity to prove his ability.

He was distracted by the behaviour of some animals.

What is suggested about Alistair in the fifth paragraph?

annoyed

puzzled

distressed

disappointed

What does 'Bemused' mean in line 51?

He had to briefly break the speed limit.

He almost drove into some water.

He had to get the car through a tight space.

He nearly lost control of the car.

In the sixth paragraph, what do we learn about Jonny's progress?

He worried his brother had got lost.

He celebrated by jumping off his bike.

He congratulated his brother on his performance.

He was uncertain who the winner was.

How did Alistair react when he reached the end of the race?

An unusual race

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