Crossword Genius

Runner bumping into rival — what could be more annoying? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

peskier

'more annoying?' is the definition.
('pesky' can be a synonym of 'annoying')

'runner bumping into rival' is the wordplay.
'runner' becomes 'ski' (ski is a kind of runner).
'bumping into' indicates putting letters inside.
'rival' becomes 'peer'.
'ski' going within 'peer' is 'PESKIER'.

'what could be' acts as a link.

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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