Bit of a late report on Southern Champs but University work unfortunately took precedence over this blog. 

The Southern Champs took place at the venue of the next National, Wasing Park. It is not a course I look forward too and at this time of year makes me wish I was Welsh. The tight twisting and most importantly, flat singletrack suits the more stocky, powerful rider. I suffered last year to 16th at the National round, ending feeling like I have left all my legs had to offer on the course. 

Pre-riding on Sunday my reservations were still there, I didn’t find it fun and was not looking forward to racing. Dragging myself out for my warm up I attempted to eliminate the negative thoughts from my mind and take what I could from it. In my useful style, I had a bad start (I really need to stop track standing at the lights and get used to clipping in!) and found myself held up through the singletrack and passing opportunities don’t come until late in the lap. Coming onto the second lap I came across Chris Minter who had dropped his chain. As someone who sets a good pace and often moves through the field I made it my mission to ensure I didn’t loose his wheel. He did indeed set a good pace and we started moving up, joining and then later dropping Mike Cotty. For the last 2 laps I took to the front and found myself able to gap Chris towards the end leaving me with 6th place. 

After how I had felt prior, I am pleased with this result. I showed some definite progress on the weakest aspects of my riding. In the end I wasn’t far from a podium spot ~45s and with consistently fast lap times, gaining on the places ahead; a better start could have put me up there. Chris commented on my smooth technique over the rutted and rooty course which was another positive point for me from someone who’s wheel I used to struggle to hold. 

Writing this blog I am having a gap from packing and preparing for the Dalby World Cup this weekend. After my poor performance at National Champs last year I was left on the cusp of the 20 point qualifying quota; placing me in the last box on the grid. My first job will be dropping the sweep moto! I will also be competing in the Pro Sprint Eliminator in Pickering on Friday night which after last year I am really looking forward to.

You can watch the World Cup live on freecaster.tv:http://uk.freecaster.tv/mountainbike/1014233/uci-world-cup-2011-xco-2-yorkshire-dalby-forest-gbr and at some point on Eurosport UK.