8th
June
2011

Last Sunday I had a number of options racing wise. A road race around Chew Lakes, Bristol Bike Fest or the Southern XC. Without someone telling me not to (which I need!), I would have probably ended up doing Bike Fest 6hr solo. I love the race and the shear grit and determination of a 6hr effort. I can’t do steady pace though and would have knackered myself for the National this Sunday. I had then decided on the road race, allowing myself to shy away from my bad experiences of the Southern course, Crow Hill. However, deep down I know I have to face my weaknesses to improve so hinted at the possibility of doing the Southern to Andy and it was decided the Southern XC was the next race on my schedule.

Setting off from Bath in torrential rain I was already becoming satisfied with my choice. Crow Hill was dry on my arrival and I felt good during the pre-ride; the course contained many aspects of races proir but seemed to flow better. My start off the grid was good but a laspe of concentration on the initial loose fireroad caused me to overshoot and loose my good placing. I was then in my usual state of chasing back up to where I wanted to be rather than being able to settle into a rythem. I caught the chase group ahead, rested, then went on the attack to try and reach the leaders. Away for one lap, I wasn’t gaining on either group and so sat up at the start of the third lap to ride in the chase group.

The chase was five strong, an usually large train for such a twisty course but we worked well together for the remainder of the race. During the last lap I took to the front once again and tested the legs; I felt comfortable in the group and confident for the final sprint. The final stretch up to the finish was slightly up hill, accross a bumpy field. I lead in and sprinted resonability far out to fully take advantage of the up hill. It worked and I lead the group in for forth place.

Another great boost to my confidence on the Southern courses which I used to really struggle on. A video of the race is embeded below. Sunday is round 3 of the National Series at Wasing Park, I hope I can apply my recent form and get a good result.

In other news I am currently 3rd ranked Elite nationally and up ‘till the recent World Cup rounds where Oli and Liam scored big, was 1st ranked. I originally discounted this knowing it was from doing many smaller races, I didn’t want to revil in it too much in fear of appearing to be massaging my ego; after all, I know I am not the best in the country has to offer, far from it and I don’t won’t to pick up the trait of unrealistically portraying a rider which I am not. After further thought though, I feel it is something to be proud of. The rankings will never be a true representation of rider seedings, no system could ever achieve this, “you are only as good as your last race”, but I and everyone knows this. It does, however, show consistancy and nearing the half way point of the season I think it is something to blog about!