13th
June
2011

The forecast for Sunday was realised; a day of rain and nothing else. Saturday was a different story, practicing in shorts and jersey, the course was dry and dusty. A few alterations after the Southern XC a few weeks ago brought the course to the 6km UCI standard, without ruining the flow of the course. I felt good during the practice, doing sections at pace and feeling I knew the course well.

Sunday started with me getting to experience racing on the other side of the tape, feeding Abi for her National series come back; I think I’ll stick to the racing! Saying that, it was quite fun giving time checks and feeling like I was a small contribution to her successful return, coming third in Expert.

Whilst she started her final lap I was off to get on the turbo, literally to warm the feeling back into my hands! The Orbea marque was a lifesaver, my warm up would have been out the window without it but by 10 to 12 I was nicely prepped for the effort to come. Unfortunately the race had to be delayed for 30mins due to a crashed rider, so back in the tent for some improv turbo work.

My start sprint was good, I nestled in nicely but lost a few places on the proceeding corners to more gutsy riders; something I need to work on. I settled into a good group in the top 15 but lost contact when a rider in front dropped a wheel. Losing my rhythm slightly, I was caught by Tom Bell. Going well, he paced me round for a lap or so, allowing me to find my legs and then get back on the front chasing. I caught and passed a few riders and could see the yellow and red Hargroves kit of Steven James at various points on my penultimate lap. I was shortening the gap and could see he was also gaining on the group I had lost at the start of the race. I chased with everything I had knowing I could gain a good few positions if I caught them. Steve caught the group however on the final lap, bringing the pace up and leaving me to finish on my own in 16th.

An improvement on 21st at Dalby in what is a strong Elite field and leaving me feeling the top 10 is not beyond me. As I’ve said before, it is not a course which plays to my strengths, add to that the torrential conditions which I used to suffer both mentally and technically, and it is a top 20 is an achievement in its self.

A road race this Sunday then round 4 at Margam, a round I have been looking forward to for years after knee problems forcing me to retire last year. I hope I can really use the course to my advantage.

John.