Good racing was had at Cannock Chase yesterday. Despite a challenging mix of tight, tree dense trails, all with a good layering of sticky mud, the racing was close and I even got to practice my wheel following skills; perfect for Sherwood next week.

Taking part in round two of the series, which, having missed round one meant a fight up to the singletrack - elbows out isn’t my forte. I had to work my way up to the lead group, only reaching them mid-way through the second lap by finding 20s. Settling into a four man train: Lee Westwood, Giles Drake, myself and Dave Collins I was able to recover. The course was changing every lap and with it, I think everyone made slip ups. Coming through the back of the field in a train works because the rider can pull over and everyone gets through. Once any small gaps open though, it becomes havok as people rejoin the course just as the leading riders are chasing to get back. A few slip ups and the group disbanded.

Lee got away and with it, managed to do some real damage on one of the draggiest sections of the course; sound tactics. The remaining group I think underestimated this effort, leaving us with a tough chase. As the race went on, Dave pulled (I guess worn out by his effort to get to the front after a crash) and Giles escaped me. At one point I nearly had him back, but a silly error cost me some time. Now in the closing stages of the race I simply didn’t have it in me to catch him.

I finished third, a podium place and most importantly, good sensations in the legs! The work at the beginning cost me (that 20s could have been an attack), so I can go into Sherwood with some confidence. Lee’s riding was impressive and it is great to have such high calibre in Elite now, it makes the racing actual racing rather than  a mass start time trail. Still, I can’t let the new-blood beat me next week!

Finally, it was the first Midlands I’ve done in a while and have to say it was slick. A sell out and packed like a national, was excellent to see. I used to hate pre-entry but am starting to think maybe we should follow the road scene and ditch entry on the line. If it means cheaper entries, prize money, and handmade trophies, I’m all for it. Secondly, I think it really boosts the scene, as organisers can write real race previews (again similar to the road) with rider and team showdowns.