Mud, Sweat & Gears Round 4 – Regional Championships
We arrived at Carver Barracks around 12 for the afternoon race. I signed on and got ready for a practice lap. After my practice lap I got on my rollers to warm up and then headed for the start line. We were then gridded and waited for the rest of the categories to be gridded behind us.
We started at 2pm and I got into a good rythmn. Kieran Jarvis went off at the front and I was in a group of 4 with James Pickering, Travis Pell and Jake Darragh, behind him. The 4 of us stayed together for the first 2 laps and then the 3 of us started to pull away a little from Jake after I believe he had a mechanical issue. Into the 4th lap the 3 of us were still together and it was set for a close finish, then Travis got caught up with my bike and came off requiring stitches to his knee. James then managed to pull away from me leaving me in third place. I was really pleased to come third, my first podium finish at my Regional Championships which I achieved whilst I was studying and taking my exams. A big thanks to my coach, Loose Cannon’s Conditioning, for his coaching, help and support. Also thanks to our club sponsors, Cyclewrap, Scimitar, Hardnutz Helmets and Mitas tyres.
Robert Staines - Hadleigh MTB Club Race Team