HSBC UK British Cycling National MTB XC Series - Round 5
Thought I would write a small piece for the HMTBC web page this time - may have more of a following that way?? Still do a blog but, more for my own posterity and those that want to read and asked me to put one together in the first place.
Here goes:
Nice long ride to location for round five of the British National Cross Country MTB Series, located at Builth Wells, mid Wales. Stayed at Llandrindod Wells in airbnb.
Saturday morning was spent doing a walk around the course in a torrent of rain, assessing the features and lines to take - decided there were two A Lines I would try. Picked up number board and before allowed to go out on course.
First lap done in the early afternoon, had problems keeping up right in the cambered muddy uphill and down hill sections. Plenty of rocks and roots to deal with and short sharp elevations to hammer up. Other features involved rock garden, log ride and drop, drop off, gap jump and more mud.
Attempted my first real gap jump A Line - buzzing!!
Afternoon saw the sun pop out and with a good breeze, the course started to clear up a little. The fun and sports races also helped to flatten off lines through the mud. Samuel Poole from HMTBC took part in one the these races doing exceptionally well for his first National race.
Went out on second lap for more practice (take note Samuel!), mainly to see how the course had changed and another go at the gap jump.
Had problems with rear brake fade, which Kev helped me with…. Unfortunately it didn't work.
Sunday - came around to fast, calms didn't help, still couldn't sleep the night before a race - naffed off with that!!
Watched the first races (all the young ones) before Kev bled the rear brake again and filled up system.
Set off on my race at 11:00 managing to complete four out of the five laps, one better then the championships. Did the gap jump on all laps and the steep grass A Line elevation three times, last time, quad cramp.
Finished in 17th place, my best result to date.
Stayed to watch Rob and Jake in their race and enjoyed seeing them mix it up with the best the country has. Great racing and results with Rob placed 12th followed by Jake in 13th.