Photo copyright of Graham the Scribe
The past weekend
felt different, I didn't have my dad with me to kick my bum into the van, drive
me to the venue, sort the bike out and motivate me for the race as he was at
the first national event of the cyclocross season (where he did outstandingly may
I add!). So it was up to my super-duper
multi-tasking mam to take on the role, the poor love!
It
was another early start as the race was at Preston Park about an hour and a
half's drive away. On opening the car door
I was suddenly hit with the freezing cold wind and blinding sun, well hello
there Autumn! After that little shock to
the system it was all as normal; sign on, kit on and off to check out the
course.
Photo copyright of Vicky Hopper
A
lot of people were kind enough to offer me help with my bike as they knew my
dad was away and my mam had no idea, bless her.
This is one of the things I love about the cyclocross scene, it’s like
one big family where they all help to support each other and I was very
grateful for it, big thanks guys.
Photo copyright of Alan Draffan
Got
a few practice laps in and I wasn't too sure, it was really quite difficult
with technical off-camber turns and a really big hill that was incredibly
slippy. I kinda got used to the track
after a few more laps and decided to head back for a drink and a breather,
however I turned to see some hurdles being set up and I hate hurdles! So, swearing quietly under my breath, I had a
shot at them and accepted I was in for a challenge come the racing.
Photo copyright of Ed Rollason
Soon
it was time to be gridded and I headed over to the starting line to be met
again with a great turn out for the women’s category. It's really good to see so many women getting
into the sport. Nicola Davies, Jen Batey
then myself were the first to be called out, once we were all set the gun went
off and everyone was in the zone!
Photo copyright of Ed Rollason
I
was with a group of five women, which included Nicola and Jen, we stayed
together for the first lap, Nicola then got her race face on and shot off into
the lead. Jen followed suit and I battled it out with Alison Sarmiento for
another lap where I got into my zone and sped off. For the last half of the
race the positions stayed the same with Nicola running first, Jen second and me
in third (where I also took the Junior first place), pleased as punch with that! I was absolutely relieved when the race was
over mind you, it was very physically challenging! I know now that I need to go and practice my
hurdling technique.
Photo copyright of Alan Draffan
The day's weather turned out to be lovely so we stayed and spectated, Preston
Park is beautiful and such a great venue for cyclocross.
There was some amazing racing to be had.
Now
it’s back to training for the Darlington race with the sand and the hurdles,
I’ve heard we’re all in for another tricky one, bring it on!
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