XC Racer Blog Post

2011 Review

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BY: phil Morris

Published: 8th January, 2012


First week of January, time to do a quick reflection of 2011. The XC season kicked off for me with the Welsh Series, which was a little different!!! Although the course and weather was somewhat obscure, I managed to start the season well with a win.

The next 3 rounds of the welsh were great and I gained another 1st and 2 second places. Overall I won the series in my category. The overall series was cracking, with some of the best courses of the season, and I had the greatest of battles throughout the series with George Rose which I thoroughly enjoyed.

During the season I also did a number of endurance events, including Enduro 6, Erlestoke and a couple of CRC marathons. I had some decent results with a second and a third, but more importantly they gave me some good hard miles into my legs.

As always my main target was the BMBS looking to improve on my overall position for 2010, which was second.

Round 1 at Sherwood didn't go to plan and I finished 4th. Next up was Dalby and this was a much better result finishing in 2nd, but I also had an education in descending from Ed Moseley!

Round 3 was a disaster which ended in a DNF. (quite a rarity for me!)
Next up was Margam, which was an improvement and I finished 3rd, but not feeling great still!!

The final round at Newnham and by now 1st and 2nd in the series was well out of reach now, so I was racing for a podium finish. I completed the series in 3rd place, which also gave me third in the overall series. This was good but I have to admit I was quite disappointed with, but no surprises considering my chest. A great season taken by Matt Dennis followed by Ed Downhill demon Mosely!

With a 5 hour drive to the national champs, I ever so nearly didn't go, with not having had the planned success at a few races. But last minute I entered. To cut a very long story short, I can explain it in 8 letters….DISASTER!!! Ending with a broken chain on lap 3. Matt was crowned a well-deserved Masters National Champion.

There were a number of other races including some midlands, top barn farm to name a few.

To sum up my season, I have to admit I missed my 29er and struggled to enjoy my 26er. Also I suffered with a lot of chest problems, which touch wood has now been helped by a needed visit to the doctor and a little inhaler!!

Over the season matt was by far the strongest, consistent rider and Ed a worthy 2nd. I have thoroughly enjoyed our battles, where on the whole I came out 2nd best!

Looking onto 2012, I'm moving to Expert, after been informed I have to move from masters! I think Matt and Ed are moving to give the Elites a blast, so good luck guys, and maybe I'll join you in 2013!!

2012 is going to be a busy year both on and off the bike. With a 5 week trip to the USA in August planned, for my son's Ryley's life changing operation. My target for 2012 is a good performance in the National Series and may be promotion to the elites.

I hope everyone had a good Christmas, not eaten too many mince pies and from me and my team mascots we wish you all the best for 2012.

See you all when the season kicks off, in February for me with a couple of enduros before to get the feel of riding a bike outdoors again!! (Having been ill- with a chest infection for the past 3 weeks- trying to shake it off I have been banned to my indoor turbo!!!)

Look out for our newly formed team and under our new management!!(I might have to listen to my wife, for once!!)

Finally a Massive thanks to my sponsors for 2011
Accelerade - for keeping me well fuelled
Gateway cycles - for the great Giant XTC
Exposure Lights - for lighting the trails
Mt Zoom - For lighten up an already very light bike

Phil Morris, Riding for Xcracer.com


 





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phil Morris

Fireman, dad, racer and team stalwart...

www.xcracer.com

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This blog post was written by a third party and their views do not necessarily reflect the views of XCRacer.com

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