Cross Catch Up!

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BY: phil Morris

Published: 24th November, 2011

4 more cross races down and this season seem to be doing ok for a change!! Dare I speak too soon!!

First up was Carmarthen, night cross. Having never done a night cross, I was keen to give it a go. I put both sets of lights on, my bike and helmet, just in case there were any dark spots, not covered by the flood lights. I was gridded on the front row and had a good start up the concrete, but on the first bend, I dropped my chain and went from top 3 to rock bottom last!
Once I got the chain back on, I kinda knew my race was over, well for any top position, so it was a case of seeing how many people I could catch and get passed. Not easy with a field of about 70 riders! The race for me was one of frustration, but I finally finished in 12th. This considering the events of the race I was quite pleased with.

Next race for me was Parc Cwm Darran, this was the first sign of any mud at this seasons cross's. And there was plenty of it! I had a poor start, but decided to be patient and after a couple of laps I was in about 6th. I was struggling with the conditions big time!! I had dropped my chain again twice and my gears were playing up, so I made the decision to swap bikes(my mountain bike). I finished in 5th place.

Pembrey Country Park was the next venue. It's a great course mainly because it seems to hold up to all conditions. However being on the coast, the winds were a battle!

Again the turnout was good and off the start I was leading going into the first section. I had opted to ride my mountain bike again, as the ground was quite hard. The early pace was taken up by Joe and Ryan. They weren't going to be seen again! I was having my own battle with a couple of riders including James Nixon, Gareth Barnes, Richard Bowen and Luke Cornish. With 4 laps to go, Gareth and I had pulled away and opened a gap. The rest of the race was a battle of cat and mouse between us. On the last lap I had a small gap going into the final straight and gave it everything and me and my mountain bike just piped Gareth on the line, by about a bikes length!  Gareth was a fresh contender as he is from Scotland and races mainly up there. I was chuffed with my result and in hindsight I think I would have been better off on my cross bike.

Hali-Rae also took to the track for the kiddie's under 8's race. With 3 riders her age and with herself being the only 4 year old girl!! She's taking after daddy, because despite her mummy nursing a hangover and trying to persuade her that one lap was plenty for her, she insisted in doing all 3!! 

Finally, last weekend it was Margam, straight after nights! Conditions were slike. Again I had a great start, but this initial leading soon subsides. I was in about 5th place with Luke Cornish and Mark James chasing me. After a couple of laps Mark got a gap and after a bit of a tussle I got a gap on Luke. Mark was maintaining a good lead on me. With 3 laps remaining I was gaining on Mark but unfortunately for me he caught sight of me and spurred himself on! I finished in 6th place.

Overall the last 4 races have been great fun and most importantly I do feel I am making some improvements to my cross riding. Looking forward now to the last 3 rounds and hopefully a good overall series position!

Pictures Care of Roy Bevis

Thanks to my supporters Donna, Hali-Rae and Ryley.

Phil Morris Riding for
XCracer.com
Accelerade
Mt Zoom
Gateway cycles
Exposure lights