National XC Champs

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BY: phil Morris

Published: 28th July, 2011

National Champs XC

This blog is way delayed!! However, after getting over the terrible, frustrating race I had or didn't have!!

After reviewing the course descriptions and hear say about the course I wasn't overly enthusiastic about racing and it didn't sell itself to me. But I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised, when I arrived on the Saturday for my practice lap. The course had some really tough climbing, mixed with some tricky descents, which were made very challenging in the conditions and right up Ed Moseley's street!!

After my practice I headed to my lodgings for the night (team mate Niall's house in Harrogate) Niall was even good enough to cook my usual pre-race meal Pesto pasta with chicken!!

Absent of my support crew, left back in Wales!! I had a little more spare time in the morning and after having my bowl of oats, headed to the race event.

My race started at 12.30 and at 12.31 I realised that it was going to be a bad day in the saddle!! My legs went tight and chest even tighter!! I quickly dropped off the pace and watched the leaders disappear. Anger and frustration mounted and I nearly dismounted. But I don't give in easily and plugged on, knowing full well I wasn't going to get even close to were I wanted to be but I hoped to just get back into a semi-respectable position!!

The next 2 laps were shocking and I got slower and slower, not far off granny pace I reckon!! On lap 3 my gears decided to have a jump about and in the muddy conditions bang, bang went my chain!! This was a mere blessing really as it saved me the depressing task of the final lap or shameful finish.

I think I can safely say that this race was my worst ever performance and will never be repeated! (Hopefully).

Needless to say I finished feeling very fed up and a little peeved to say the least!

But ultimately it is just a bike race and I have to put it down to one of those days, a bad day in the saddle!

Well done to Matt who rode a great race to take a well deserved jersey!!

Also well done to the Nutcracker team for a cracking National Champs not made easy by the weather.

A massive thanks to Niall for feeding me and a bed for the night, However, I think my body just wasn't used to a bed and good nights sleep before a race!!!

Finally thanks to my sponsors:

XCracer.com
Gateway Cycles
Mt Zoom
Exposure
Accelerade