XC Racer Blog Post

Brighton Big Dog

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BY: simon ernest

Published: 21st August, 2012


The last time I visited Brighton I got engaged, I was hoping that the second time visit would be successful in a different way.  Though Brighton does have a certain reputation so anything could happen!

Teaming up with Steve James (the senior) we were confident of a good result in the men's pair competition, but us both having young babies training and sleep were rare luxuries.  Joining us were Chris Pedder and Rachel Fenton in the mixed pairs, which meant another podium hope, especially with Chris still fresh from the TransAlp (you know how Wiggo was in great form after the Tour, Chris was similar…not the same but vaguely similar).

The race started with the usual bun fight for position on the front row, this advantage was thrown out the window as the whole field was released on a short parade lap. On completion of two parade laps where we waved to the thousands the race kicked off for real.  I settled into a top ten-ish position, defiantly not having the legs to go with the fast starters.  I stayed comfy and slowly made my way through to a top three position with solo-ists Ben Thomas and George Budd.  We had a chat until half way through the lap when I thought I should be more competitive and go at a pace more fitting of someone not riding for 6 hours solo.  A little while later I was joined by Richie Mardle (Felt), a past winner of the event (and fastest lap prize).  We both dropped into the arena and handed over to our team mates (Steve James and Paul Hopkins). 

To be brutally honest I was expecting Steve to come charging into the area 35 minutes later having dropped Hoppy and set a ridiculously fast lap, what actually happened was the reverse. I watched Richie ride off and started to ponder 'where is Steve?'  After a couple of minutes my worries were over and he rolled into the arena having zigged when he should have zagged (i.e. took a wrong turn).  I set off after Richie and 36 minutes later arrived back in the arena having taken ~30s back. Still 90 seconds behind! Steve took over and the process was repeated.  Again Hoppy arrived back in the arena 2 minutes up on Steve who had a high speed tactical dismount i.e. a big crash.  I set off after Richie once again feeling a sense of de ja vous.  Again I took time back and with the course drying up quickly lap times were getting faster. The big surprise was when Steve and Hoppy came into the arena neck and neck; we were back in the game.  Richie and I set off together chatting about which push chair is the fashion in London (are we sad?).  The gentleman's pace gradually increased and I noticed Richie was struggling a little; I did the honourable thing and put the boot in.  Eventually pulling out a couple of minutes before handing over to Steve for his last lap (already?).  Steve extended our lead further and it was left up to me to complete the last lap and hold it all together.

After ~6 hours of riding it was confirmed that I had not become engaged again, but instead won the Brighton Bog Dog.  On crossing the line a pint of Dark Star was forced upon me (bummer eh?).   Shortly afterwards Chris crossed the line to make it another win for the team in the mixed pairs.  The cherry on the cake was me winning the prize for the Hot Dog competition (fastest lap to the non-doggers).  And then a little later in the evening I find out that Matt Dennis had also won at 24hrs Sleepless in the Saddle. Not bad for one team!?





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simon ernest

A 38 year old father of two, husband, full time environment specialist and wannabe elite mtber

http://simonernest.blogspot.com/

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