Midlands and National Round Up

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BY: Richard Jones

Published: 28th March, 2012

Two weeks ago was the second round of the Midlands series.  We were met with some bizarre weather as blizzards continued for much of the early morning over the Cannock Chase trails.  As per most Midlands races all categories were full to the brim with plenty of strong competion.  It was going to be a hard day of racing for everybody. 

Leading into this race I had been training well, trying to gain some speed ready for the following week's National.  As the afternoon loomed and the time came for my turn to race it was clear it wasn't going to be very eventful.  I still felt heavily fatigued and had very little to give around the challenging three mile course. 

I managed to hold onto to some kind of pace however it wasn't how I had planned to spend my Sunday of racing finishing as twelfth Elite.  I knew that the coming week would be important to rest and recover ready for Sherwood. 

Recently these weeks seem to fly, it barely feels like you have cleaned the clothes, bike and kit until your packing again and preparing for the following weekend of racing. 

Myself and Hollie drove down to Sherwood on Saturday.  At last we were met with some beautiful weather and a chance to ride a course that was dry!  This had already made my weekend.  However by the time I had got back from a pre-lap of the course I was over the moon, as I absolutely loved the course. 

The course was made up of some sharp climbs, technical drops and some fast flowing trails all in great condition.  The only thing concerning me was the fantastic level of competion and my gridding.  I was 54^th on the grid and with a rather short distance to the first section of singletrack it was going to make for an eventful start.

Sunday morning's races made for some great viewing.  The elite women's race was good but nothing compared to the level of skill and determination over on the Go-Race course.  Brilliant to see so many youngsters having a such great time with what looked to be a brilliantly organised event. 

Megan Bettles Storms to a brilliant 3rd Place in under 12s

Things did then go a little haywire.  A number of small mistakes on my behalf led to me getting to the start of my race late.  So instead of my 54^th position on the grid I was dead last at something like 80.  Despite this set back I was very well warmed up and ready to go.  The starting shot was fired way off in the distance and we began to charge through the arena and onto the fire road climb towards the first section of single track.  

Liam looking relaxed before the start.

As predicted we quickly came to a halt as a bottleneck had formed and riders from all directions were grabbing hold of their bikes and running through the undergrowth trying to make back some time.  After a short while I had made it through and began again making an effort to work through the field.  What surprised me the most with my first national Elite race was the speed that riders were riding the trails.  There was absolutely no holding back and I was quickly riding out of my comfort zone just to stay with riders. 

After a short while I had joined the wheel of Ben Price from Torq and George Budd.  Three laps quickly passed and I was feeling good.  I set about increasing the pace and had pulled out a short gap; I was hoping that I would bridge the gap to other riders ahead but it seemed like there was no body else out there! 

The majority of a lap passed with me riding on my own until on the final lap when Ben and George pulled in front of me again.  The pace at this point had picked up again and I had to really push to keep in contact with their wheels. 

The pace continued into the arena I managed to hold on however there was little chance of me making a move. 

I finished my first National elite race in 40^th.  Not really the position I had hoped for however considering everything I was relatively pleased. 

What really surprised me afterwards was how the matter of a single minute dictated nine positions.  Not something I have been used to with smaller category racing.  Overall I had great fun and I am already looking forward to round two at Dalby.

Thanks to Chris at Accelerade for sorting me out with plenty of powders and gels for the coming season.  The lemon and lime flavour did look like something the Incredible Hulk should be drinking but it was a true revelation as it tasted fantastic and not sweet and sticky like many other drinks in the market. 

Richard Jones.

XCRacer.com.

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