Southern XC - Round 1 Wasing

BY: Louise Robinson

Published: 18th March, 2014

Just a quickie today as I am having a manic week this week. One school open morning, one parents evening and two class assemblies - why does it all come at once!
At least we had a good weekend. The weather was amazing, the race course was fabulous and I took second spot on the podium to boot.

The first round of the Southern XC race series was held on the Wasing Estate in Aldermasterton. The area is predominantly flat making the race course a non-stop pedalling affair, which plays to some riders strengths more than others. It was dry and even dusty in places, although the organisers had managed to find one muddy area just to remind us all it was still March after all. I found the course fabulous fun to ride, although absolutely brutal on the body. Lots of twisty, rooty single-track, very little fire road and plenty of trail features to keep you on your toes. Three A/B lines were included, the first of these being an unexpected gap jump that claimed several victims early in practicing before word spread amongst riders that a little bit more than "caution" was required. The worst of the casualties was Caroline Goward, experienced mountain biker and current National Ladies Vets champ, who was taken unawares on her practice lap and suffered a broken clavicle.

The start of the ladies Elite race was quite a busy affair!

The ladies Elite category saw a record number of entries with eleven ladies lined up on the start line. . Familiar names were present with Emily Iredale, still nursing a wrist injury, Rachel Fenton, recently returned from some serious racing overseas and Jo Munden, current National Masters champ, looking like the hot competition. With so many of us, the gridding actually made sense, despite finishing second last year overall, I failed to qualify and was left scrabbling for space at the back. On the gun, my start couldn't have been any worse. With very little space I ended up yielding to Rachel Fenton only to then find my gears crunched and yet again I was practically last hitting the tarmac road of the starting straight.

Duh, almost last of the line again

Once I got going, I started to work my way back up the field. By the time we hit the first A/B split I was in about 6th position. As all the girls took the B line here it made no difference (we really must learn to jump ladies). By the third A/B split I was into 5th position but chickened out of the A line at the last moment and slipped back to 6th position as Jo Munden confidently dropped down the A line and overtook again. Now the serious work began and I slowly clawed my way to the front, overtaking the other girl’s one rider at a time. By the end of the first lap I was in the lead with the other girls snapping at my heals.

First to pop out of the single track at the end of lap one

Laps 2 and 3 were fairly uneventful with Cat Ross never more than a hairs breath behind me. As we started lap 4 I sat up to take on fuel on the first fire road and Cat made her move to pass me. In fact I was happy to let her lead, and make the most of the tow for a while before making my final move later on in the lap. However, that required me to stay on my bike until that point. After losing a significant amount of time on the third A/B split on the first lap, I took the A line on laps 2 and 3 without any problem. Lap 4 was another matter however. As I rolled over the edge I hit a rock/stick/loose bit of something and nearly lost control. I saved it, congratulated myself then prompted lost it on the rebound. I hit the ground hard but it was not the fall that cost me the time. It was straightening the bars, replacing the chain and getting my heart out of my mouth and back where it belonged that was the problem. I pushed hard for the remainder of the lap but Cat was long gone. Second place ahead of some significant names was an excellent result for the day but I have some seriously sore bits today.

End of lap 1, closely followed by Emily Iredale, Cat Ross and Rachel Fenton

The general consensus from the day was on how good the course was. Some of the last minute changes to lap numbers and pit rules caused some confusion however, but hopefully the commissionaires will have it sorted for next time. Despite the minor hiccups, the weather was glorious and the racing first class.

Well done to everyone and see you next time.

Blogger Info:

XC Racer Blog Post

Southern XC - Round 1 Wasing

BY: Louise Robinson

Blogger Info:

Louise Robinson

What's New In The Shop:

Mt ZOOM ceramic Sram Eagle 12 spd pulleys 14t/12t