British Cycling MTB XC National RD1 – Tong

National racing is back and so is my website, so much has happened recently its been hard for myself to keep up, but I’m back.

My prep for this national had been going really well, training hard both indoors and outside when light allowed. Unfortunately I came down with some super annoying bug, I had a really bad cough, no energy and was struggling to breathe, testing every day for Covid but the tests always came back as negative, full weeks rest was required, not ideal but we dealt with it.

National racing is back and so is my website, so much has happened recently its been hard for myself to keep up, but I’m back.

My prep for this national had been going really well, training hard both indoors and outside when light allowed. Unfortunately I came down with some super annoying bug, I had a really bad cough, no energy and was struggling to breathe, testing every day for Covid but the tests always came back as negative, full weeks rest was required, not ideal but we dealt with it.

We arrived at Tong early Saturday morning and walked the course, it was a great layout with lots of lines, wet & muddy just what I like in a course, it was nice to see a course with so many technical features, the climbs were testing but nothing silly long or those really boring fire road ones we sometimes get.

I headed out for practice and instantly jelled with the course, I hit all A line first lap and felt super comfortable, then while messing about I had a stupid crash on probably the easiest part of the course, my foot hit my rear derailleur and bent the hanger so my gears were totally messed up, I headed back to the van so my dad could try and sort it out. My dad cleaned my bike and upon further inspection the gear hanger was beyond repair, WE NEVER HAD A SPARE! My dad frantically called all the local bike shops but non had one in stock, its custom to my frame (thanks bike industry for standardisation), he then called Pinarello Manchester, who had one instore, he quickly made the 70 mile round trip to collect the part and he got it fitted with the help of Christian (Bike Guru Derby) ready for Sundays race.

Race time, I was feeling a little nervous, I guess we all do being the first round? I lined up on the front row and awaited the whistle, the whistle blew and I pushed hard to the first turn, I rounded the first turn in 4th, I pushed hard, a few places swapped hands during the race but I crossed the finish line in 4th, I was a little disappointed with my result but for round 1 I will happily take it given my preparation heading into the weekend.

Next round is this weekend, just over the Scottish Border in Newcastleton, we raced this venue last year and I super enjoyed it so I’m really looking forward to returning.

AS ALWAYS A MASSIVE THANK YOU FOR READING AND TO MY SPONSORS;

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Thanks for reading.
Mazie Moo Moo
Photo credit sharperfoto