First race this week was Otley. This was definitely my favorite race this year. The whole team was there along with a few of the sponsors, the streets seemed packed and so the atmosphere was great. I was racing the support race to the elite and due to me being more of climber I didn’t feel too pressurised to perform which meant I was relaxed. Due to the race being in the evening and it being a crit I could eat properly and it was the first race where I wasn’t sleepy at all! I also warmed up really well which I learnt from my previous crit in Newcastle (where I was blown out of the back with in 6 laps).
The race started and I had a good starting position, I got the front quickly yet avoided any wind so was riding really well. I was feeling very strong up the hill and coming down was good due to me being a confident descender (spinning loads due to junior gears). It was the best I’ve ridden. I was in the top 10 over the line every lap and it was looking good for a top 10 but with 3 laps to go (out of 12) I punctured on the back of the course (away from the pits) it was game over. Although disappointed I was really happy with my form and the way I rode the crit. It may not have been a bad thing that I punctured as there were 2 crashes on the last lap, the final bend (45mph descent) and the finishing straight. It was great watching the rest of the team in the senior race as well, they were not out of place with the continental pros over for the nationals.
Otley
There’s load of galleries online on the BC website.
My other race was the nationals where I felt good except I didn’t listen to my team who told me stay near the front and not get caught behind any straggerlers. I new I wasn’t far enough up for the climb and on the second lap I did an effort to get me on the back of the group, I was on and the next time I look up the guy in front has let the wheel go and then that was it. There were about 10 of us who rode back together in the 3rd group on the road, the top 40. I worked hard in this group to keep it together and keep us moving. I enjoyed the race and thought it was ‘promising’ for me!!
Lazonby was a CDNW event, as all the big guns were in the Nationals there were no elites so I was put in the elites race. This meant 2 hard races straight after each other and good preperation for the junior Tour of Ireland. I lasted well and just seemed to go with 1 lap to go. Again I’m happy with that and it gives me confidence. Eventually the results will come, I’m sure. The best thing about this race was Dillon coming 3rd. He obviously has some good form as he won at Salt Ayre last night (Tuesday) with ash coming second!!! The next Cipollini?
Tags: Junior National Series
