This was my first Cyclocross national of this year so in the morning I didn’t really know what to expect. I was looking forward to racing in the afternoon because usually I race in the morning, so it’s very rushed. When we arrived in Abergavenny a low branch caught us out in the car park, but luckily the bikes were okay. After watching the Senior Men race in the Welsh League I was desperate to get out there and ride the course.
During the course recce, I thought that the course seemed a little bit easier than last year. This was probably down to two things: It wasn’t as muddy and I am a better rider compared to last year. The course suited me, not to muddy, and with plenty of places for me to put the power down. After riding 4 laps, my dad made me come off to rest, but I didn’t want to!
I was gridded 25th, so that meant I was going to start on the 4th row. I had a very good start, and after a fast first lap I was in 21st position. Unfortunately there were a few people who were gridded behind me who were quicker than me, and they came past. With one lap to go, I thought I was in 25th, but I was actually in 24th because somebody ahead of me had pulled out. On one of the final corners, I slid out, but luckily no damage occurred. It did mean that I lost a lot of speed and momentum, and on the last straight somebody overtook me which I was disappointed with, but I was very pleased with coming 25th, which is my best Cyclocross national finish.
I simply wanted to thank you very much once more.