Thursday 27 May 2010

Midlands xc series rd 2 – Jessie Roberts

Last weekend we decided that I should race the Midland XC rather than test ride the National champs course at the Southern XC as Carla Haines was competing there and would pass on all relevant information.
I did a quick practice lap of the course making it to the start line with minutes to spare. I didn’t have time to change my bottles before the start but luckily there was still enough for a lap.

Due to the weather being amazing I knew I would have to
make a serious effort to drink plenty as dehydration could happen very easily on a day like that.
The course was brilliant! Lots of steep descents, big big climbs, off camber single track, river crossing - lovely! I think it’s probably the best course I’ve ridden all year
I didn’t really have much of a race plan, having had 3 hard weeks of training after the last round of the National series at Wasing Estate; this race was the last session before my rest week! Sometimes it’s hard going into a race with really tired legs and knowing that you’re not going to perform but it’s all about the bigger picture…!
First lap I tried to stick with the pack for as long as possible, but as soon as we hit the big forest climb I was slowly dropped. However I got into my own rhythm and started mixing in with the other men that were racing at the same time.
The main climb was in direct sunlight so that made it even tougher; luckily there were some nice descents afterwards to recover on. 5 laps later I was finished and it was time to enjoy the sunshine. It was probably one of the hardest races I’ve done, but I loved it! Bring on next weekend at Margam where hopefully I will be fresh and my climbing legs will have returned!

Big thanks to the organisers of the event; hopefully XC racing will return to Mansell Lacy next year! Also thanks to WXC mtb team UK for their continued support.

Jessie gained a 3rd place podium position and valuable National points.



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