This year I have started to race a few Cyclo Cross (CX) races, the most recent being the South Regional Championship.
It was very exciting to be able to race with more competition, and on my most used circuit at Keynsham.
The day itself was incredibly rainy, which had a huge effect on the course as it meant it was more of a gigantic slip and slide than a field! Fortunately, I was able to ride some practice laps of the course before my race, allowing me to work out where I would need to run and where I could stay on the bike- which ended up being a lot more running than usual.
Having warmed up, I rode over to the startline and after a short wait, my race was underway. I was in second rider position with a few bike lengths gap between me and the girl in front. Unfortunately, I soon skidded off my bike at a particularly muddy corner, gapping me from the leading girl for the rest of the race. From that point, I got back on and just powered my way around the course for the remaining time, each lap feeling more confident and skilled with the technical sections.
I finished the race exhausted, but happy with a 2nd place in my category!
Cross has been great fun, although I am have much to learn. But it has proven to be a very enjoyable break from the norm, and I’m looking forward to getting in a few more CX races before the end of the cross season.
