First round of the NORA92 British Cup, I felt excited but nervous as I knew there was big competition. Riders coming from all over the country to compete so I knew I had to get my game face on! I headed out early to have that all important track walk with Team coach Joe Clayton, it was very useful and got me ready to get out there and ride.
Practice – was going well and I was feeling my flow until I dropped it, as it was muddy my bike was very heavy to pick up, but eventually got it up and back riding again with time nearly expired and sitting in 40th, I had to make the last lap count so gave it my all and got a good lap in which gave me 13th gate pick.
Race 1- brilliant start, shot out and was second around the corner staying with the top riders I pushed hard and crossed the line 4th.
Race 2 – not the best start and had to fight to push them top positions, I got my head down and passed a few finishing 6th. Pleased with my first day results.
Day 2, another track walk with Joe talking about starts and lines, getting me pumped and ready for the day ahead.
Race 3 – my start was ok and was sitting up top around 6th, I got lucky as a few riders in front went down putting me in 4th. I got my head down and pushed to the line going P4.
Race 4 – last race of the day and I knew I was sitting joint 3rd overall at the minute, I knew what I had to do. Great start and all was going well for me, I was racing near the front sitting where I needed to be, a few laps in coming down the hill my back end slid out and I fell off my bike, loosing a few places I quickly got back on and out there racing.. crossing the line in 11th.
This resulted in me getting 5th overall, only 1 point away from 4th, if only that crash didn’t happen.. but that’s racing for you, lots to take away from this weekend and learn on ready for the next one at Hawkstone Park.
