UK National 1 – Ae Forest, Scotland

Well it’s been quite a shock to the system to be home as it’s not really spring here yet! The first road ride I went on I was in full tights and overshoes and still cold! I guess that’s what I deserve for going away for 3 months!

I picked up my new frames on the way home from the airport and spent the next few days sorting out all the product and parts that had arrived whilst I had been away. Alex, my mechanic, came up for the weekend and got my new bike built up. It looks great this year, in silver and white. I also picked up my new Kona Nissan branded tents which also look great.

Sadly, the first outing for all my new stuff was not going to be ideal conditions as it had been raining for a few days, and when we arrived at the finish area the field was already completed sodden, and cars were getting towed on and off!! We arrived and put the tents up in the pouring rain, and managed to peg them down and hoped they would stay ‘til tomorrow!

Then we set off to walk the track. Sadly there were some brand new sections of track which were just on a natural bog so as soon as it was ridden on it turned into a swamp. Unfortunately, the weather did not improve on practice day and it was really tough to get down the track consistently well. One run was great, the next time you would just make one mistake and you would lose your speed and grind to a halt in the mud!! My new bike did not even have chance to look lovely and shiny and new, as it was brown from the start of the day. However, on race day we were greeted with a lovely day of sunshine, which helped dry out some bits of the track and made some sections just more sticky!

I decided to opt for intermediate tyres and was pretty happy with my choice as I rode the top section really well. However, I soon made a mistake and slid on some roots in one section, and was then paddling through the woods with one foot on the ground. I then seemed to lose my momentum, and came to a complete halt in one of the deep ruts near the bottom of the course. So unfortunately it was a pretty scrappy run which put me into 2nd place behind Rachel Atherton who had a great run, and posted a time that put most of the guys to shame! Helen Gaskell was in 3rd.

I was disappointed with my race, but with those conditions it was always going to be tough. However it was good to get the first race under my belt with my new bike and new set up. Now I’m ready to focus on the first World Cup in Maribor in 2 weeks.