Another trip to the UK last weekend, this time for the Bikeradar Live festival in Brands Hatch, where WXC had been invited to enter the pro-elite dirt crit. The format was 12 laps on a short 3-4 minute long course, a bit of an exhibition race with lots of action for spectators. Although the field was smaller than expected, I was up against some top riders, including the British Cycling team just back from the European Championships.
Somehow I was gridded behind everyone else so ended up last into the singletrack after a fast, flat startloop. It was fast and furious with only split seconds between each rider and few passing opportunities on the tight trails. I kept trying to pass Maddie Horton in front but it was impossible, each attempt ended up costing time and wasted energy. Eventually she had a gear issue so I could squeeze past and jump up to Mel Spath who was hot on the heels of the two GB team riders. Soon after I took an inside line on the short climb to sneak past Mel, who was unfortunate to puncture later on putting her out of contention.
It was important to stick on the wheels of the front two at least until the 4th lap – there was a prize of £100 for first over the line at that point. Although it was hard work, the course was fun – singletrack that weaved around through the woods with a few kicker banks, some tight corners, a bomb hole, a few skinny planks and some northshore type wooden sections. Not hugely technical but concentration was required and a lot of sharp rocks meant that punctures were a big threat.
Lap 3 and things were going well until the rider leading the race got a puncture. She let her team-mate ahead, but continued riding in front of me at a much slower pace and the tight trails meant I couldn’t get by for ages. By the time I did I was 20 seconds back and it effectively decided the race.
From there I just kept plugging away, hoping I might be able to close the gap, but also wary that one of the others might get back from behind. It was super hot and the short nature of the race meant a high pace throughout. Somehow I got confused with the lap count, and as I psyched up to try and get a fast final lap, I crossed the line to find out we’d finished and I’d got the 2nd place. Very happy to be on the podium, especially as prize money for the top 3 made the trip over worthwhile. If only every weekend was like that and I could stop looking for non-existent jobs!
Report on Bikeradar.com and the next issue of What Mountain Bike magazine.
The rest of the weekend was spent watching 4x, dirt jumping and bmx in the sun, looking out for world famous stars like Steve Peat, Brian Lopes and the Athertons who were all hanging out there, and chatting to WXC’s team sponsors at some of the many exhibition stands. Thanks to WXC for the support, some great results for the team over the weekend, dominating the female podiums in all categories!
£2000 – that’s a lot of prize money!!!!
£200 not £2000! still not bad though. The slightly more famous people doing 4x and stuff were getting £3000 prizes plus the same in appearance money – some day!
I’m sure you’ll get there one day! I know someone who kept at it and he now competes in races where the top prize is often in excess of 5000 pounds!