The format of this race was different to most races in a number of ways:...
• One day event with no planned practice
• Racing as a team with cumulative times
• Both runs count towards the time
• Each team had to have one female rider
Luckily Wharncliffe is fairly local for us so we had plenty of opportunity to practice the chosen line – Nemba – in the weeks leading up to the race.
When I first walked the track I thought it was fairly straightforward with 3 technical bits – a rocky gully on the first right hander, an “up and over” rock garden and a narrow, rooty drop before the fire road. I’m a fairly confident technical rider so I knew I needed to master these 3 sections and I’d be happy on the track. We took each one in turn and sessioned it until I could manage to clear it multiple times.
The first corner was mainly about line choice on the way in as there were are a few very slippy roots but, once I knew my line, it was off the brakes, weight back and the rocky gully was no problem. Next it was on to the “up and over” rock garden. Not too tricky in itself but speed was the key. It took a good few goes to understand how fast I needed to hit this to maintain momentum to get over the rocks and onto the down slope. It also took some time to have confidence to let off my brakes but this was key to nailing this feature. A slight left turn onto the down slope to avoid a tree completed the skills needed for this one and it was onto the steeper bit……
A slightly steeper section of track lead into a narrow, off camber, rooty gully which, as its main feature, has a drop over some roots. There is a tree to the left waiting to catch your peddle (and throw you down the steep drop!) and a banking and tree straight ahead should you fail to turn slightly to the left over the drop. All in all, a little bit tricky! I had a very frustrating time on this one and was feeling a bit worried about it but I left it alone and focused on the rest of the trail. The next time we went to practice I rode this section clean and that was that for me – something clicked and I was riding the whole trail clean!
Our last practice was the day before the race and, as usual, the trail was very wet but it’s down to bedrock and holds up pretty well. A few minor dabs and slips but overall I left feeling really comfortable with the track and hoping for 2 clean runs!
Race day came and it was an early start all round – thank goodness for the extra hour due to the clocks going back! Fortunately the terrible rain that had been threatened was keeping at bay as well although we all had our waterproofs just in case! The team all met in the main car park and headed down to the tracks. It was still fairly quiet so we had time for a few practice runs – essential for me as the first run is always a wobbly one until I’m loosened up on the bike. As we were signing in we saw a familiar face chatting to the organiser Trev – it was only Steve Peat! Great for a legend of the sport and the area to come and show support for a local race. Team Cycopath rider Dan couldn’t resist the temptation and, when Peaty headed down the trail, Dan was hot on his tail!
Two clean practice runs set me up for the day and the wait for the start began. Racing did not start as planned due to a few late comers but the girls were off first so at least once we did get going I was off fairly quickly. There were a few crashes and tumbles on the first section of the track which heightened the nerves for the rest of the girls waiting at the top. As one of the last to go down the hill I tried not to let it put me off. Once I got to the start line and got the countdown I could see the crowd – all the rest of the riders were around the first section and it was the biggest crowd I’ve raced in front of – my mind was saying one thing: “best not mess this up girl!” I dropped into my first race run and immediately forgot the crowd – the trail was the only thing on my mind! Team Cycopath were very loud in their support which spurred me on through the first corner and onto the rock garden. It all seemed to be coming together and I kept calm for the trickiest feature – the rooty drop. I got my braking just right and got over this feature with no problems and more cheers of support from our team photographer for the day Jenny Jozza. Once I was over the fire road I knew I was able to get a clean run in so I kept my speed and headed for the finish line. Clean run one: DONE.
The slow push up was made a lot more bearable thanks to the fantastic camaraderie that always exists when girls race together. Gill Dando (a fellow pink bike rider) and I chatted our way to the top of the push up trail and I was overwhelmed by the high fives and congratulations on my riding that awaited me when I met the rest of the Team.
I settled in to watch the rest of the field and the two Cycopath teams on their runs. A fab atmosphere really helped make this event as all riders were watching and cheering when not riding.
Before long it was time for second runs. The countdown began and it was time to drop in again and face that crowd. I was slightly slower on the first section that I would have liked but I put in a few peddles before the rock garden and was back on track. I also tried to get a few peddles in on the bottom section and, before I knew it, the end was in sight! Clean run two: DONE. The elation was overwhelming – knowing it was cumulative times really put the pressure on and I’d done it. All I wanted was two clean runs so all that practice had paid off.
I headed back up the hill (again with the company of Gill) to re-join the team and cheer the boys on.
All the Cycopath riders looked great and confidence was pretty high! After riding finished we headed up to the top car park for the presentation. Receiving compliments on my riding whilst making our way back certainly made for a pretty awesome feeling.
After waiting for the sums to be done it was time to hear the results. Unlike a lot of events no-one had any visibility of the times which made this part of the day very exciting. Trev announced the team in 5th place, 4th place, 3rd place, 2nd place…..still no mention of our team. We all held our breath until he said it – first place is Team Cycopath A Team! A huge cheer (mainly from us!) and up we went to collect the trophies and medals. The cherry on top of the victory was Trev’s confirmation that I was the fastest girl of the day – a brilliant feeling.
Huge thanks for Trev and the team for organising the event. Massive congratulations to all the Team Cycopath riders – everyone put in a stunning effort and a particular thanks for Ben and Chris who each subbed for a rider in the other team (due to injuries) and smashed 4 runs each!
I personally really liked the format of this event as it made for an amazing team atmosphere and, whilst the pressure weighed on me, it made me so determined to do well.
Here’s to Team Cycopath – Yorkshire Champs!!
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