Wow what a way to start the cx season with the team announcement, two major events in two consecutive weeks and a whole load of mud. Safe to say myself and my bikes have taken quite the beating!!
National Trophy RD 1 (Westmoorland) was the exact definition of a CX race…mud, chaos, close racing and oh, more mud. On Saturday it rained non-stop for a solid 24hrs (well expected of the Lake District!) then on Sunday, it was bright sunshine .This meant by the time it got to my race the entire course was sticky mud and properly energy sapping. I felt the pressure for this race, I knew a lot was resting on a good result which made it hard to focus on my normal process goals (rather than outcome) but I managed to keep the nerves under control and channel them into pressing the pedals hard. I left everything out there, all my matches burned, and rode away with 6th senior/4th U23. Yes, coming 4th is always a tad gutting but I am still proud, it's the very start of a long season so i've left myself room for improvement (tactical you see ;) hahah!). I think for the most part I executed this race well and was chuffed to see teammate Abbie flying the flag for Montezuma’s on the podium in our race! The Montezumas RT had an epic debut and as a team I think we really made our mark on the national scene. We had a sick weekend of racing with 3 podiums and lots of very impressive rides, it makes me very proud/grateful to be apart of it all. I feel super lucky to have been able to travel out to race the Telent Superprestige Gieten this weekend, a total 980mile round trip! The course suited me and it definitely looked a lot more intimidating on tv than in real life, it was a short lap with lots of sharp up/downs, sand sections and thick mud. Mmmm that sand and mud mix sounded nice on my bearings. I went into the race looking for experience and to come away knowing where I stand and what I needed to work on, and I did, I learnt loads for sure, but in total honesty I am a bit disappointed with my ride. I gave it my all, I just thought I would have more in the tank, especially on a course that I really enjoyed. A lot of lessons learned: - No matter how much you think your pre-race routine is right...no routine is ever perfected. - The race isn't over until the finish, race mentality is still a point to work on. - Dutch girls will not shy away from a bit of physical jostling for position, keep elbows out at all times...noted. I wouldn't have been on the start line without the support of Montezuma's RT, everything ran like clockwork and so smoothly (apart from a little sand grinding in my cranks ahaha). Everyone's high morale made the weekend away one to remember, I couldn't thank them enough for the support :)) Thanks for taking the time to read, Amy :)
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