BUCS XC Champs 2011

BUCS Cross Country Mountain Bike Championships 2011

Moelfre, Wales

12-13^th March

My first proper race of the season was a good test to see how my form was-which I thought was pretty good.

The journey up to Moelfre was straight forward and not too long. Arriving Saturday early afternoon, I was able to watch Plymouth Uni guys in the downhill championship. From previously racing here a few years ago, I knew what to expect. It was amazing to watch how fast some of the boys descended down the side of a hill whilst keeping control at the same time!!

It was perfect weather for them all and even pre riding the XC course it was nice not to get dirty kit.

It was a climbers course for definite which in a way made me slightly nervous. I wouldn’t say I’m the greatest climber but I have been working on my hills in training and I know I have improved so I was looking forward to it a lot. I wasn’t worried about the descent as I know I’m a pretty controlled rider on technical courses.

I did 2 practice laps-the first was to check out which lines I would take on the descent and the second was a slightly faster pace but concentrating on my skills descending.

Saturday evening I had a good meal and went to bed early. Having a cold didn’t help but It didn’t stop me from wanting a podium position.

My race was at 1305 Sunday afternoon. It had drizzled/rained throughout the night which dampened the course but the sun dried it out by the time my race was due. I made sure I had a good warm up and drinks all prepared for each lap.

On the start line my heart was beating pretty fast- it was a mixture of nerves and adrenaline! Off went the horn...I had a really good start lead the way for at least 100m or so. 2 riders past me (Roberts and Miller) so I hung on to their wheels as long as possible. Roberts slowly got away-she is an awesome climber, and it was left to me and Miller to work together up the climb. We kept switching positions every lap, Miller lead up the climb and I descended off in front of her.

Lap 3 on top lap 4 Miller was no longer with me..I had gained so much on the descent she was unable to catch me on the climb. As I said I wasn’t a strong climber but todays performance showed that I have improved so much.

Lap 5 I was again on my own and went as hard as I could to the finish. I came 2^nd and was so happy with it!!Last year I was 3^rd so I’ve stepped the game up a lot! Maybe next year a BUCS champ??Who knows!

Not only did I come 2^nd but Jenny Middlehurst, also representing Plymouth Uni, came 7^th which meant we came 1^st University Overall!

Well done to Plymouth University for their performances over the weekend!! And to my fellow team mate Jessie Roberts who is 2x BUCS Champ J

Andalucia Bike Race Summary - by Cait Elliott

After 6 days of hardcore racing covering more than 550km and over 12,000m of climbing the Andalucia Bike Race is complete. Josh and I won the mixed category overall as well as each stage of the race. Spending a week as a pro rider has been a fantastic experience in which I’ve learnt a lot and its made me hungry for more. The importance of preparing for every eventuality in terms of energy, mechanicals and temperatures has become very obvious, especially when riding unsupported in such a long race.

Riding as a pair brings a very different experience to standard racing and it’s something I’ve enjoyed a lot. It gives you a much more accurate understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses, which will be useful for future training. I think we worked very well together as a team and Josh was incredibly patient as it must have been frustrating at times to know that he could go much faster alone.

The mixture of extreme emotions experienced over the 6 days has been amazing and although there were a lot of extremely tough moments it’s the positive things that stand out. We’ve met some great people, ridden some amazing trails, seen some spectacular places, and come away feeling inspired to do more. Now it’s time to recover before the start of the xc season in a few weeks time.

Thank you to everyone involved in organising the race, it’s definitely one for the diary next year. Also to WXC World Racing and the team sponsors – in particular Compressport compression clothing was very useful for recovery between stages and Sportique warm-up oil and chamois cream were essential for staying comfortable during the long days.

Andalucia Bike Race - by Cait Elliott

In a moment of madness a week before the start I agreed to join Josh Ibbett (Torq Performance Team) to race as a mixed pair in a new 6 day mountain bike race in the sunny south of Spain. Based between Córdoba and Jaen, the Andalucía Bike Race covered over 500km and 12,000m of climbing, and attracted a world class field of participants including World Champion Jose Hermida Ramos and Julian Absalon.

Day 1

Today it was important for Josh and I to figure out how best to ride together as a team, where our strengths and weaknesses are and how to manage them. A few pointers from more experienced team riders at breakfast proved very helpful. As the female I quickly had to accept that I was slower and Josh used his extra strength to give me a push on the climbs. If he led on the descents I could push myself to go faster and hold onto his wheel. It didn´t take long to get a good system going and it worked very well.

The race course was absolutely brilliant, a real mixture of terrain and scenery. Tight, twisty singletrack through dusty ground covered in herb plants. Swooping fast trails with fun bombholes and kicker climbs. Tough, technical rocky climbs. Steep, rocky descents with big drops. We went hardish on the climbs but descending was the real place to gain time. The crowds cheering us on were amazing too, I was wearing my Irish national champ jersey so got loads of ´champion, champion´ cheers, and in general they were particularly enthusiastic when a girl went past. 

I enjoyed it all until the last climb which was pretty hellish. Every time you thought it had to be the top it would kick up steeply with loads of technical rocks to negotiate, I was pretty destroyed by the end. We finished the 75km in 4 hours 33 taking first place in the mixed pairs category and beating all but one of the women´s teams. Standing on the podium alongside world champ Jose Hermida was pretty cool and riding in the leaders jersey tomorrow saves washing kit in the sink. Absolutely shattered but very happy!