Southern XC Series R4, Perham Down.

SOUTHERN XC SERIES ROUND 4

PERHAM DOWN, HAMPSHIRE

RACE REPORT BY

CARLA HAINES- ELITE FEMALE

This was a venue I have never raced at and a lot of people were in the same boat to. The land is used by the MOD so I guessed it would be similar to previous rounds that were like this.

I was feeling pretty good about the race; last week was one of the south west rounds and performed well there so I had a positive mind set. With national champs the following weekend it was a good tune up race to do.

The weather was very hot, humid and close, so drinking plenty of fluids pre, during and post race was essential. I had a nice easy pre ride lap and thought the course was great! If they held a national champs there it would be even better!

With the likes of Sally Bingham (6^th World Marathon Champs)! racing, I had a chance of 2^nd or 3^rd podium position.

The Elites had 4 laps to complete. My aim was to keep them as consistent as possible and be able to finish strong on my final lap. My start was good-quite a bumpy and uneven surface to begin with but managed to get in a decent position. The course went into a short section of single track. Bingham was leading followed by Jo Munden, Maxine Filby, Natasha Barry and myself. Bingham came off her bike which gave us a chance to gain some time, but within minutes shed caught up and shot passed us!!

We then started climbing up a grass bumpy ascent which got steeper and then entered some more single track. Filby, Barry and I were riding in a 3 with Emma Bradley close behind, as Munden and Bingham had 

made headway.

On a tricky technical climb Filby had come off which slowed me down but manage to jump back on my bike and carry on. After this I was riding alone, trying hard to chase down Barry.

The course consisted of short sharp power climbs which I liked and some fun single track sections. A couple of challenging technical areas which were easily ride able made it enjoyable to. By lap 3 I was still in 4^th position-I could see 3^rd up ahead and was making and effort to hunt her down!

Although I didn’t manage to catch her I was still very happy with my performance. I finished feeling strong which was my aim and I had a good hard race. 4^th was good but 3^rd would have been even better.

Next weekend the Team and I will be heading up to Aske Estate, Yorkshire for the National Mountain Bike Championships, competing in the U23 category. Fingers Crossed!    

Cait Elliot will also be competing in the Irish National Champs, Kilruddery, Bray. Good Luck to her!