Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
British Mountain Bike Series Round 3 - Full Gallery
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
British Mountain Bike Series Round 3 - Margham Park, Wales. 30th May, 2009.
If only the jet set racing lifestyle was as glamorous as it sounds. Booking flights, car hire, living out of a suit case and all the planning involved should be part of the fun and adventure of racing around the world. But when you are trying to do too many things in one day, then suddenly you realise that you have double booked yourself and also need to be in two different countries in one day. Before you know it racing is a daily occurrence....racing here and there to make important dead lines or just racing your husband down the ASDA aisle way to prove that you are the fastest out of the Potter duo to find the cereal section. I catch myself constantly wanting to beat Ian at everything from washing up duties to who can be first to finish brushing their teeth at night...poor Ian he has created a monster. But racing needs balance and I have been trying really hard not to make my husband lose anymore hair lately. Unfortunately I double booked Ian and I on the weekend of the third round of the British Mountain Bike Series...sorry J. While I was racing and Ian working in the feed/tech zone, we also had to be preparing for our next group of guests who were arriving at Toulouse Airport for their AQR Holiday experience the next morning....so we had two races to focus on this weekend: (1) BMBS XC R1 & (2) A Potter marathon journey back to the Pyrenees to guide on Sunday morning.
Ian and I arrived at Margham Park late Friday afternoon. It was great to return to a British national round at one of my favourite venues. I have always enjoyed Margham Park races because they have always been warm and sunny. I don’t think I have ever experienced a wet race here, but instead dry and dusty trails that remind me of my home in Luchon. The climbs are tough and the single track fun and flowy. I couldn’t wait to check the course out and told Ian we would pitch the tent later once my legs had had a much needed work out. Ian was planning to run around the course as he didn’t want the hassle of packing and repacking his bike for this very short racing adventure. However TREK very kindly gave Ian a bike to use during practice which we were very grateful and Swinnerton Cycles had a lovely Fox helmet for Ian to use, so the Potters were ready to hit the course and shake off those cobwebs (Thankyou Trek and Swinnerton Cycles, we really appreciated your help)
I had two practice laps, with what the Aussies call a ‘hot lap’ to finish off with. The course started on a fast road that soon turned to fire road. There were some short sharp climbs and flowy narrow single track that I really enjoyed. There was a long climb, that wasn’t too steep, before a lovely piece of single track with a few roots that sent you into a new section I haven’t ridden before that required a smooth delivery of power over the wet rocks so that your back tyre didn’t lose any grip. There was a small drop between a wall and a couple of river crossings to cool your toes down, before another big climb that started on tarmac, before turning to single track again. The climbing continued, with small sections of flowing single track that were fast, but rough in places to break the steeper sections of the climb up. Once you hit the last main climb of the loop then it was a roller coaster ride all the way down. No need for pedalling, just keep off the brakes and let the bike go...it was a bit hairy in places especially if you mistimed your braking as the terrain was loose in places and a bit off camber. But this descent always brought a smile to my face as you picked up an enormous amount of speed onto the last 1km flat, and there were a few little sections where you could get a little bit of air or ‘ouch’, as Ian experienced when he mistimed a manual manoeuvre and landed on his top tube. Then it was all about power, power, power to keep the bike surging forward over some of the boggy muddy sections, before a couple of bends that slowed you down before you started the loop all over again.
It was a great course and I finished my training buzzing all over as the intensity had woken my heart, legs and lungs up and I was really looking forward to racing the next morning. Now it was time to pitch tent and enjoy a relaxing night beneath the stars....ahhh this is what Ian and I call biking bliss....well so we thought!
Ian always takes it upon himself to do the more physically demanding jobs before a race....I get yelled at if he catches me standing up for no reason and he really is a star when it comes to supporting me at races. But sometimes I wish he would just let me help him a little bit more as he can be very forgetful....(don’t you dare deny it Mr Potter) I spend alot of my time searching for Ian’s phone, keys, passport!!!!! So on this blissful Friday night before the race why wasn’t the tent up yet? I offered to help, but was told to "SIT!" I daren’t move a muscle. A few minutes later Ian was looking rather sheepish....Ian where is the tent?
Now I just want to explain how the Cotic Bontrager Team works. Ian and I have our jobs, we have been working as a team for such a long time now that we know what we are responsible for and this has always worked well for us in the past. If Ian starts trying to interfere with my jobs he gets a slap across the head, and if I interfere with Ian’s job then I get growled at. So we know that it is best to keep out of each other’s way and focus on our set tasks before any mountain bike event. So who forgot the tent Ian? I was calm, very calm I thought. But it was going on 8pm and the Potters were bedless and hungry. I could have been mad, but to tell you the truth there will be a time when I forget something too...and when that day comes Ian will be reminded of this little situation we had got ourselves into!
Luckily with the help of my mate Joolze (photographer extraordinaire), Dave (who is very handy with the camera too) and my wonderful friend and sponsor Griff from Bontrager I had a tent to sleep in....THANKYOU!!!!!! But what was Ian going to do? No I’m not that cruel J
I had a superb night sleep with Griff snoring on one side, Ian on the other side talking in his sleep and the wind howling J But I wouldn’t have changed a thing as I was super comfy and woke up to glorious sunshine. I have noticed lately that my nerves seem to be more controlled. I have a little bit of a race ritual now before the start of a race and that has helped stop my brain from over thinking and making me feel tired before the race has even started.
I also tried not to be in such a bubble of focus, as sometimes I just hide in my head and am oblivious to the sights and sounds around me. My coach has been helping me break free of this little pre race bubble I hide in, and I have learnt alot lately about the psychological side of competition which is an important area I have so often overlooked. Ian tried his best to be chatty and even do a bit of dancing for me as we waited to be gridded on the start line.
I was gridded number two as the gridding is based on UCI points. I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but decided to just ride and look forward to a hard workout. I didn’t mean to lead from the start, but sometimes the legs have a mind of their own. They felt strong and I just settled into a comfortable pace and waited for the attacks. I could hear other riders right on my tail, and I was ready to pounce as soon as somebody sprinted by. I was surprised to reach the single track first, but used this advantage to try and make a gap. I knew there was a small distance between myself and the riders behind me, but reminded myself that there was still over an hour and a half of racing to go and so kept some energy in reserve. I have had a few races early in the season where I started strong, but felt shaky and weak towards the end and as a result lost places, so I kept drinking and tried to be as efficient as possible on the bike. I also knew that the racers behind me are not just physically tough, but mentally too, and might be working together to try and catch me.
I managed a good time of about 24 minutes on the first lap, but there were still three laps to go. I settled into a comfortable pace and was riding smoothly. I was calm and feeling strong today. I was on a familiar piece of single track that has been in every Margham Park race I have ever entered, but for some reason I took a left hand switchback over some roots too tight and before I knew it my forehead came crashing down on the ground and I could feel my head and neck squash together. It happened so quickly I didn’t even have time to put my hands out in self defence. I must have flipped over somehow as I ended up on my back with the bike on top of me and I just lay there for a few seconds feeling rather dazed. I have never landed on my head so heavily before. There was nobody around so I thought it best to get back on the bike and keep riding so at least if I passed out suddenly there would be people around to cart me off to hospital. For a moment I felt quite disorientated and started to feel wobbly. I had to walk a few sections that followed as I was struggling to focus and I wondered if I had smashed my helmet as the visor was swinging in front of my face and blocking my vision. Once I regained my composure and realised there was no serious damage I got back up to race speed expecting to be passed at any moment.
I didn’t feel any worse once I started the third lap, so just kept it steady. I still had a lead, but was concerned that I had lost alot of time. There were still two laps to go. My legs felt strong, so I focused on riding the climbs hard, and just remained relaxed on the descents to avoid any further head banging and bruising moments. I was still in the lead at the start of the fourth lap, and knew I must dig deep now to take my first win of the 2009 race season. I never took it for granted that I had a comfortable lead as both body and bike still had to get around one more lap in one piece.
When I crossed the line, it took me a few minutes to realise that I had actually won. I was feeling rather dopey, and the back of my head and neck were pounding. All I could think about at the end of the race was thank god I wear a helmet...I would hate to think what state my head would be in if I crashed like that without a helmet....so lesson to you all who don’t wear helmets!!!!! From my experience working as a guide it is always the easy trails or trails riders are familiar with where I have seen or experienced the worst crashes.
I shared the podium with two elite racers who I have always had the utmost respect for. Sue Clarke (Scott/SIS) who finished in second place and Jenny Copnall (Look Rt) who took third. As their form improves in the lead up to the national champs I know the next round on the British Mountain Bike Series at Crow Hill is going to be a very exciting race.
Once the podium presentation had finished Ian and I had our next racing adventure to focus on. We had an afternoon flight from Bristol Aiport to Pau in the French Pyrenees, which we couldn’t afford to miss if we were going to be ready to guide early the next morning. As always we didn’t have a map or any idea how to get to Bristol Airport, but thanks to Matt from Torq we had a little drawing which we hoped would lead us in the right direction. Fortunately we had a smooth journey, and made check in just in time. I was a pretty useless team mate as I was still feeling very dazed and couldn’t stand up for long periods of time without feeling dizzy. At one point Ian was even tying my shoe laces after we walked through the security check.
We finally found our gate and when we were only metres from boarding the plane I was stopped and told I needed my visa checked. I had 15min to go back through security and then find a desk near check in where my visa would be examined. They also said with the sweetest of smiles that if I didn’t return in 15 minutes the plane would depart without me....cheers Ryanair!
Ian and I looked at each other in despair, and then suddenly I was fighting my cause rather than attempting another timed race. I was telling all who listened that I am a British resident with green and gold blood and that I had perfect right to board that plane. Ian has never seen me act so confident before....I must have knocked a few brain cells into me rather than out of my head, but it worked and I was allowed to board the plane (phew!)....I felt like we had won a third battle today as we found our seats and got ready for take-off. All the excitement of the day was too much and I slept for the remaining race back to Luchon where we arrived after 11pm on Saturday night, ready for our guiding and work duties the following morning.
Next Cotic Bontrager Racing adventures are in just over a weeks time, with Mountain Mayhem and the fourth national round at Crow Hill where Ian will be flying the AQR flag on his new Cotic racing full suss prototype. I hope to be the perfect feeder and mechanic for Ian, but just remember who forgot the tent....in case I make any mistakes or forget anything J
As always Special thanks to –
Cotic – www.cotic.co.uk
Bontrager – www.bontrager.com
Magura Forks & Brakes – www.magura.com
Torq & Torq Australia – www.torqfitness.co.uk
A Quick Release Holidays – www.aquickrelease.com
KCNC – www.kcnc.com, www.clee-b2b.co.uk
Skins – www.skins.net
And co-sponsors Crank Brothers, Exposure Lights, Bigfoot bags, 661 gloves, Nokon cables, Sundog eyewear and Purple Extreme Lubricants.
I would also like to thank Joolze & Dave for helping Ian and I on the weekend, hope we weren’t too much hassle. Also Griff from Trek for the bike and tent accommodation, and Swinnerton Cycles for the helmet.
Posted via email
Friday, June 27, 2008
British NPS round 3 :: XC :: June 14, 2008 :: Report
As you may already know I took my first UK national win which was quite unexpected as I was certain I was coming down with a head cold or suffering from hay fever. Then again it may just have been the 10hr night time road trip the Sunday before that wore me down, and yes it was quite self inflicted as I should have been sleeping rather than talking...but as my mates know once I start chatting I usually can’t stop....much like my writing I guess :) .
After all the excitement of the world cup down-hill cheering Miss Moseley on to victory I left Fort William at 7pm on Sunday night with Joolze and Dave (photographers extraordinaires), who were providing a much needed taxi service for me back to Nottingham. The first part of the journey to Bradford we thought might take 5 maybe 6 hours. Time went by pretty quickly though as Joolze and I talked and talked and talked...Dave listened, and another companion Tony screamed into his mobile phone because the voice recognition answering service for a certain hotel chain thought he wanted accommodation in the Cotswolds rather than Manchester. However it was after 5am before we stumbled from the van and collapsed into bed for a mere few hours sleep, before Joolze kindly dropped me back to Nottingham where I would be house sitting. The next few days I started suffering from throbbing headaches and sore eyes, and I couldn’t get rid of this horrible lethargy. I just wanted to sleep all the time, but then at night I was too tired to even sleep properly. I woke up feeling dreadful most mornings with red eyes that made me look really evil.
Ian had already booked his flight to the UK from France on the Friday morning before the national race in Grizedale. I mentioned how I felt on the phone, but Ian said we had plenty of AQR work to sort out, so even if we didn’t head to the Lake District it wasn’t a wasted flight because I could spend my weekend locked in the AQR office catching up on the accounts....and he could go mountain biking with the lads. So I thought about it long and hard and knew that I would rather feel ‘blah’ in the Lake District than sitting in front of a computer feeling sorry for myself. So at 3pm we decided to head north for a little camping experience and some fun riding in the Lake District.
When we reached Grizedale at 8pm we set up camp. Ian had a bike bag full of bits and a Soda frame that needed to be assembled. Ian suggested I take myself off for a ride because I think I was being painful, plus he had hardly slept the night before so he didn’t find any of my jokes funny....especially the one when I accidentally lost his multi tool and forgot where I put it....ok I was tired too. Then we ate cold soup and cereal amongst the midges, before falling asleep in our grand little tent.
The morning of the race Ian was still assembling his bike, as we had finally found the multi tool. We raced to registration and managed to sign on just before the course closed for practice. I half thought about racing without checking the course beforehand as my head was still hurting and I thought a few more hours sleep might just do the Potter brain some good, but Ian wanted me to test the bike out to ensure I had prepped it properly. I’m glad we did, as the course had some interesting technical sections, including rocky switchbacks, north shore and steep loose descents. Sue and Barry Clarke had designed a brilliant course that had plenty of technical challenges, but one I truly thought suited a light weight full suss as it was very bumpy in places. Together Ian and I looked for different lines, where we could pick up easy speed and also adjusted tyre pressure and forks so that our little hard tails would feel plusher over the jagged rocks. We then took ourselves back to the campsite and I fell asleep in the back of the car.
I awoke thinking it must be time to warm up, so I took myself off for a ride up the road. I checked my watch and noticed the screen had gone completely blank, so I didn’t actually know what the time was. When I reached the race venue I noticed there were plenty of men waiting to be called to the start line, but as I couldn’t see any girls I thought I still had time to spare. Then I noticed people waving at me, so I thought people were just being real friendly, which is what I love about racing back in the UK, so I waved back. However I soon realised I had all these new found friends waving at me to hurry up because the elite women had already been called up to the start line...woops. Fortunately I had 2 minutes to spare and didn’t miss the gun or should I say the cow bell.
I decided I would test myself on the first lap and see what state the legs were in. If the legs felt strong then I would ignore my throbbing head. I also thought I better have a good blast on the first lap, and use that as part of my warm up. I didn’t actually have time to be nervous which is a first, and before I knew it I was leading up the first climb. I was soon overtaken by a few of the girls going into the first piece of single track and was off my bike at one point as wheels collided out in front. Once back on the bike I found myself riding the long single track rocky traverse very comfortably, and really enjoyed the switchback sections and rocky step ups. The group I was riding with passed Sue Clarke who appeared to have punctured. Memories came flooding back of my double puncture at the national race in the UK last September when in the lead. I knew this course could spell more trouble for me if I didn’t choose my lines carefully as I didn’t want a repeat of that race.
I made a break at some point on the first lap. I didn’t realise I had a gap as I had so many guys on my tail. It was only when I heard them huffing and puffing that I thought it couldn’t possibly be a girl grunting, but I couldn’t be sure because I have come across girls on the world cup circuit this year who well and truly grunt, in fact I was probably one of them :). I didn’t dare look behind me though as one mistake on the second part of the course could lose time and also skin as there were some pretty rough sections.
I had three laps to go and the legs felt awesome, but the head was tired. By the third lap I dug deep and pretended it was my final lap. This worked well at the time, but then I had to accept that there was still one more lap with plenty of climbing still to come. When I passed Ian in the feed station I was told to make it a world cup lap. Do you know how frustrating it can be for a split second in time when you’re trying as hard as you can, and then you’re told to go even faster? I didn’t think I had much more in me. However much as I wanted to wring my husband’s neck (in a very loving way of course), I did manage to find that extra zip, and was surprised at how I suddenly found speed from nowhere. On the descents I was growling at every little rock that threatened to tear my tyres. Once I hit the final long section of single track I knew I was almost home and took the time to enjoy the drop offs and I would like to say nail the corners like a true mountain biker...but since my friend Joolze showed Ian photos of me in action....there is still plenty of work to be done on improving my skills, as Ian pointed out ‘my darn elbows weren’t out, heels weren’t down and I was looking at my front tyre!’ But it was still a Cotic Bontrager victory and one that brought a smile to my face.
Jenn O’Connor (Patterson Training) and Jenny Copnall (Gary Fisher) made up the podium, but it was also nice to see some new faces racing elite this year, which can only bring out the best in all of us as we work hard at being stronger competitors and better bikers all round.
My report doesn’t end there though as next it was Ian’s turn to race and I for the second time in Potter race history had to be in charge of passing water bottles. I had alot of making up to do as I was pathetic when it came to feeding Ian at the last event he raced....too much talking and not enough concentrating :).
Ian finished 13th overall Vet, which in many ways is a brilliant result since it has been 14 years since Ian raced at top Expert level. However he was in 5th and feeling strong when he punctured on the second lap. He lost places, but after fixing it he continued on and worked his way back up again to 5th position. Unfortunately he flattened once more and was forced to ride the second half of the course on the rim. I was very proud of my husband for giving it his best shot, but reminded him that perhaps he needed some lessons off his Mrs on how not to puncture whilst racing :) He then reminded me that his first two laps were still quicker....doh!
As always I have gone above my intended word count, so stay tuned for my next report from Mountain Mayhem where I had the pleasure of racing as part of the Scott mixed elite team that included the lovely lads - Nick Craig, Stu Bowers and Paul Oldham.
As always Special thanks to –
Cotic – www.cotic.co.uk
Bontrager – www.bontrager.com
A Quick Release Holidays – www.aquickrelease.com
Torq & Torq Australia – www.torqfitness.co.uk
Magura Forks – www.magura.com
Hope – www.hopegb.com
Skins – www.skins.net
And co-sponsors Crank Brothers, SRAM, Catlike Helmets, Lumicycle, Bigfoot bags, 661 gloves, Sundog eyewear, Ergon bags and Purple Extreme Lubricants.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
British NPS round 3 :: XC :: June 14, 2008 :: Photos
Kate wins the round for Team Cotic Bontrager (report from Kate later) and, yes that's hubbie racing hard in the Vets class for Team AQR!
Full results on the Timelaps website.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
British NPS round 5 :: XC :: September 22, 2007
Round 5 of the British National Point series was held for the first time at Coed y Brenin. A new venue was a refreshing change of scene and as expected Martyn Salt and his Inevent Team, plus the TREK crew, once more organised a fabulous weekend for mountain bikers of all ages, fitness and skill levels.
I knew from November 2006 that I would be in for a long, lengthy and very tiring season. The last round of the national series has left many, including myself a little jaded. For myself, I chose to race and train in Oz, where the sun was shining, rather than make the most of a proper off-season over the winter period. Then it was time to move house from Australia to the UK and then back to France again, before working 16 hour days as a mountain bike guide, secretary, waitress, dish washer, event organiser and even ‘labourer’, as Ian and I turned our building site of a house into something that almost resembles a home and I learnt what a flat head screw driver is. In between the demands of daily life that we all know and experience too well, I managed to complete all the training Matt Hart prepared for me this year, which can be any thing from 2-5hr sessions, race regularly in the UK as well as out here in the Pyrenees. Finally, it was time to celebrate Ian’s coming of age over an entire week, which meant 7 fun filled days with old friends and family, that rolled into very late nights. By the end of that week in September, up until the race this weekend, I have been feeling totally ‘done in’, hung over to the max, which I didn’t think was possible without touching a drop of alcohol.
Phew, I had to get that off my chest, as a few people made comment that I was looking fresh as a daisy, presuming I had been chilling out all summer, when in fact I had mixed feelings about being fit enough to race this weekend. Like most elite mountain bike racers I work full time and it has been an exhausting year, no regrets at all because it has been full of excitement, adventure, plus new found friends and I have loved every moment of it. This weekend of racing, my final event of the season, not only produced mixed results, but more importantly it has taught me some valuable lessons.
I must admit I was feeling quite lethargic on race morning of the cross-country. I sat in the Cotic Bontrager tent and was quite concerned that my body would not make it round the course. I wish I could say I was really excited about racing the XC, but I just wanted to go back to bed and watch day time TV, which is quite scary as I hate day time television, in fact I hate sleeping during the day. I needed every ounce of mental strength to take myself off to warm up. I had read in one of those ‘informative’ ladies fitness magazines a little breathing trick that was supposed to make you more alert, but it left me feeling like I had bruised lungs and provoked a few concerned looks from people passing by. I began a few sprints to prod the heart into action and spent those thirty pre race minute re-acquainting myself with my shiny Soda which had been hung to rest since July.
The start of the race remains a blurred vision, but I found myself out in front early on, leading Jenn O’Connor, Amy Hunt and Jenny Copnall for some of the time, before they took their turn at the front. My legs felt surprisingly strong, and they didn’t recognise the long draggy climb as being particularly hard. I really enjoyed pushing myself and the intense breathing that followed really forced my brain into action. When the descending started on the first lap, down a twisty fire road, before a couple of short sections of rocky single track, I felt a soft feeling in the back of my rear tyre as I hit the first few bends. I wasn’t sure if I was imagining it as the rain overnight had left the course quite moist. I moved back to 4th place and lost touch with the three girls who cruised past me. I stopped to check my tyre and it had lost some air, but it didn’t appear to be going down quickly so continued on hoping that the sealant inside had sorted it out.
I suddenly felt this urge to chase hard and if possible catch up to the three girls out in front. The lethargy I had suffered all morning had disappeared and a new wave of determination and excitement prevailed. I eventually caught the leading girls and together we headed towards the best section of the course. The fast rocky straights and bermed banks were good fun, but I was struggling on the rocky sections as my forks seized solid and I could feel every bump. So now with soft back end and rigid front end, I simply tried to take the smoothest line possible. By the end of the first lap I was in third and still digging deep for that extra speed, hoping my legs could find another gear. I was surprised to bridge the gap on the start of the second lap and find myself back in the lead, with Amy Hunt right on my tail. As we hit the rocky single track I could feel myself tensing and tried to pick the smoothest line possible between the rocks. Ian has this little mantra “where you look is where you go”, so I put it to the test and found myself staring straight at a huge rock in the middle of the trail, which forced me to fly across the handle bars and not only look closely, but kiss the ground as well. Amy called out a few words of ‘encouragement’, and flew off down the trail. I cursed than giggled to myself, and took off down the remaining single track, feeling quite fired up and ready to race. I know this may sound ridiculous, but I always ride quicker after I have fallen off my bike. It allows all the tension to be released from my body, and I feel completely relaxed and at one with the ground…in other words it makes me realise that I can fall off the bike without hurting myself.
I caught up to Amy again and together we took it in turns to lead before making our way to the start of the third and final lap. I can’t remember very much of this final lap. I knew I had a chance to finish in the top two, if not take the win, but I also knew that I needed a faultless ride, as I had no idea how far the competition were behind. The fatigue had completely disappeared, and the end was in sight. I had a small gap over Amy, but knew I needed to increase the lead if I was going to keep away on the descent. Then I felt the tyre soften a little more with only a couple of kilometres until the finish line. A huge knot developed in my throat and I knew this could mean race over. I stopped to check the tyre and it was now noticeably soft. I only had a small amount of climbing left, before the down hill section to the finish line so I plodded on. Amy left me standing still and I was now riding on the rim. I tried to fix it, hoping I had enough lead to at least remain in the top 5, but then I discovered a leaked air canister, a fault on my part for not checking it before the start of the race.
For those first few seconds when I knew my race was over, I was absolutely gutted, and kicked myself for not checking the seat pack before the race. I couldn’t finish the final lap. I was sent off course, so as not to be in the way of other racers. I had a long walk back to the arena, and time to reassess the last hour and a half of racing. I was naturally very upset with myself, but it soon dawned on me how strong I actually felt today. The adrenaline from racing brought me out of my slumber of fatigue and I was buzzing from the experience. I still had the national marathon championships the following day, and felt fired up to race hard….and hopefully not puncture.
I was unable to walk fast enough to make it back in time for the podium presentation, but congratulation to all the girls out there who finished today. It has been a pleasure knowing and racing you all, and I look forward to future battles in the UK or perhaps if I can tempt you, I might see you at some races out here in France in 2008.
MARATHON REPORT TO BE POSTED SHORTLY….so stay tuned :)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
British NPS round 3 :: Back on the Soda
Margam Park
June 2-3, 2007
Round 3 of the British Mountain Bike Series was held at Margam Park in Wales. I have always counted Margam Park as one of my favourite venues, especially as every year I have raced here the sun has been shining bright. I also love the mountains, and although not being the Pyrenees, the climbs are long and in places quite steep to really challenge your lungs, and test your skill level; There’s also the added bonus of the fast and flowing single track and fire road descents that always leaves racers buzzing. However, the weather forecast didn’t look too promising as a large black cloud appeared to be heading towards Wales. With the taste of Sherwood Pines mud from round 2 still ingrained in my mind, and two weeks off from training due to a persistent cold, I wasn’t expecting it to be one of my best races. Nevertheless, I was really looking forward to taking part, but more importantly getting back on the bike.
The cross-country race began at midday, and after a good start, I was leading the group down the tarmac straight and into the first section of single track. I tried not to over cook it early on, as I reminded myself that my legs had 4 laps of climbing to get through and with little speed in the legs I was relying on my endurance to get me through the race. By the end of the first lap Amy Hunt and Jenny Copnall had a 20 second lead over Liz Scalia, Jenn O’Connor and myself. I soon lost touch with Scalia who was too strong on the climbs, but managed to break away from O’Connor and for the rest of the race maintained my fourth position. I really enjoyed the race and thanked the sunshine gods for being kind to me today.
One race down, and the 100km marathon to go. I awoke feeling perky and bright, but didn’t know what to expect from my legs today. After a good start, I tried to keep up with as many of the elite men as possible, but I suddenly suffered an intense stabbing pain in my stomach. As I hit the top of the first fire road descent I tried to breathe through the pain hoping it would subside, before the long steep rocky climb that I remembered from previous years….but it didn’t. Loads of people started passing me who were very sweet as they cheered me on and asked if I were alright. Thank you for your support as I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep going at that point in time.
By the end of the first lap I had lost touch with Jenn O’Connor who was looking very strong, but I had maintained second place. I knew it would be impossible to catch Jenn up, as I just didn’t have the strength to race hard, so I road a steady race as part of my training for riding solo at the 24 hour Mountain Mayhem in a few weeks time. I really enjoyed the rest of the race as the course had brilliant descents and challenging climbs. I ended up riding with a few different people and together we encouraged each other to keep smiling and spin those legs.
I crossed the line in second place after 5.38 hours on the bike and was pleased as punch that I got through it.
CROSS COUNTRY Top 5 podium
1. Amy Hunt (TrekVW)
2. Jenny Copnall (Subaru Gary Fisher)
3. Liz Scalia (Team Bikes Ragusa)
4. Kate Potter (Cotic Bontrager)
5. Jenn O’Connor (Patterson Training)
MARATHON Top 3 podium
1. Jenn O'Connor (Patterson Training)
2. Kate Potter (Cotic Bontrager)
3. Jenn Hopkins (Minx Kona)
A Special thankyou to AQR's Paul Dexter and partner Jane for giving up your birthday weekend to help me out at the race, and even helping me take off my grubby shoes, cleaning my bike after each race and as always all your support and friendship.
Also a special thankyou to Joolze Dymond and Dave for your hospitality and showing me all the back roads of Bristol :) Thankyou for getting me to the race, and always making me laugh.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
British NPS round 2 :: Full Race Report
SHERWOOD PINES
MAY 12-13, 2007
Round 2 of the British mountain bike series was held at Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire. I faced a tough weekend of racing by entering both the elite cross-country event on the Saturday, followed by the 100km marathon on the Sunday. Nevertheless, I was looking forward to the challenge as a strong elite field was expected and the opportunity to race against world class mountain bike racers from across Europe, Australasia and even America.
A Quick Release Holidays were responsible for designing both the cross-country and marathon courses, which has never been a favourite course for many people due to the lack of hills and unrelenting bumpy single track. From my three years of racing, I have always found Sherwood Pines to be very fast and requiring an almost road racing style with lots of packs of riders. However, series organiser Martyn Salt wanted a technical course and something a bit different from previous years. This was quite a daunting task as we (the AQR crew – Ian, Paul and myself) really wanted to create a course that made the most of the technical trails on offer, but due to freak storms over the winter period, many of our favourite trails had disappeared. However, AQR were up for the challenge and together we devised a loop that we hoped would be loved and hated to different degrees. Loved by many for the experience, hated by few for that pain it brought to one’s body... ..that be me then :^) The inside knowledge of the course did not do me any favours though, as I well and truly suffered.
The cross-country race was a Class 1 UCI event, which meant double UCI points, and the opportunity to race a larger international field. On the starting grid there were past and future Olympians, national champions, experienced world class racers, plus America’s Mary McConneloug who is currently UCI ranked 5th in the world. All those months back when Martyn Salt announced round 2 as a Class 1 UCI event I was very excited about racing, as I would be using this race as a taster for the two World Cups I would be entering later in the season. Unfortunately, I woke up on Wednesday morning with the first signs of cold, and as I don’t like being dysfunctional in any way, I soon became ‘Monster Potter’ to all those close to me (sorry Ian).
Thinking about Saturday morning is a bit of a blur. I knew it would be a painful race as my body awoke without any zip. For four laps my brain fought with my legs as one said ‘go’, while the other said ‘no’. I managed a good start after being mistakenly gridded 13th, when my world UCI ranking of 24th should have had me gridded third, and found myself riding with a bunch of girls who were all fighting it out for third position. Mary McConneloug remained in first from start to finish, while Rosara Joseph took control of second place from the word go. Both girls were in a league of their own and most of us knew we would be over cooking it if we tried to chase them down.
Half way round the second lap, I started to feel the affects of my cold. I was struggling to maintain the strong pace the group set. Then Great Britain’s Amy Hunt had a mechanical in front of me on the single track, and didn’t think to move to let me pass by, forcing me to jump from my bike and run up one of the steep banks. By this point I was by myself, and looking for a soft landing, as I thought about curling up for a little siesta. I only have myself to blame for even considering an easy way out. I chose the wrong landing, although not purposely, as I slid out on a piece of fire road, and my legs scraped across the ground. My ribs felt the handle bar and I lay winded. I only had three quarters of a lap to go, and I knew before too long the other girls would start to catch me up.
Soon enough Paula Mosely stormed by and looked very strong. I had dropped back to 7th and was still fading. I dug deep and managed to hold her wheel. I used Paula to give me something to focus on, to help me get me back to the finish line. As far as I was concerned Paula had earnt 6th position. But with 1km to go Paula backed off and appeared to let me go in front on the final stretch of fire road. I presumed she was saving herself for the sprint finish across the line. I didn’t look back, thinking Paula was on my back wheel, and just pedalled as hard as I could. By this stage, I just wanted my bed. I crossed the line in 6th position, and realised Paula hadn’t stayed with me. I was disappointed for Paula, as she looked much stronger than I felt and was deserving of my position.
Top 5 podium –
1. Mary McConneloug (Seven/Kenda)
2. Rosara Joseph (Giant)
3. Jenny Copnall (Gary Fisher)
4. Jenn O’Connor (Patterson Racing)
5. Janka Stevkova (CK MTB Dohnany)
I really struggled today, but was pleased as punch that I finished. Only one place off a podium position was a good result for me against a field with such strength in depth. Perhaps more importantly with the next few races approaching, including racing solo at Mountain Mayhem, today was great training for my mind. I came so close to quitting during the second half of the race, but I fought that little voice in my head and beat it.
A restless night, with body temperature high and achy joints wasn’t what I needed before the start of the 100km marathon. I had an hour to decide whether to race or not. In order to be eligible for a series podium I had to finish today’s race, as I’m unable to attend the fourth round of the series. My coach Matt Hart warned me of all the possible consequences of racing with a cold. Ian didn’t want me to start, and the weather forecast was looking grim. I went against their better judgement (sorry) and decided to start, with the aim to finish. I was under strict orders from Mr P, not to race hard and if he thought I was suffering too much he was going to pull me out of the race (well so he thought). All I can say about the 100km marathon is that it was a blur of a battle from start to finish. As promised, the rain started at midday and didn’t stop. Not only did the course test bodies, but bikes as well, as many people were forced to quit due to mechanical problems. By the last two laps I was numb from head to toe and struggled to even collect my water bottle from Ian. I was shivering and thinking about stopping to layer up as I couldn’t ride hard enough to warm up, I do have Aussie blood after all. I wondered whether I would be able to keep going if I did make a quick pit stop. I kept expecting chain suck and my brake pads to wear away, as the mud was like grinding paste. But the Soda made it to the finish line, all in one piece, I’m very happy to say.
As for me, well I made it to the finish line and that was the best result for me today. I did manage the win, but as far as I was concerned everyone who battled their way through the 100km deserved podium positions. Although I helped design the course, I promise you I didn’t order the weather.
Well done to all who made it through the day, including Maddie Horton (2nd) and Mel Alexander (3rd). Thank you to Martyn Salt and his team for another great weekend, plus all the volunteers who gave up their weekend to support the second round of the national series.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
British NPS round 1 :: XC :: Kate's Report
The first round of the British National Point Series was held at Thetford Forest. I wasn’t too sure if the jet lag would still be hanging around this weekend, but was really looking forward to testing my form against the best girls in Britain and also two of the top girls of New Zealand.
Thetford is not known for it’s mountainous terrain, but the last time I raced here I absolutely loved the fast and flowing single track. There was nothing I found difficult on the course, but I knew it would be a very fast paced race and possibly be almost like a road race. There weren’t many obvious places to attack, and I imagined good tactics would play an important part to the end result. With absolutely no road racing experience, I knew it could be a very difficult race for me, but was very excited about the challenge.
On the start line with a minute to go, I wondered whether the start would be a crazy sprint around the first loose corner or if it would be slightly more chilled out as we found wheels to sit behind as to save energy for the first of the five laps we had to face. As the whistle sounded we were off and the Soda literally sprung into action and made her way to the front. I needed to chill out though as there was no point wasting energy early on. It was the first time I had all my Bontrager wheels and components, plus the Pace C-Type forks on the bike too, and the whole package felt amazing. I was leading the pack as we finished the first lap and my coach Matt Hart from TORQ reminded me not to be doing all the work at the front, so I started to back off slightly.
The first half of the race was quite strange, as I’m used to going hard from the word go and then just maintaining that pace. In this case it was a combination of a comfortable chilled out cadence to cranking it up so hard that my heart was pounding to well above maximal zone. However my legs were feeling strong and I enjoyed the short bursts of intensity as a few of the girls started to attack.
Jenn O’Connor (Patterson Training) and Paula Moseley (Climb On Bikes) and I were taking our turns at the front. Even though I knew I was working hard while others drafted, I enjoyed the freedom I had when I was out in front on the single track. Nobody tried to overtake on the narrow trail and it was such an awesome feeling pumping the bike into the bends and dips. I was having such a great time that there were moments I forgot I was racing, it was only when we hit the long sections of fire road that I had to stick my racing head back on to avoid being left behind by the group. On the third lap there were five girls left and I was expecting silver Commonwealth games medallist Rosara Joseph (Giant) to make a move soon enough. On the fourth lap the move came, as Rosara and Amy Hunt (Trek) made a break. Jenn O’Connor, Jenny Copnall (Gary Fisher) and I fought on. The three of us could still see the two girls in the distance. As we passed the feed zone for the last time Ian called out that the girls were only 30 seconds in front. The three of us worked together, taking our turns at the front and really pushing the pace. I thought after almost 2 hours of racing that fatigue would start to set in, but we weren’t fading and my Soda was feeling right at home on the twisty single track. With only 2km to go it looked unlikely we would catch the two in front, and now it was down to the three of us racing for positions third to fifth. I decided it was time to make a move and before I knew it I had snuck in front of Jenn O’Connor on the last single track climb. I wasn’t sure if this was a wise move or not, and knew there was a long fire road section coming up before a tight piece of single track that dropped down onto the fire road, before a 10 metre climb to the finish line. I dug deep and just wanted to head into the single track first. I knew my legs weren’t feeling fatigued and was confident I had more in me, but I also knew that it wasn’t going to be easy to take third. As soon as I dropped on to the fire road I gave it everything. I actually closed my eyes and pretended I was being chased by a snake (I hate snakes). I kept expecting the girls to go past, but before I knew it I had crossed the finish line in third position, with Jenn O’Connor fourth and Jenny Copnall fifth. There were only 1-2 seconds between the three of us. Amy Hunt took the win and Rosara Joseph finished second.
I was very pleased with how I raced. I did a lot of work at the front and felt strong. Although I was racing, I wanted a really hard work out this weekend, in order to get stronger for the remaining races. It wasn’t until later that I remembered that I still had an important race coming up. Unfortunately my heart was beating so hard all night that I couldn’t sleep. Plus I could feel my legs trying to repair themselves and a mild pain in my lower back. When I woke at 6am I felt 100 years old.