National Champs
The National Champs… It brings back memories from last year. Last year I was so nervous for weeks before the event. I got to the race and rode my little heart out and won the championship. That was the most memorable race I’ve had in my career so far. To come back to this event as a different, better, more experienced rider was something I was really looking forward to, however, I was a bit anxious as I wanted a podium here and so far I’ve never done very well at Innerleithen. I always seem to struggle here.
I spent practice on my own as usual. Making sure I got my lines good and tried to work so hard. I was determined to change the future and make sure I do well from here on. I did a couple of runs with Bex Reilly. She is a young junior rider for Scotland who came 3rd at the champs last year. I wanted her to do well and maybe win it, she was definitely determined enough. Bex is being looked after by Chris Ball and they had done a training weekend on this same track in preparation for the national champs. So she showed me a few of the good lines and I helped her with getting up to speed. The new lines were good and were faster.
The race day’s practice went well. I didn’t feel amazing though as it had rained. I’m not really a fan of the mud, but whatever, we’ve all got to ride it!
Seeding was alright, I had planned to take it easy. I messed up some lines up top and almost went off course, I caught a rider up in the fastest section of the course, but as the track was so tight, there wasn’t really any pull off points so she was unable to get out the way. I followed for a bit then she pulled off allowing me through. I messed up the very bottom bit, actually ending down the bottom of the off camber section with my feet off the pedals!! I was to be seeded in 5th place /8 girls, with my time being well off the pace. I was about 20 seconds off Gaskell and Tracy was somewhere in the distance but knew she was well untouchable.
This was pressure like I’ve never felt before. I had to perform; I couldn’t allow myself to sit in 5th. Although I had planned not to do well for seeding, it’s never a nice feeling being at the back of the pack. I had Tracy, my mentor Gaskell, Aimee Dix and Sarah Newman in front of me. Game on.
I made sure I was warmed up properly before. Our Manager Pete dropped the turbo and bike at the top.
The top section went smooth, not too fast, I just peddled where I could and tried to stay super smooth. Every section was linking well. The fastest section could have gone a bit better but still smooth and still in control none the less! The steep section at the bottom had dried out loads and so I came down with loads of grip and let off the brakes! A sprint into the finish and I got my time on the hot-seat. I prayed to be 2nd or 3rd. Sarah finished not too strong, Aimee came down 3 seconds behind me. Then Gaskell was sprinting into the finish. It was so close I thought this could be my day… but she beat me by 2 seconds! We knew T Mo had it in the bag and congratulated her 100th (Not really, she’s not that old!) National Champ win!
It was a proud day. I came 3rd with a really respectable time. I had done myself proud. I really hoped I impressed Gaskell and Tracy with my performance. I had worked so hard and it was truly an honour to be on that podium with the top ladies.
A good weekends work I think.
Over and out…
Jessi x