World Cup Schladming, Austria

It felt very surreal knowing that I was about do do my first world cup. It was also going to be my first flying experience as well as my 18th birthday weekend, so it was definitely going to be one hell of a weekend! I was very excited and very nervous, as I didn't know what I was letting myself in for! A few of my friends were convinced I was going to kill myself! Cheers guys!

Getting packed and ready to fly was quite stressful, thinking about what not to forget then forgetting what I said I shouldn't forget etc!! I didn't know whether I was coming or going at times! But I was pleased I was stressing out over something soooo cool!

I arrived at Stansted airport on Wednesday afternoon and had stayed at my sister's from the Sunday night. I soon met up with Dan Jarvis and Petra Wiltshire at the airport as Petra was coming over with me to look after me. Tracy Moseley was also there so I felt better as was slightly nervous about flying!

My first flight was awesome, taking off and landing was exciting! And then the views when your above the clouds are breath taking...

As we arrived Wednesday night, we didn't have the opportunity to walk the track, so after I had signed in, I walked the track with Tracy Moseley, as she would help me out with line choices etc.. The course was mental, it reminded me of Bala and Hopton, except on a much larger scale. There was nothing on it that I thought I couldn't do, but remembering all the multiple lines was going to be my biggest challenge! I managed to get a run in just to get over that first run anxiousness and so that I had an idea of where I was going.

Friday's practice was good, I did 4 runs and every run just got better and better. Sections on it were hard and carrying speed around the turns so that I could do the next section was hard also. I had great fun and the uplift was spot on. I didn't need to wait too long until I was up top! I just couldn't believe it at times though. Stopping on the track stood just beside Sam Hill and Brendan was crazy! I wanted to ask them for their autograph but I had to restrain myself as it would have been weird... like I was some stalker or something haha! I walked the track in the afternoon and the weather was fantastic. I was hoping for a tan on my way down!

Saturday was quite mad. I woke up and was literally the first person on the course! (keen hey!) When I came down into the last field though, it was slippy as it had been raining. I didn't have a spike either so was quite concerned! But Petra sorted me out and so had two spikes on (thanks to Joe Barnes's Dad!)

I felt very important in my GB jersey - warming up with all the Pro's was awesome. Me by the fence, Sabrina Jonnier in front, Rachel Atherton to my left, Tracy behind a notice board getting in the zone, Gaskell just beside Sabrina... It was unreal! I was so nervous too, I borrowed T Mo's bike so I could spin a few times and warm up. My mind just went blank when i was being counted down to go, I just thought to myself, treat it as another race!! But I was too eager and started off badly, skidding around the corners but having tons of fun! I didn't care where I came, I just focused on getting to the bottom in one piece!! I got to the bottom and didn't have any arm pump at all which I was very surprised about!

I came 23rd out of 30 elites and was 2nd fastest Junior too. Although there was only 3 of us!! I was 8 seocnds off qualifying in top 20!!!

I didn't think I did too bad considering it was my first world cup. My plan now is to train hard over winter and come back faster and stronger.

I am so up for this.

Will keep you updated!!