The climax of the cyclocross season took place at Cyclopark in Gravesend, where multiple national champions were crowned. Rubbing shoulders with them and sharing the muddy conditions were several of our youth riders, here are their accounts:
Elizabeth (U14 Girls):
It was a great atmosphere at the National Championships with lots of competitors and spectators – and it was a very cold morning. The course slowly defrosted and some of the course was very muddy and slippery by early afternoon with other sections still being frozen. Two sections (the bridge and the steep off camber section) were removed from the afternoon races late morning. I was pleased to finish in 16th position despite having a saddle issue which meant I had to run some of the course. It has been great to race in all 6 national races this year with some very technical elements and challenging weather conditions at some! I look forward to racing again next year as a top year U14.
James (U14 Open):
Although I really enjoyed the weekend – unfortunately it wasn’t the result I was hoping for.
After riding the circuit on Friday morning – in frosty/hard conditions, I felt very confident of being able to secure a top 15 (maybe more).
However, with Saturday being very different in terms of the surface, I knew I was going to struggle – having to use my pit bike with smaller wheels, a larger front chainring and not the correct tires for those sticky conditions.
I had a very good first outlap on my preferred bike – being in the top 12 – but as soon as I switched bikes I started having big issues.
Pitting every half-lap – I would lose loads of time on my second bike, then make some back on my preferred bike ; which had full-mud tires.
I managed to get into a rhythm and hold position, but then made the mistake of switching onto the wrong bike for the last half-lap (the muddiest section of the course).
I hadn’t used that bike on that section at any other point in the race – and in this last half lap, I fell off x3 times (and got completely stuck on a hill lol) – losing about 30 seconds of time.
There were some positives – and I enjoyed it – but racing for 28th was much lower than I am capable of and hoped for.
I’m still very very happy with my CX season, and achieved my main three goals ; League Champ, Regional Champ and Top 20 in a National Race.
Barnaby (U14 Open):
I felt I had a really good race last weekend at the National Championships in Kent, despite starting from 42nd place on the grid. Although I had a tough start, I managed to work my way through the field and finished 27th. The course was fantastic, with plenty of challenging sections, thick mud, and icy, slippery hills.
I felt strong throughout and focused on pushing through the tough conditions. I’m really pleased I competed and am now looking forward to training hard this year to prepare for next season’s cyclocross.
Matthew (U16 Open):
Nationals was such a great experience, so many more riders, more people to chase and you’re never riding by yourself. The conditions were wild! Looking forward to doing some more of these next season! Thanks to everyone at Rovers for the support!
Isaac (U16 Open):
Despite a couple of disappointing results in the lead up, I felt that my preparation had gone well. The sighting laps showed that the ground was thawing and getting muddier and muddier so I was glad I had opted for the full mud tyres. Following the talk from Ian Field earlier in the week, I was careful to eat in plenty of time, and focus on getting an effective warm-up done before heading to the start line. I was gridded tenth, so second row, and waited for the whistle. The start was fast and I felt good, but unfortunately a rider came down in front of me on the first corner. By the time I had untangled my bike half the field had come past me and I was in around forty-fifth place! I was conscious that I needed to keep my cool and concentrated on working my way back through the field. The conditions meant that I was changing bikes regularly and I took a few risks on some of the corners – mostly successfully! My legs felt good and I was able to punch hard out of the corners. I was really pleased to work my way up to ninth in the end, given the circumstances, and this marked a good climax to the season. All eyes on the end of season League races and then some rest before a busy summer of exams, and maybe some races thrown in…
