July ⬆️⬇️⬆️

July has definitely been better than June, but I still haven’t managed a full month on the bike without any problems,  unfortunately I tested positive for COVID and currently in isolation !  To say this year has been frustrating is an understatement. At least there has been some high points this month too.

After missing so many events and not back to full fitness I wasn’t sure what to expect at the BC Junior National Time Trial and Road Race weekend.
Both events were being held on the same course in Pewsey, the TT on the Saturday and the Road Race on the Sunday.

I’ve always enjoyed doing Time Trials, but I was quite nervous as I hadn’t been on the bike much and only got to test out the new UCI position a few days before the event.

Due to bad weather, everyone’s start times were delayed by an hour so there was plenty of waiting about. Also the 3 riders due to start in front of me had pulled out so I had no one to chase, this wasn’t a huge problem but it definitely helps to have someone to chase especially pushes you on when you can see your minute man.

The TT course was 13.4 miles, the longest I’ve done and although there was quite a few hills I liked the course. With no one to chase, I just had to pace it well. 

I finished 9th overall and 2nd first year Junior, I was really pleased with that considering the fitness levels at the time.  I felt better than I thought I would and although I know I would have done better if it wasn’t for recent set backs I was definitely happy with the ride.

The following day was the Road Race, it was hectic from the start with a few crashes, the race being stopped and riders being dq’d,  and all within the first couple of miles, after a long wait at the side of the road we finally got going again. The race was staying pretty much together and not a lot was happening for a lap or so, I had already decided I had nothing to loose and wanted to stretch the legs and push myself in this race, the result didn’t really matter.  There was one rider away and I jumped across and caught him quite quickly, we were pushing on up the hill and when I looked back I realised I was solo and I decided to just carry on.  I managed about 30km solo before being caught, back in the bunch for a lap and rather than just sit in I still pushed myself to follow a few short efforts, one effort too many and that was me done ! Out the back with 1 to go and I just rolled around for the last lap.  

I really enjoyed it and no I was not disappointed with my result, I would have been more disappointed if I’d of just sat in, my first national race of the year was complete ✅ 

The following weekend was the Bath Road Club Road Race, part of the Junior National Series ( and nowhere near Bath btw ) 

It was a very hot day with little wind, the heat was definitely going to effect the race. Surely this wasn’t a day for long attacks ?!

Yep off again, this time a 2up and we had a decent time gap at one point, but the race was really aggressive and many attacks through out. I’m not sure how long we were off the front for but again it was really good to push myself. When back in the bunch I missed one of the splits and found myself in a group of about 25. To be honest the last lap it felt like we was just rolling round, the temperature was well over 30 and lots of riders were tired. Quite a few had dropped off or had to stop because of the heat. I finished with this group, around 40th ( although I got missed off the results )  

Another race complete and I really enjoyed it.

Starting to feel positive about the fitness building back up and I was really enjoying getting back into regular racing and training. I had another road race planned for the following weekend  and then a 12 hour MTB team relay in Plymouth the weekend after that. 

and then I catch COVID !  

So I missed out on both , especially gutted to miss out on the Team Relay with the Bournemouth Cycleworks Team. 

Luckily I wasn’t that ill after a few days of complete rest I was on the rollers, I had to keep my fitness going but also to help with the boredom of being stuck in my room for over a week.

Freedom day Sunday can’t wait to get back on the road !

My plans for August - I’m finally getting out of the UK to race abroad with Cannibal Team.
I’m going to be racing the UCI Junior Nations’ Cup in Hungary, 4 races in 3 days, I can’t wait !!!!