MTB WOC Long Final

Saturday was the long final at MTB WOC (Above pic - me absolutely nackered, reaching the finish!). After a disappointing middle I was determined to have a successful race here! This turned out to be the hottest day of the week with extra reminders to drink loads in place!

I started well, focused, however going to number 1 my massive track vanished on me. After the mistake I made in the middle I immediately doubted my navigation so faffed around for a few minutes checking I was where I was meant to be. I was! I ended up riding over some felled area from where I could see the track continuing, then I was on my way again - 6mins worse off.

I didn't let this get to me and the rest of the course went perfectly - absolutely no errors! The only limitation, and it was a big one, was the heat, over 40 degrees. I felt fine on the very hilly terrain and was moving fast for the first map, making sure I drank freqently. After the map change we rode through some open and after that I began to struggle. By control 11 I was wandering all over the track and going to 12 I had to sit in the shade and have a drink in sight of the control before I could get there. I felt like I was crawling to the last 2 controls and the finish! But I was so happy to finish with a clean ride!

I think that was the toughest race I've ever done, it took until the 5th race of the Iroc for me to feel as bad as I did at control 12 after only 2hrs racing!

I really enjoyed my first international competition for GB and I'm going to concentrate on getting fitter on the bike this year and getting out with a map a few more times in preparation for next year!

Now I'm recovering, ready for the C2C!