Uncursed
‘’I never race well on that bloody course’’
My Girlfriend agreed when I told her where this year’s National was being held. Every time I’d raced at Cyclopark Gravesend I’d had a poor race. Then she bluntly, (but honestly) added to the conversation with;
''and Derby of course, you’re rubbish there as well!’’.
She had a point, both Gravesend and Derby were my nemeses. (Ed. I definitely had to Google what the plural of nemesis was!). However, after last season's panic fuelled lead up to the National, I was determined to break that trend, to be more mentally strong and not let minor upsets derail a possible good performance.
I inevitably did have a few upsets in the lead up to the big race. Two weeks before I tweaked my left hamstring, after having to run a lot at a quagmire of a race at Darley Moor. Then a week before I tweaked my right hammy at the Andover Supercross, where doing the senior event I had got my moneys worth with a 68 minute race rather than the usual veteran 40 minutes. But I wasn’t panicking I had worked hard on my mental approach, discussing life’s issues and hurdles with www.olivermansfieldcoaching.co.uk but just having someone to talk to is the key. Never be afraid to ask for help.
So I travelled to Gravesend, in my campervan, with decent fitness and with my mind in a very good place. Just as well because a crash while practicing on the course the day before the race damaged my hand. I had slipped off on the ice. So I had to spent the evening making my dinner one handed as my right hand had swollen around the thumb and it was impossible to grip anything. (Although to be honest, Davina had already done all the prep, all I needed to do was to reheat it!) Still I didn’t panic. What will be will be and tomorrow is another day. The practice had highlighted the highly technical nature of the course. Even though this would be my 14th consecutive National, I am still learning this sport. Most of my rivals have far superior skills. I concluded full muds at 15psi would be my tyre setting as it was pretty heavy mud last thing Friday afternoon. Even though it was due to freeze over night, I hoped it would thaw out by my race, as I was starting at 1140 after two other races had been around and softened it all up again.
The night turned out to be colder than expected, down to -4. I was however lovely and toasty in the van. It did mean that I might have to re-think my choice of tyre. Now Davina asked me recently if I really needed so many wheels. What a ludicrous question! Obviously, I only use tubulars because they are so much harder to fit (they are glued on) and so much more expensive! So here is my arsenal of tyres and my not so scientific but comprehensive glossary guide of which one I use where;
A) Dugast Small Bird - for when I’m feeling fast, although best not used riding down the Namur death drop, as my shoulder still hurts 2 years on after crashing there on them.
B) Challenge Grifo - for when I’m unsure, these will probably be fine, and if it does turn into a mud bath, I’ll end up being called a hero for staying upright.
C) Specialised Terra - for when the course has gone to sh*t and there is no pissing grip anywhere.
D) Michelin Mud - for when nobody can make up their minds, I put these on and fool everyone into thinking I know what I’m doing.
In reality, and don’t tell Davina this, you could probably get away with only having just one set, it’s the pressure that is far more important to get correct;
''It’s better to be on the wrong tyres with the right pressure than the right tyres with the wrong pressure’’
Things changed the morning of the race. The talk was to switch to intermediate tyres with higher pressure for the ice. However as my race was the third to go I gambled that it would all thaw, so stuck with full muds but just increased to 17psi. It was fascinating to see the course change throughout the morning and even by the time of my race, how it changed each lap! Luckily my pit crew was on hand to lower my pressures during the race as the conditions really thawed out and the mud became sticky. Talking of pit crew I was well and truly spoilt on race day. The plan originally was for all five of the Beeline team to race but due to a plethora of issues I ended up the only one, but they all turned out to help. With the addition of Davina, I had a five person crew! I felt so professional. It did mean I really had to perform well.
So the time had come and we were being gridded. I felt relaxed, no stress, even though my right hand wouldn’t grip the handlebar very well, even though the ice fields of Gravesend had confronted me with an unknown element of having to guess my tyre setup, even though the practice laps had instilled a fear of the treacherous course that lay ahead. Nothing had managed to unhinge the mindset I was locked into. A testament to my new found state. Although once the gun went then it was all down to my skillset.
Now although the mind is strong and brave, I was limited to that skillset. My start is great and I lead into the first turn. The off-camber moguls section and the initial multi-rut section I was fine with. (Oh incidentally I had been to the training session at this course in December. I had ridden the technical sections many times in preparation). I was in 2nd place when passing the pits for the first time. The next technical slippery off camber was slightly less well preformed and I was down to 5th, but this good start had taken the top five clear of the pack. The 47 steps were a real test each lap for my hamstrings. Unfortunately, this is why I do not shoulder the bike. It would put too much strain on those tender tendons of mine. Also my calves reject all my attempts at running, so carrying my bike at my side is my best option to try and get through the race uninjured. I have to tape up, not only my hamstrings but also my calves and knees from previous injuries. Additionally I wear compression leggings in the cold to reduce the risk of pulling something again..
I have three bikes prepped for the race and keep my team mates busy with multiple changes;
Although most of the course was continuing to thaw out rapidly, the hairpin descent at the top of the steps, which was out of the sun, was solid and extremely icy. Unrideable for me, unrunable for me and barely walkable as I hold on to the post and try to cover the frozen ice rink. Just keeping momentum is the key. The one who makes the least mistakes will triumph. Unfortunately as the race progressed and I grew tired, I started making mistakes, two or three slips and one big off into a post meant catching 4th was now not going to be possible (the top 3 were well away and well beyond my skill level). Now I had to preserve my 5th place. With just over one lap to go I sensed a rider behind. Unfortunately for me it’s Pete Middleton, the 2022 European Masters Champion , a notorious fast finisher and someone, I know for certain has a much better skills than me. If I can just get to the ruts before him and try and use my power after to stay clear. I love the ruts section and I take the high rut like I’ve done all race. Suddenly Pete hurtles past me on one of the lower ruts. A super impressive overtake. I’m down in 6th and starting to fade. Another rider gets me, now 7th.
With about 5 minutes of this to go, now is the time to give everything. Something magically aligns and I nail a section I’d cocked up on each of the previous laps. I’m having trouble with lapped riders now, but so is Pete who has crashed. I get in front of him again and try and bury myself and this propels me back to that other rider who had got me a few minutes earlier. I’m back in 5th. I survive another mistake, (when I end up a bit sideways into a bush) and get to the finish line. What a buzz that was. Even though the course probably still got the better of me, I got the best out of myself.
It is a massive relief to finish again and chatting with riders afterwards is a joy. Then I retreat back to the van for a brew. My hand is throbbing and even more swollen but it has now the company of the rest of my body that aches and feels totally beaten up. Now although my mental game has increased massively, I am still realistic and have mellowed. Had I raced poorly again at Gravesend this story would have probably been titled; ‘Not quite uncursed yet’!
So I can race ok at Gravesend, it's all about positive attitude, to say you can never race well at a certain course is defeatist and weak. That is except for Derby;
''I never race well on that bloody course’’
