My legs were already tired as we all formed up for the mass start ultra long race after the middle race and camp special of the previous day. On “Go!” there was bedlam as riders flew in all directions on the first of three randomly distributed courses to split up the field.<\/p>\n
I got a great route choice to the first control on my first map and punched it in second place. I kept with the pack and was well up the field after returning to the start for my second map but I then made a big mistake, getting confused in a dense track network losing about 6 minutes. Now on my own I got stuck in, but realised these 3 maps were taking quite a while to complete.<\/p>\n
Returning to the start for the 3rd time to get the first ‘proper map’ I was dismayed folding it up to see how far I still had to ride. The trouble was this was not the end of the course, there was yet another map after this one to complete.<\/p>\n
I then started to make lots of silly mistakes, the tiredness and lack of concentration joining with the distraction of riding with fellow GB rider Dan Mathers who kept catching me.<\/p>\n
After yet another mistake on a control fairly near to where the cars were parked and a quick look a my watch I decided to bin it and retire, saving my legs for the World Cup next weekend (I’d been riding for just under 2 hours when I got to the car).<\/p>\n
Many riders then started to trickle in retiring from various points on the course. Alan, Dan and Steph finally came over the line after over 4 hours of riding, looking very crusty and hot. Looking at the long loops on the final map it was definitely the right thing for me to retire when I did rather than struggling on but well done to those who stuck it out and finished.<\/p>\n
We then had to throw the bikes into their bags and race for the airport as we very very behind schedule. All agreed the race should be renamed Ultra, Extreme, Mega, Super, Dooper Long with Cherrys on Top!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
My legs were already tired as we all formed up for the mass start ultra long race after the middle race and camp special of the previous day. On “Go!” there was bedlam as riders flew in all directions on the first of three randomly distributed courses to split up the field. I got a … <\/p>\n