The first round of the British Series took place at Codham Park, Braintree, Essex. We had all 5 riders on the Elite team racing, Claire in the Elite Woman, Matt, Graham, Chris and Stuart in the Elite men. There was also 2 riders from the Development team racing, both Craig and Drew in the U14 category.
The riders flew into London Stansted early Saturday, only to be greated with the news that the boat had been delayed and the van wouldn’t be arriving until around 3 in the afternoon, 12 hours after we all had to got up.
We headed for the hotel and spend most of the day there. When the van arrived we go changed and ready to ride over to the course which was about 6 mile away.
Arriving at the course all we could see was grass, grass and more grass. After getting set up and signed on we headed out for a lap.
The first half of the lap was exactly that, grass! The course was full of short sharp grass climbs, a couple of twisty wooded sections and a loop of a BMX track. A course that didn’t suit most of us, but we just had to get on with it.
After doing a few laps we rode back to the hotel and got sorted for dinner which was a bit later than planned, then it was off to bed ready for the next day.
In the 9 O’clock race we had Craig and Drew racing, this was also Drew’s first British race. Both riders were gridded at the back so would have to start the race fast. Craig paced himself well to put in a good 2 steady laps to come home in 18th place. Drew also put in a good performance to finish in 31st position and although slowing towards the end of the last lap, acquitted himself very well in his first British Race.
Next up was Claire in the Elite woman’s race, which was a very tough international field with over 30 riders and containing 3 different national champions. Claire put in a good first lap then settled into a rhythm for the remaining 4 laps to come home in 17th.
Lastly we had Matt, Graham, Chris and Stuart in the Elite men’s race which again contained a massively experienced international field of 70 riders.
First home was Matt who managed to finish up in 45th. Graham was by his own admission on a rare off day and was next home with Chris one place behind and Stuart rounding it up for the team.
With the first round over and done with everyone is looking forward to round 2 in Cornwall and bettering their results.
Many thanks again to all of our sponsors without them none of this would be possible: Specialized, Torq, The David McCall Foundation, The Signature Works, McConvey Cycles and Fenwicks.
