As I rode my first lap of the course I
was really impressed – a great use of the valley, great for
spectating and a type of cyclocross course (very hilly) I have not ridden
in Ireland before – I knew it would be a very tough race but
couldn't wait to get going.
Due to my rolled tubular two weeks
earlier (and the resultant DNF), I wasn't gridded for this round –
25 riders lined up in front of me. My starts in the past were never
the strongest but, this year I have been getting much better and
here, there was no time for taking it easy.
The gun fired and the race began – I
was able to move up a couple of places pretty quickly but still sat
in around 15th or so. The course lended itself pretty well
to passing but the quality of Irish CX riders now (especially for the
first lap or two) is such that it is pretty much full gas and fast
for everyone.
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| Smiling riding sideways - photo from here |
As I finished the first lap, I came
through in about 6th. But I could see I was making progress –
another lap and I was in 4th. For three or four laps Conor
Cambell, Evan Ryan and myself had a close battle – it was good fun
– I would make some time on the power sections, they would make
time on the technical sections. Eventually, the elastic broke
(unfortunately Evan punctured) and I rode the second half of the race
in solo pursuit of Robin. I pulled back time on the last lap, but it
was much too late.
Like all cyclocross races in Ireland
this year (that I competed in anyway), it was another well run race
on a great course – I would guess I left a minute or two on the
course by not practicing my cyclocross skills, but hey, I had a big
smile on my face for the full race and this is when I'm supposed to
be taking it easy :)
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