Below:Nocentni in yellow
Above:Kern in polka dot and Brice Felliu
Then my 1st race around the streets of Tarbes and not knowing what to expect I got a good 7th just missing out on the break not knowing who's wheels to follow.
However the weekend after I had a disaster I through my chain, and had no chance of getting back on with the main group riding just shy of 50kmph on the flat.
Below: me at tarbes leading the peloton
So then I went to the nationals back in England and my aim was to not miss the days break and guess what there one wasn’t. I lasted just shy of 2 laps out front with one other rider but typical English youth racing it came down to the mass sprint. And after recovering at the back of the bunch I could find no way to get through as the whole field wanted to do the same thing. It was a really poor race at the end I was hardly tied and felt really uninspired as there was no atmosphere that you would expect, and like you get at a Cadets race (under 16's) in France. There were very few people watching and I got a rock thrown at my bike by one of the local lads. The race may have been quite fast but because it was at Hillingdon people were able to sit in the bunch all day and get towed around and the race never strung out so I had no chance, and feeling on top form I was quite annoyed with it. The race would have been much better at hog hill where the 13% climb would have really showed the stronger riders.
Moving on I have 3 races in France left this summer with my next tomorrow at Montaut. The race is 70 km and that’s all I know so I will aim for another top 10 and I would love a podium before I return to Britain the more hills the better. I feel really strong at the moment and with 3 motor paced session done this week two 40km's and 0ne 80km's with an average speed just shy of 40kmph I feel strong and confident going in to the race.
To be honest I can't wait to return to England as I will be 16 and be able to road race and with the races in France under my belt maybe I can bag some results as a 3rd cat. And hopefully in the long term future after my A levels and 2 years of being a junior I can race as an espoir in France :)
Adios
