I knew it was going to be a fast race, with it being only 30mins and 2 laps so i was well warmed up and did a few laps round the circuit before lining up for the start. But OH WAIT, they suddenly decided they'd gear check all the juniors and whilst this happened move the rest of the bunch to the start line, so we'd end up at the back. It was already past start time and then they gridded us aswell, taking about another 10minutes and we were all pretty fed up!
Anyway, the race got underway and i got a good start and just rolled around the top 5 or so for the first 10laps. There were quite a few attacks in this time because just as soon as the pace dropped another went, but they were all shortlived and just kept the pace high. After 10 mins the first prime came & i rolled over in 6th or so, and then attacked on the following lap. I kicked just after the finish line going up the cobbles and just kept the pace on as much as i could not looking back. However the next time i looked back, no one was there, at all! I was pretty confused because i didn't expect to be able to get away from that group especially with the pace of the first few laps. I managed to stay away through the second prime and up until 4 laps to go, where there was an attack from the group and they got me back. I ended up in 7th in the end, but it's my best result yet in the National series, so i was happy with it :) and i got some funny scottish money for it too!
My next race wasn't until Sunday morning, so on Saturday i went out and rode the course, which wasn't exactly flat! and got back just before rained.. ALOT. I then spent the rest of the day revising, definitely not fun and then the highlight of my day was probably watching BGT.. hm OH I NEED TO GET OUT MORE.
Sunday morning = sun and no more rain, perfect! Today we were starting the race at the same place as the Premier Calender, so it was pretty busy! Loads of photographers and random people with camera's filming us on our rollers, crazy. Anyway, apparently our race had been lengthened my 10miles, which at the time i wasn't too bothered about..
The first lap was club run pace, with a few attacks but nothing major. Then coming through the roundabout onto the second lap a car pulled straight out in front of the bunch, just as an attack was getting underway. This resulted in the bunch splitting, we tried to chase it back, but it was just before the long drag that i happened. In the end there was a bunch of 5 of us, working through and off, which was a little unfair down the hills with me and Hannah Walker on junior gears having to make a major effort to come through! But this was honestly the toughest race i have ever ever done, i have never felt so much pain! Plently of hills, and a constant headwind on the 18 mile circuit.
Coming into the finish though, i actually managed a half decent sprint for a change, Hannah just getting me on the line, but we were both pretty determined to leave the scottish women behind due to the lack of work being done in the last few miles!
...I was now about dead and ready for ALOT of food, but no more sugar.. i'd been surviving on jelly babies and SIS for the last 2.5 hours, ew.
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