We didn’t see much of the action as it happens, we were right next to the course but facing the other way showing off all our wheels, tyre sealant and the rest. But we do know that there was some high quality racing going on with Mary McConneloug flying in from the US to win by quite a way in the womens, and a sprint finish in the men’s race between Oli Beckingsale and Ian Wilkinson which was only ever going to be won by “Wilko”. Actually I’ve just checked the lap times and Mary McConneloug would have probably won the Expert or Masters mens race, and would have beaten half the Elite men too. Very quick, probably helped by her special issue 296g NoTubes rims – I had a quick heft of her spare wheels and they were unbelievably light.
Then the rain came down for the Masters/Vets etc and I was glad I wasn’t racing for once, it looked pretty bad from under the cover of our canopy. The rain returned for Sunday and the Marathhon events, and I think it broke quite a few people (and bikes). Will Bjergfelt had to go and buy some shoes as he forgot his (again) but still managed to win, at least that’s what we were told, I’m afraid we’d left by then as the rain came down even harder.
And why aren’t you or Bec racing?
XC racing is bad for you. You get ill every few weeks, have no spare time, spend a fortune getting to races and worst of all, have to ride around on bikes with tyres as thin as 2.1″ and less than 5″ of suspension! Can you imagine it!??
Of course it can be fun if you’re fit, but we’re not, well not at the moment anyway, in fact I’m feasting on a massive Morrisons chocolate cookie right now. And you wouldn’t get away with that at an XC race.