A personal account from Jeff Rees from Round 2 of the Welsh Cyclo Cross Series.
130 riders lined up for the Amman Valley Cross. The start was 2 laps of a horse trotting/speedway track. I flew around there but then when we hit the first grassy climb my legs went. I can’t pace myself at all off the start I get carried away lol. The course had a bit of everything, grassy climbs, muddy section, twisty single track, through trees, a rocky path, a scary drop off, the horse track and a tricky small bank which the skilful riders could ride up but lots couldn’t (thank God I could ride over it as I dread to think what would happen if I had to run) . Tom rode really well ; the mtb is a big disadvantage at the starts as they are so fast, it must have taken him about a 3rd of the race before he passed me as you lose so much time getting caught deep in the field early on. He flew past me but did give me a shout and was mixing it up with some experienced cross riders. There’s talk of him getting a cross bike, look out when it happens.
I got up to 175bpm on my heart rate monitor and. averaged 166bpm for whole race so it’s no wonder I’m shattered after the race. The finish was classic. I was sprinting to the line against some Forza rider and just as I got ahead of him Ffion Jones the 18yr old junior female national champion passed us both lol. Tom’s position was 28th a great result and I was 41st out of the 130 starters. I hope to see more riders from the club as the series continues and especially for the Championship in Brecon on 26th October.
On Wednesday 8th October the first winter training session took place at the clubroom. The riders, using turbo trainers and rollers followed a programme aimed at improving pedalling technique and strength. The sessions will run throughout the winter and develop various elements of training. Advice on planning your racing programme will be available and Carl Banwell will demonstrate those all-important stretches to improve flexibility. Participants meet from 6.30 for a 7 pm start. Sessions last approximately one hour and a small fee of £3 per session is charged. Bring your own turbo-trainer, drink and towel !
