British Downhill Series #1
This is it. This is my first ‘official’ race of the season. The winter training period had gone well and I felt strong on the bike. This race had seemed to come round very quick!
The track was held at Nant G – the very north point in Wales and we were right next to the beach. Just a shame this race wasn’t during the summer as it would have been amazing…! The first half of the track was very technical – rocky, rooty and tight and twisty with plenty of switch backs. The bottom section would remind you of a trail centre; flat and awkward with some jumps.
It took me a few runs to work the track out, once you lose your speed it’s hard to get going again and find a flow. I finished practice day feeling quietly confident and actually began to enjoy the track. It was certainly challenging and I enjoyed finally getting to grips with it. The track had dried out loads throughout the day and was pretty fast!
To say I was nervous for the race would have been an understatement. There was strong competition, it had pissed it down with rain the night before and was still raining so conditions were not ideal. My seeding run went well; I had taken it easy in a couple of places and finished in 1st place. Knowing I could better it.
The finals race was good at the top until I got to one section off balance and hit a root so I ended up hitting the deck. I got up relatively quickly and carried on. I crossed the line in 3rd place, which was still good considering. However, the speed is there now and I know I am on pace so I just need to hold it together and then magic will happen…
Jess….
1st Manon Carpenter
2nd Fionn Griffiths
3rd Jess Stone
4th Katy Curd
5th Emily Horridge
