Rnd 4, Sotonia CX, 7th Oct 2012

Round 4 of the Wessex cyclocross league was here. As me and my dad were driving down the M3 on the foggy Sunday morning I wasnt feeling 100% up for racing, but the further south we got the clearly the fog got and the more the sun was shining. My legs were feeling quite good from doing a couple of decent weeks training and i knew i wanted better then  the previous results which were a bellow average 24th and 19th. 

We arrived at the disused golf course, which they had successfully managed to transfer into actually a decent cyclocross course, I entered and went for a couple of warm up laps. The course did kinda suit me so i was now looking forward to getting on with it.. consisting off sand pits, off camber step ups, and long and flowing accents and decents. 

We lined up on the line. Not being entered as a team meant that I dont get a grid position and ended up being about 20th from 30 odd on the line. I had some pushing to get my self up the front. The gun went and straight away it was like 30 egar aged men and me all rushing for that one girl. Elbow were out and people shouting at each other to get out the way. The first few hundred meters were up hill which was good for me and i managed to get my self into about 4th after the first lap. This was an ambitious effort and knew i had probably gone off a bit too fast. I manged to settle down into a pace and was joined by Chris Minter of Pedal On and James Cotty of Wheelbase Cannondale and a couple of others. Chris then rode away and manged to get himself in the battle for 3rd. James and I were joined by 3 other riders. Making us a close group of 5. All battling for the 4 5 6 7 8th positions. The race remained like this throughout. 

The final lap came and still there was 5 of us in a group. I stupidly decided to attack a bit up one of the climbs going to the front of the group which didnt really pay off as they just let me do the work for a mile or so. As the approached the final climb up the finish i could see it was going to come down to a spint, oh joy. We carefully went around the final corner and wound up the speed. I was at the back of the group at this point. Flicking up through the gears and pushing harder and harder through the pedals. I managed to get past one of the riders but wasnt able to put enough speed down to reach 4th 5th or 6th. Finishing in a very pleasing 7th. 

Overall a good race and time to head home, but no time to race as I have expert male to do next week the the Gorrick Autumn classic race next week.  

heres a video of the race http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXj-FwDKD7k&feature=plcp

photos http://www.grahamrobins.net/photos/Sotonia%20Cyclo-Cross%202012/185.JPG.php