National Trophy Round 1 – Derby

Gridded on the seventh row, I made a decent start before settling into a tough and technical course featuring plenty of climbing, tricky off-camber corners and bridges that demanded full concentration. Unfortunately, a puncture meant a run to the pits for a bike change. A big thank you to some Eastern League friends who spotted me running towards them and had my spare bike ready to go before I arrived! The drama wasn’t over, though, with a second puncture on one of the bridges adding to the challenges of the day. Despite the mechanical setbacks, I made it to the finish, placing 65th from 70 starters. Not quite the result I’d hoped for, but plenty learned from a demanding day racing against some of the country’s best. A long day out, but great to be racing in NRCC colours, and a reminder of the fantastic camaraderie that makes cyclocross such a brilliant sport!

Bryan Holland