Central CXL Round 3: Hemel Hempstead

Round 3 of the Central league took me only 10 mins down the road to Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead. Never ridden at this location before, so didn't know what to expect but can say the course/park was very much like Stanborough Park in Welwyn. The course was not overly technical but uses the lay of the land (hills) to good effect. Those that have raced Stanborough Park will always say how tough it is.

With very little, if anything that required the more technical skills of cx in conjunction with no rain, the course ran fast and with all the previous races carving out a packed racing line,  it was all about who had the best legs. 

With many of the hitters away at Nationals, I was called 8th during gridding to fill the last spot on the front row. I'd made the big time. With it only being down the road the kids, the Mrs, Mother and Father in law even the dog come along to offer some encouragement.

The whistle got blown and it was show time, I choked, worse than England at a major tournament. There was only one technical skill required all day and that was to clip in at the start and I failed in spectacular style, Matt Stephens (GCN) would of done it quicker (very apt being a Hemel CC member). I went from the front to back in flash, which resulted in a very audible 'come on Daddy, GO!) from my eldest.

I put the hammer down and made attempts to gain as many places before the potential bottle necks, but the stop start efforts up the hills caused me to blow my lid. I managed to roll through the 1st lap in 15th place with a group of 4 in front but I had gone to deep and had to let them go as I thought I was going to be sick. After taking some recovery I got into a rhythm, well as much of rhythm as you can get into with 50+ minutes of 15 secs full gas 15 secs off. Lap by lap I would slowly gain and pass some of those in front. After completing 10 laps in 1:01:20 I finished in 8th place, my starting grid call!

Winner James Hyde Renvale RT/Clifbar UK (Elite/XC/MTB), 10 laps in 0:58:00

by Paul McGrath