Hannah Ormesher on the podium at Hillingdon cyclo-cross

I got a good start off the second row of the grid on the Hillingdon circuit and entered the single track in fourth position of 11. I passed third place mid-way through the first lap after a technical dismount and run uphill over a hurdle and managed to put some time into the field behind me. 

The course was formed of loads of tight twisty grass corners and it was a constant up and down with bone rattling, uneven ground. Loose dry grass had built up round the outside bend of each corner and I took one a bit too fast and slid off the bike, throwing my chain in the process. With the scramble to remount (uphill) and the time cost in putting my chain back on I knew the buffer I had on fourth place was now compromised, I had to keep on the ball not to make a similar mistake again. 

From then on corners were taken a bit more cautiously, better to go through them a bit slower and not loose a wheel. I felt comfortable in third, I could not see first or second place beyond the second lap and fourth place was far enough away that I didn't feel too pressured, I could not afford to get complacent though so I pushed on. 

The sight of some of my North Road team mates kept me motivated and Steve kindly offered carrot services. I never caught Steve but could see Lawrence in the distance and this pulled me round the final part of the race. Once we were both on the tarmac on the finishing straight I put my head down and sprinted the last hundred meters or so to pip him on the line! I wondered why he wasn't pushing more and realised afterwards he wasn't aware that was the last lap. (I had heard the bell as the leader came past me just before the lap end but Lawrence was lapped ahead of me on the last lap itself and so never got the bell.) 

I really enjoyed the variety the course offered and there was never a dull moment with loads of leg sapping inclines to test you, hairpin off-camber turns and fast tarmaced sections of the circuit to get low and TT on! 

I was so pleased with third place, got to stand on a podium for the first time (albeit on my own as 2nd and 1st missed the ceremony!) and the little envelope I earned will pay for next week's entry! Woohoo!