16.10.11 - Change of format for this race meant an early morning start in the dark and heavy rain instead of the usual leisurely Friday drive and evening track walk. When I arrived I was glad to see the track was almost same as my last race at Moelfre.
DMR Omen was fitted out with some well used Maxxis high rollers but after one run and puncture I decided to change to some new Specialised Butchers that I had won earlier in season. The 26x2.3 tyres downhill tyres would be strong enough to cope with the rocks on top and mid section. Fortunately weather had become dry and sunny so mud would hopefully not be a problem this weekend.
With the bike running well, blue sky and sunshine the day was really enjoyable and atmosphere in pit area was really good - the comfortable beer tent may have helped. Most runs went well but several red flags interrupted flow. The big step down on top section was a challenge for many including myself and caught several out.
This weekend we travelled home Saturday evening for first time this season on a race weekend which seemed very strange.
SUNDAY 17.10.11 - Arrived at Moelfre and sunshine broke out for my first practise run which went well. Plan was for a good steady first run and hopefully a good race time. After first race run I posted a time of 2.51 which was a ’massive16 seconds’ in front of next rider - I was very suprised. After short break I was thinking I could knock a good few more seconds off this time and going over various line choices.
My second run turned out a bit of a disaster as I pulled away from start gate and chain snapped causing rear to swing round nearly taking out two other riders. After such a rubbish start all I could do was freewheel down track. Luckily I had held onto my first run winning time.
FANTASTIC - ENGLISH NATIONAL DOWNHILL CHAMPION 2011
Race Statistics: 1st in Hardtail category. 16 second margin over second place.
Many thanks to wonderful sponsors for support especially DMR Bikes/Tektro/YBN Chains/Madison/Kik clothing.
“The culmination of all of the hard work this year, my goal since Ironman Arizona last November, my dream since I supported Chrissie and first experienced the magic of the event at the 2009 World Ironman Championships, this was it, I’d qualified and I was booking flights to the Big Island, and it’s amazing how quickly the race comes up on you.”
