Season Complete

So the year’s season is over, the last 2 races didn’t go the way I’d have liked crashing out of marathon championships and crashing in track practise for the British XC final. A small slip of wheels at speed on a greasy descent sent my flying along the rocky ground tearing a cut just below my elbow requiring stitches from an ambulance crew. After an evening taking a cocktail of painkillers I still didn’t get much sleep and by Saturday morning I was feeling pretty knackered. Still undecided I went to the venue but after riding the bike it was obvious that it wouldn’t be wise for me to race.

A sad end to what’s been a fantastic year. I must remember all the magical moments from the last 7 months including the world cups in Dalby, Houffalize, and Offenburg, the 6th and 11th place in the national series, my silver medal in the national cross country championships, my trip to the Alps with GPM10, the hard fought race between 3 TORQ teammates at the Big Welsh Enduro, chasing down the lead quad bike at Twentyfour12, and the amazing fun I had at the Gorrick 12hr. I’ve made many new friends along the way and gained lots of happy memories.

Saturday’s end of season party was pretty epic aswell! I think we proved that not all xc racers are lightweight drinkers and that we can have a good night out returning back to base at 5am. Huge respect to Phil Lenney, George Budd and Carla Haines who then after very little sleep raced the Newnham 60km enduro later that morning!

Racing for the biggest and best cross country team in the UK this year has been a huge privilege. TORQ team management did a fantastic job to create such a huge list of sponsors and gather such a great group of riders. It’s been great getting to know a new bunch of people.

Here are a few pictures of this year’s best moments.


Magnificat '6hr team timetrial' sportive


Dalby WC Pro Sprint Eliminator


That silver medal

Im excited thinking about next years possibilities already but plans are still undecided, the training has now finished and I’m resting but the team negotiations are just beginning. Hopefully I’ll have some more news next time I blog.