Southern XC - DNF

In reality I knew I shouldn’t be riding let alone racing. Still I convinced myself to drive to Hampshire for the first round of the Southern Series. I’d developed a phlegmy cough during the week which had headed to my chest leaving me short of breath. The only reason I was still tying a number board to the handlebars was largely out of frustration. I’ve been feeling really strong on the bike in recent weeks and had been focused and looking forward to this opportunity to turn that form into a race result.  With such a limited number of XC races this year I couldn’t face missing the chance of racing. Especially on a local course very much suited to my strengths, where last year I finished on the podium. My previous race this year had been affected by a mechanical issue so I was really keen to get a result on the board that I felt my current form deserved.

I got a lot of coughing out of the way on the warm-up lap. As usual the Matterley course was defined by the long climb up from the valley. The rest of the course traversed its way up and down the steep Downland hillside, linking woodland singletrack with gravel farm tracks. Veterans were racing in the afternoon by which time the course had dried considerably, but I’d imagine that it had been a very slippery experience for the morning races. A bitingly cold northerly presented a serious headwind during several of the more open sections of the course.

Off the line I kept a close eye on those familiar faces I’d normally expect to be racing. Initially I kept them in sight, but in hindsight it was clear I was actually just hanging on. We reached the foot of the climb for the first time. I’d expect to be strong here, this is why I like this course. But there was no fire in the legs, no attack! I barely held station. I dragged myself to the top and then watched the gaps ahead gradually grow while my lungs fought for oxygen and the legs tried to recover.

Perhaps it was tiredness or maybe I was trying to overcompensate, but I misjudged one of the opening corners of the second lap, the front wheel washing out from under me on the slippery chalk. I was quickly back up, but it was a further 10 to 15 seconds given away.

I dug in and clawed back the positions I’d lost during the fall, but those I’d hoped to be racing were by now in a different race up ahead. The second time up the climb was worse than the first, this time I was actually shipping positions. Sliding backwards and now nearer the tail of the 50 rider field than the front.

As I crossed the line I became aware that the mechanical issue which plagued my last race had returned. The chain had slipped off the lower jockey wheel. I stopped, looped the chain back on and set off again a further 10 – 15 seconds given away and another dent to the motivation. Physically I was struggling and my pace was slowing. Mentally I was also now a mess. I was passed by two riders I can usually comfortably beat and as they rode away from me I had no response, I had given up. I backed off and spun my way around the remainder of the lap, rolling across the line and then heading straight for the car and home 2 laps early.

It was my first DNF for nearly 5 years, leaving me angry and frustrated. If only the race had been a week earlier when I had been flying. I feel I’ve missed a golden opportunity at a course suited to my strengths. I’m also cross with myself for even trying and putting myself in that position of failure.

I’ve been away travelling on business this week. Being away from the bike hasn’t helped me get over the irritation of last weekend. Now I am home I need to reset and focus on the rest of the year.