First race of the season! Caersws cup, using sections from all over the place they put together quite a nice track, after last years felling session the track was open and flat-out from start to finish!
Conditions for practice on Saturday were great, (dry track, cloudy with very little wind) it had seemingly endless grip which enabled me to really test out the new bike and see what the track could take. With blue sky's forecast for Sunday everyone was psyched!
Unfortunately over night the temperature got as low as -7 and the track was a solid sheet of ice, making areas of the track near impossible to ride. Slowly the track began to thaw but some sections (still in the shade) had to be cut out of the course. Throughout the mornings practice the red flag in and out every 5 minutes. It was almost 11am before the track was looking any better. So they extended practice to 1.00pm and made it a one run race.
I got to the start early, My run was at 3.18pm. With over 70 riders in the senior category it seemed to go on forever! I got the bike in gear, did a few practice starts. Then got on the start ramp heard the beeps and went for it! I was planing to take it easy and just get a solid run, but I was going the fastest I had all weekend and I felt well within my limits. So I kept it pinned! Staying calm and smooth I just pedaled when I could and hit all my lines as if it was practice. Had a lot of fun and the whole run went well got into the finish field and I was in top gear and cranked it through to the finish. I got the win! By 3.3 seconds. I was surprised, stoked, and relieved! I stayed to watch the rest of the racing, where I was surprised again to see that my time would of put me 2nd in expert, and 4th in elite. 5th fastest time of the day!
I'm very happy with my result. Looking forward to a great season. Bring on the nationals! Thanks to every one who came to support me, Sandy Plenty and Leisure lakes Bikes.
Joel Chidley
Monday 15 March 2010
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