Oli @ The National Series 3

Hello

It has taken a little longer than i wanted (but less than i was advised) but 9months after my hip fracture I made it back to the top step of the podium at a National race.

The race was the 3rd round of the five race National series and took place at Hopton Castle near Ludlow. The course was a good one with a long climb up followed by what seemed by endless flowing singletrail down, the type of trail that you would ride for fun with your mates.
After the man made scaryness of the recent World Cups it was sweet to get to be able to enjoy the berms, the jumps and speed.

From lap one I was off the front with Dave Fletcher for company, who is in his best ever form, having finished a PB 45th at the world cup the week before. On the climb i would get a small gap which he would pull back on the descent. Starting the last lap we were still together and well clear of 3rd. I was just getting ready for a very painfull 15min of racing when i heard him puncture, having had my fair share of bad luck recently it was someone elses turn.

It was great to win a national again and was a massive relief that i could still do it!

Report and photos at

http://www.enduramtbracing.com/Item.aspx?dept_id=5&item_id=288

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/mtb/article/mtb20120527-MTB--National-XC-Series-Round-3-0

Next up is the Tweedlove MTB festival in Glentress where I will be competing in the 7hr pairs enduro

Thanks for the support
Oli