Oli at the World Cup and in the press

Hello

It took a little while, but after 8 months out of the game I finally made it back to the start line of a World Cup race.

The second round in the series took place in Houfalize in Belgium, it is the classic MTB venue having hosted 19 world cup rounds since 1989. The course used to be a hilly epic but with shortened lap and race times enforced by the UCI (the governing body) the race is now an intense, technical affair based on one steep hill side. So great for spectators but not so good for skinny dudes like me who like big long climbs!

Having missed the opening round I had to line up 74th on the grid out of 175 starters. With the need to get in the top 50 to get a better griding for the next race I went out hard over the first half of the race but ultimately paid for my efforts and lack of racing at this level so far this season and cracked. I eventually crossed the line in a disapointing 95th.

But it was great to get back to this level of race and finish, which will only make me better next race. To find out how mcuh better i only have to wait till sunday and the 2nd round of the National series at Dalby Forest which is a big one as it is registered UCI Cat 1, so lots of points to win and foreign riders to fight off

I write a monthly feature for What MTB magazine which you may have seen? if not please find the last 4 months attached as PDFs.. This series is now in its 13th month and is set to continue, so lots more lovely pics like these..

Thanks for your support

Oli