We caught up with Hannah fresh from her win at an unseasonably dry race in Bromsgrove. Thanks to Steve Minshull and Jack Chevell from the CX handbook of photos!
Last weekend was round 8 of the West Midlands Cyclo Cross leage held at Blackwell Court in Bromsgrove. It was a regional race- not one of high priority and a race for me to use as training especially looking forward to bigger races later in the season. I’m lucky that there's some great talent in the West Midlands meaning I always get a tough race and on Sunday it was a battle between Evie Richards and myself. Evie is younger than me but very strong and won the first u23 world champs I raced last year.
We started the race together, I lead the first lap with Evie on my wheel dry conditions meant tight racing. Evie lead the second lap. It was a windy day so there was great advantage to be had from riding on the wheel taking as much shelter as I could. We were glued together for the remainder of the race; neither could get the gap. I didn't want it to come down to a sprint I felt strong but knew she had great legs.
The finish straight was short and tight and I knew it didn't suit me. We spent the last lap attacking each other but neither of us could get a gap. Evie led the long straight into the head wind before the final bend. Whoever led into that last bend was sure to win but I wasn't strong enough to get round her. Evie misjudged the last bend and entered it a little fast. Her back wheel skidded out and I rode round her. It was nice to win and I can't wait to do battle again this weekend at round 3 of the National Trophy series where hopefully we will have some properly muddy racing.
Looking forward to Keeping my yellow jersey, as always thanks to all those who support me this season from all at Kinesis keeping my CXRACE's working well to Gore Bike Wear and their excellent jackets keeping me warm and dry.