Last weekend, after an off season training hard, I rode competitively in the 1st Round of the 2012 Schwalbe British Four Cross (4X) Series which took place at my local track Campion Hills, Leamington Spa. There are six rounds in the series.

Saturday was practice day, I spent time with my coach and team RLS4X The Bikeyard/Nukeproof riding at the track, I felt confident hitting the jumps and focused on the line that I would ride; in 4X we refer to this as ‘getting our lines dialled’.

Sunday was race day, it was warm with clear blue skies and a large crowd of spectators gathered around the track. Over 200 riders and 70+ teams were ready to race, amongst them was 2010 4X World Champion Tomas Slavik from the Czech Republic. Tomas was riding in preparation for the 2012 4X Professional Tour; fortunately he was too old for my age group!

The motos got underway; motos is the term used in 4X for the heats in each category. The racing was fast and furious on a very dry track. Up against older and more experienced riders in the Junior category I rode 3 motos. 2 pleasing wins and a 3rd took me through to the semis but after getting the snap out of the gate and leading the field into the first corner a stuck gear shift caused me to miss the final cut. Finishing 3rd I qualified for the B final where I finished 2nd gaining valuable points for my team and myself in the individual standings.

It was a successful day for my team, 3 riders made the podium, a 1st and 2nd in Youth (15-16 years) and a 3rd spot in Elite(18+). At the end of Round One my team RLS4X The Bikeyard/Nukeproof is in second place.

Round 2 is to be held on 29th April, PORC, Kent.

Off now to train even harder! Be back soon……

(Photo credit to Salvatore Rigione)