David Fletcher – Race Report

Update from this weekends MTB National Championships – Cannock Chase – Sunday 24th July

Words by David Fletcher

The event was held at Cannock Chase a course and centre I train on regularly. The day was expected to be wet so a tough day was on the cards.

I got an average start coming into the first technical section in 6th place. With the course being tight and twisty with little passing places I was happy to settle in. The first lap went by and there was a front group of 5. I managed to make the cut and settled comfortable knowing I had plenty in the tank. Luck again was soon to pass and with less than a quarter of a lap past I fell heavily on my side wrapping myself round a tree and knocking my side. With a slightly dead left leg I carried on pushing to get back to the front and back in contention for the jersey. I pulled the gap to 15 seconds.

From here it continued to stay that way for a 4 more laps.

The 4 leaders upfront were working well and kept the pace high knowing I was only just round the corner. Being stuck in no mans land I began to tire and suffered another heavy fall with a lap and a half to go. A little dazed from a heavy blow to the head and a little dizzy I continued and aim to keep my position. With a rider less than a minute adrift I had to keep the pace on.

Coming into the final stretch of the race I realised I had managed to stick it out and finish in 5th. Not the result I had hoped for but considering the issues a result I feel was deserved.

Any mistake on a slippy and hard course physically like the weekend would be costly. The season isn’t all over I still have the final round of the national series and the overall series podium to contend for.

With thanks to the sponsors – Sherwood Pines Cycles – Forme