31st July 2022
Aelwen went off to Round Five of the Welsh MTB XC series wearing her brand new stripy jumper from the National Champs at Kirroughtree.
The problem with stripy tops for the youngsters is that they tend to win them when they are at the top end of the age criteria for their category so then move up a cat for the next season and can’t wear the jersey in competition. So it’s great to see Aelwen’s has been out and about in style.
Aelwen (Juvenile Female)
Last weekend was the Fifth and final round of the Welsh MTB-XC Series at Llanidloes. It was a new course, hosted by Hafren CC, advised by our own RR23 boss Paul Davis.
I was hoping for an easy ride to wear my new stripy top, but it turned out to be one toughest courses of the year!
I didn’t have a very good night sleep as it rained heavily late evening, and all through the night. By mid-morning the rain had stopped, and by course practice the sun had come out.
I did the course practice with Steve & Ruby James (Hope Factory). We only had time for one slippery lap before the race. There were at least eight A and B-line splits. I rode all the A lines except one rock drop in the main arena that we all thought better to avoid because it was very slippery, and the B-line set you up better for the exit.
My plan was simple. Ride steady and safely in order to finish the series, and not risk any injuries before the track nationals. And that’s exactly what I did!
The course was very much up and down. Super tough climbing with really slippery roots, rocks and single-track. Some bits were just too tough to ride, so it was quicker to run.
At the end of lap three I was pleased to see the finish line, and wrap up the series.
Only the Welsh Champs to go in mid-September so I’m a bit sad that the XC season is pretty much over. It was however really nice to wear my stripy top once.
- Only the Welsh Champs to go but that’s a pretty amazing XC season she has had there. Congratulations, Aelwen!