Milton Keynes Bowl Spring Crit, 25 Apr 2021

I raced the first round of the Milton Keynes Spring Crits on Sunday. I had a hole in my tyre that the tubeless didn't seal so I put a tube in before the race just to be safe. The start of the race was unusually uneventful, given it was only 30mins long. Very quickly afterwards the chaos ensued: it was quick and hard up the hill, down the hill, and along the bottom. Given everyone was out of the saddle every lap it was just a matter of time before a couple of people had better legs and got away. I chased as well as I could but just couldn't catch, I eased back up and drifted back into the chasing group. Given every lap was so relentless and tough I am incredibly pleased I could keep up. Coming into the last three laps I was really suffering. Going round the last bend it was all hectic and there were rushes round both sides so I had to go to the outside to get anywhere. I gave the sprint a good go and finished in the bunch. For a race without a result I am very pleased and couldn't have done any more.

Ollie Maynard

Photo: Judith Parry