Milton Keynes Spring Crit Series #3, 9 May 2021

I wanted to prove to myself I could race better than last time. My legs had been feeling back to normal again for the last week so I was feeling fresh. I did a good warm up and practiced some of the corners on the warm up lap to try and get my head in the game.

The race began behind the lead car for half a lap. Within the first 30 seconds I could see people moving their way to the front to get a better position. I wanted to get nearer the front but I missed my chance and I was boxed in at the back.

By the first full lap I was struggling to stay on and I was really annoyed with myself for slowing down a little for the main corner. It took a few laps to hold my nerve and get round confidently in the bunch. By then the pace of the main group steadied a little. It was still one of the fastest crits I've ever done, and I wasn't near the front. But I managed to hold on near the back and pushed myself not to get dropped off.

There were a few attempted breaks from the main group but they were caught. This meant it was a bunch sprint for the line and once again I was in the wrong place as I was near the back for almost all of the race. However I did overtake a few people in the sprint and came in 13th place.

Overall I still need to build on my confidence. Making fast tactical moves on where to position yourself on corners and in the bunch is crucial when the race takes off so quickly. But more importantly I'm looking forward to feeling strong enough to work my way towards the front and staying in a good position for a final sprint. Bring on more races!

Frances Lammyman

Judith Parry