This was the first of 10 events for the MTB East - the aim is to get as many points as possible to win the league at the end of the season. There were 5 women in the Elite category that set off 45 sec ahead of the S1 where 9 others and I lined up waiting eagerly for the flag to drop. I was placed at the back of the grid which I didn't mind too much.

The flag dropped and I started badly racing towards the top of the steep hill. As I got to the top I managed to get past a few of the riders and quickly got into the woods where it became technical. There were some really sharp bends which I found myself slamming the brakes on to get around, a steep bridge and few drop offs. To make it harder there were loads of roots to contend with. I got to the 2nd pack of girls and thought I'm stuck unless I try and go faster down the B line, which worked and got past a few more riders. I had one rider left in front of me and I just couldn't get near her.. so I just kept plugging away and pushing until I saw the chequered flag. I finished 2nd in the S1 and 2nd overall including the Elite riders. I'm pretty amazed with my results. I've now been moved into the Elite women and will race with them for the rest of the season.

Sophie Lee

MTB East Travers XC, 6 Apr 2025

© Catenary CoachinG