Tissot Mountainbike World Cup - Houffalize

Houffalize is the World Cup. It has been run on a similar course for over ten years, I have been to most of them too! I have had some really good results here, I think 5 top 10s, all be it in the "old days". I have also had my worst race here - this is where I was knocked off and smashed my wrist into a few pieces - which cost me a trip to the Sydney Olympics. I still hold Houffalize in a positive prospective though.

This year the first two World Cups plus the first three national series races form the main basis for selection for the Commonwealth Games. After winning the first two national events and starting with number board 94 in the Madrid World Cup and finishing 46th, I was quite happy that selection was looking good. (I had been in a similar position in the run up to Sydney in 2000, but broke my wrist and missed selection by one point, when I only completed 2 of the 5 events. I still have the scares both physically and emotionally).

Riders all had a meeting with Team Management the Saturday before the race and informed that the interpretation of the selection (first two in UCI points league) was NOT what the selection documents actually said. (This interpretation is still being published on the BCF website as I write this). This I knew as I had actually read and understood it. It says 1st in UCI points league; winner of the Commonwealth Games selection race; plus a discretionary place at managements choice. Before Houffalize I was in second place 10 points behind Liam Killeen. There are only 20 points available at a national race and the chance of 250 at a World Cup (with 1 point for 75th place).       This was hardly motivational.

The race - I was called up 46th (my place at Madrid). On the same row was Rune Hoydahl, Christophe Dupouey and Olympic Champion Miguel Martinez (of these only Dupouey finished - 11th). I went for a fast start option, moved up well on the road climb and was in the 20s by the time the race went off road. Unfortunately I paid the price for a fast start and slowly faded for the rest of the race. My legs were ok, but I was still tried for my Madrid efforts. I seemed to be racing at three-quarters speed. Liam caught me with a lap and a half to go and finished about one minute in front in 41st place. Ten points and ten places in front of me, effectively giving him the first place selection for Commonwealth Games. I maintained my solid second place in the league.

It was another story in the women's event. Caroline Alexander produced a great ride to finish second to Marga Fullana, which has moved her up to second overall in the World Cup.

Elite Men – World Cup Cross Country Round 2, Houffalize Belgium

Elite Women – World Cup Cross Country Round 2, Belgium