The National Championships is always a big event for me. To wear the red, white and blue jersey is something special.  As I have not been doing so much travelling to the major international events this year I have not been over raced. This has meant I have reached the end of July still with the same enthusiasm as I had back in March. (I just might not have that extra bit of fitness).

This is the first year for a while that I had no real expectations. I hoped for a good result but did not know whether it would come my way. As many of you know I like a race that is competitive.

A couple weeks ago I spent some time in Morzine at the chalet of Endlessride. I spent a few days (like everyone else) doing the downhills and riding the chairlifts back up. I loved it - why do you want to ride uphill when you can take a lift?  This definitely sharpened up my downhill skills.  This unconventional training paid dividends at the weekend.

The course was a big climb followed by a long descent.  Oli Beckingsale and Nick Craig set a blistering pace from the gun and they just rode away as no one could hold on to them.  With the long descent this favoured Nick. They stayed together for a couple of laps before Nick started to open a gap.  Meanwhile behind there was a group of riders, Ian Wilkinson, Jody Crawforth, Zak Toogood, Dave Collins and I. We were racing each other.  On the third lap it was down to just Jody, Ian and I. Then after some strong riding Ian started to fade, Jody attacked and Jody and I opened a gap. We were now racing for the bronze medal with two laps remaining.  The news from the side of the course was that Oli had cracked and was losing time.

Going into the last lap Nick had a huge lead, Oli was two minutes in front of Jody and I and we had a good gap over Ian. Three-quarters of the way up the climb I attacked Jody. He did not respond and I was surprised how much I had left. I pushed on, at the top I could see Oli in the distance and thought I had a chance of catching him before the finish. As it turned out Oli was seeing stars and almost bouncing of all the trees. I caught him in no time. I cross the line to take the silver medal for the second year, Oli held on for the bronze.

Even I would not have beat on myself winning the silver medal, not even with a lap to go!

Elite Men
1 Nick Craig Trek UK. 2:07:24
2 Barrie Clarke Giant Racing + 07:50
3 Oli Beckingsale + 08:35
4 Jody Crawforth Evans Cycles + 09:18
5 Zak Toogood Trek UK + 10:42
6 Ian Wilkinson Science In Sport + 11:03
7 Paul Oldham Giant Racing + 12:34
8 Stuart Bowers Hargroves. + 13:41
9 Phil Dixon Trek UK. + 14:49
10 William Bjergfelt Team Saracen. + 14:51

more info>>>  www.bcf.uk.com   results & times>>>  www.cambrian-timing.co.uk

2002 race report - Hopton Woods