Cross Season's Almost Here

With the MTB season drawing to a close and the start of this years cross season just around the corner I've decided to do it properly this time and invest in a cross bike for racing and winter training rides on the road.

Savings + 18th birthday money + a bit of help from my parents = stealthy black PlanetX XLS :)

Have updated a few of the components to make it a bit lighter - DT Swiss XRRS 29er wheelset (incl 10mm bolt-through rear axle) with 160mm XTR centerlock rotors, Selle Italia Monolink carbon seat post and saddle - so it's all ready to roll straight into the first race at Bodmin in two weeks time - bring it on - can't wait!

Check out the full 2013/14 South West Cyclo-cross calender here.

2XC Series - Round 5, Sun 11 August, Haldon Forest, Exeter

Sunday saw the final round of the 2013 2XC Race Series at Haldon Forest.

The track was the same as Round 1 which meant sweet technical descents with some challenging climbs. The weather was mostly dry leading up to race day which would meant a fast race with the odd boggy patch.

Got a good start following Harry Smith (Certini) into the first single track. Settled in behind him for the first part of the lap and made a move once we got out onto the fire road climb where passing was easier.

Instantly pulled a gap on the rest of the field and settled into a good rhythm at a comfortable race pace.

By the end of the first lap I had built a lead of just under a minute to team mate Tom Dunn and continued to extend the gap each lap whilst riding safely to ensure no technical issues or punctures!

I finished first Junior and overall race winner with a lead of 3:22 making it a Hot Pursuit Cycles 1-2 with Tom Dunn coming home in second.

So sadly another 2013 XC series comes to an end - big thanks to Alan Drury at Mid Devon Cycling Club for once again organising some great racing!