The Redbull Foxhunt returned last month to Rostrevor Mountain Bike trails in Northern Ireland. The last time this event came to town was in 2013, where 400 manic riders, were chased down the mountain by two time World Downhill Champion, Gee Atherton. It was every man and women for themselves! So, it was tough and crazy last time, but this time I knew what to expect and was mentally prepared for it. However, it didn’t quite go as smoothly as I had hoped! With a 3rd place for me in the qualifiers on Saturday, I knew I could go much faster and take better lines. After two good practice runs Sunday morning, I was feeling confident and really Gee'd up for it...excuse the pun! Up at the start line, myself and 400 other riders sat nervously on the top of the hill, taking in the awesome views of the mountains and the stunning blue skies above us. Settling in, in the third row, I hadn’t quite decided on my strategy for the start, which was really the most important part of the race. Have a bad start, and you’re stuck behind everyone, have a good start, and you’re out in front and there’s no stopping you. So.....I had a bad start. I didn’t plan it and it backfired. I got stuck in a traffic jam of riders walking with their bikes along the singletrack, so having to muscle and elbow my way through them all, meant that I had a lot of catching up to do to get out in front. Luckily, the sneaky short cuts and lines I had taken in practice, as well as lots of grit, determination and luck, I managed to overtake the other women and kept it upright until the end. A bit of a traffic jam again in the woods meant I lost a lot of speed and momentum but somehow managed to make it over the final drops without sending myself into the back of the rider in front of me! It was all over in what felt like 2 minutes! With the win in 2013, I was absolutely delighted to retain the title of 1st women again in 2015. Such great weekend with all my biking buddies : )
MASSIVE thanks to Derick Davoren Suspension Service for the pre-race fork service, as always Derick was to the rescue and forks were mint. Congrats to fellow Vitus Rider Colin Rosco Lines on the win! Come back next year Mr Gee Atherton! Check out these goodies for coming 3rd in quali's! Big thank you to Cycleology Bike Shop NI for the £75 gift voucher and to Ion Body Armour. |
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