The penultimate round of the British National Points Series was held at Eastridge, Shropshire, over the weekend and, oh my, was it a hard one. However, following a volatile season littered with illness, mechanicals and Ofsted, I finished it – and I finished it in 5th! In fact, I was the 3rd British woman. But it bloody well hurt me …

Designed by Matt Hart of Torq Fitness, the course contained over 300 metres of ascending, according to my heart rate monitor. And, when a much needed descending break was expected, he had planted technical, rooty, rocky, difficult, body-thrashing single-track in its place. I have never ever ridden such a challenging course: I climbed 1210 metres in one race! I think that’s nearly Alpe d’Huez – off road!

I was racing for way over 2 hours! Well, ‘racing’ would be a bit of strong verb to use; ‘surviving’ may be more appropriate. I raced the first two laps but my body couldn’t physically handle such intensity on such terrain for the final two. Instead, I was disillusioned, talking to myself and my bike willing it all to finish soon. Ironically, I used to think myself a bit of a climber but for once I was desperate for the technical stuff so my legs could have a break. Of course, it all fell apart even more as soon as my husband caught me on my final lap, telling me I was looking too ‘comfortable’! Comfortable?

Support around the course was great. With Joolze Dymond snapping away and Eldrick, as always, making confident-boosting comments, the laps were slightly sweetened. There were loads of ‘obstacles’ to watch us tackle; myself, I enjoyed watching a bundle of elite men, who had just passed me, unscramble themselves and their bikes following the intervention of a slippery log across the track. In fact, even Matt ventured away from his stand to watch us attempt to perfectly ride his creation! I did make sure my opinions about him and what he had done and how I felt because of it were known.

Likewise, through the feed zone, I’m sure we racers must have appeared slow, drained and amusing to watch – I was! In fact, it was so embarrassing to be in my easiest gear and still struggling in front of spectators! Fortunately, I had Debbie Burton of Activ, Folkestone reassuring me and handing me that much needed drink; and, fortunately, again, her husband wasn’t about to add his usual insults to my ever increasing injuries!

The race was won by Jenn O’Connor – it was her new speed-enhancing hair colour that did it of course – followed by Mel Speth, Jenny Copnall – wearing her new stripy jersey – Maddie Horton and me!

Did I already say, I was 5th? Ha ha!