June Recap

This month delivered some brilliant results across both domestic and international races, including the final rounds of the British Cross-Country Series (BCXC) and the Coupe De France in Lons Le Saunier. 

The month kicked off with penultimate round of the British Series at Tong. The XCC (Short Track) was a short, intense course with a fire-road sprint out and a rough trail sprint back. For the first time this season, I was gridded on the front row, which helped me get a strong start. I slotted into second early on, battling to hold the leader’s wheel before fading slightly to finish 4th. Not the result I wanted, but after a heavy training block, my legs were not at their sharpest.  

The next day’s XCO was a different story. The course was super technical, packed with A/B lines like the Shibden Slabs and Gully Drop, demanding total focus around the whole lap. Starting 2nd on the grid, I took the lead early and pushed the pace. By the second lap, I had broken clear, just as the rain turned the track into a mud bath. Perfect conditions for me! I extended the gap lap after lap, eventually winning by over a minute. Taking the victory on one of my favourite courses was an incredible feeling. 

The following weekend, I raced in France, my first international Short Track (XCC). Saturday’s race was fast and tactical and in the mid 30s so was hot. After a tough start, I fought for my position in the lead group throughout and positioned myself in 3rd wheel for the penultimate lap. When the decisive attack came on the penultimate climb, I followed, after a full pace lap, it set up a three-way sprint. I gave it everything but just missed out, taking 3rd, a strong result that secured a front-row grid spot for Sunday’s XCO.  

The XCO course was punchy and technical. I had a good start and stayed with the lead group until lap 4, when a big attack on the main climb split the field. I could not quite match the leaders but fought hard to drop my nearest competitor and chase down another rider. Entering the final sprint in a small group, I led out to keep the pace high but did not have the legs to contest it, finishing 5th but only 40s off the lead.  

This trip was a great chance to test myself against strong international competition. Massive thanks to Ride for Charlie and, of course, Pedal Potential for their support which helps gain more experience racing in Europe something that the continental racers can do much more easily. 

The month ended with the British Series finale at Kirroughtree, a less technical but highly tactical course, favouring close racing with limited overtaking opportunities. Starting 2nd on the grid, I took the lead early and controlled the pace, responding to attacks as the lead group whittled down. On the final lap, a strong move split us into a leading pair. Entering the last descent in 2nd, I made a decisive pass on a tight corner and led into the sprint. A final burst secured the win and with it, the overall National Cross-Country Series title! 

An incredible month of racing with two British Series wins, 2 podiums in France, and another National Series title. Plenty of lessons learned, especially from racing at the European level, and I’m excited to build on this momentum with big championship races coming up over summer.