Fresh from his fifth place in the National Cyclocross Championships, new 'cross convert Zippy Doyle shares his thoughts on racing through the roar of the crowds. (photo by Gary Guildea)
Rode the National Cyclocross Champs today and that brings to a close my 2011/12 season. I haven't stopped racing since early February and I definitely need a few days off so can't wait to go snowboarding in the morning!
It's my first time riding cyclocross in the 'off season' so it'll be interesting to see how my road season goes when it resumes in March. My muscles haven't even started to stiffen up from today's exertions and I'm already itching for another race; I need help.
Today was the perfect end to the CX season; back in St Anne's again for the Nationals. The lap was ninety per cent the same as last time but the grip and mud surfaces change on a daily basis so it was probably a little trickier this time round.
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I was gridded 12th on the basis of the SuperCross Cup and Ulster cx rounds to give everyone a fair shot. I think I was fourth into the first corner; I wanted the HoleShot so bad but had to hold back just a little which was probably a good thing in retrospect.
The first two laps were blisteringly hot but I felt comfy enough sitting on Robin. My technical ability has come on a good bit since the first round of the SuperCrossback in October and all was going swimmingly until the lactate crept in.
These guys are seriously fit and my threshold isn't there just yet so after two laps I slipped back to Evan Ryan and his pace was to prove too much to handle also.
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I had a good gap back to the next placed rider and it was carnage behind so I waited up, caught my breath and composed myself 'til Daragh Mortimer charged up to me. I was happy with the company and we worked well together to distance 7th and 8th places.
The laps flew in and St Anne's is a really fast flowing circuit which will reward you nicely for nine clean steady laps with no slips or slides. I can't begin to describe how satisfying it was to ride there today; pure magic.
There was a big crowd of spectators and I've never experienced that close volume of cheers of encouragement before. This is a great sport; super racing. I'll give it a bit more attention next year and hopefully can improve a bit more.
Finished up 5th having distanced Daragh with two laps to go. Seriously hard racing today but a bit of me didn't want the finish line to come so soon. Like I said, I need help!
Happy to be off skiing in the morning and then it will be back to the road bike for some BIG mileage. I can't wait for this season to start. Roll on March!!
Ciao for a week.......
Zippy
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