Hope Technology XC Race Series 2010- Rd 1 30/05/10

[danevs]

Had a trip up to Lee Quarry in Bacup, Lancashire today for the first round of the Hope XC series. CLICKY FOR INFO

The format was a revelation and quite different to an enduro with 6laps of a very tight technical course around a sandstone quarry. Not a fireroad climb in sight!!

I was in the "racers" class for BC licence holders and the start was rapid with a bunch of twelve away at the front within 100 metres which then gradually thinned out over the next hour and a half until we were strung out all over the quarry. I'm usually a fast starter but the first lap was something else and I found myself back in 11th-12th and feeling like I was about to explode until I found my second wind and started making my way back towards the front (thankfully). I finished somewhere between fourth and sixth I think but I'll update the thread when the results are out.

A good showing by the Leisure Lakes team with David Bentley coming in second and third going to Steve Leigh. Steve's a regular at my weekly road races in Litherland (Liverpool) so it was good to race with him on the dirt for a change (even if he did beat me as usual).

A cracking day's racing and nice to get muddy for the first time since the Dyfi.

[summittoppler]

Nice one Dan ;D
Its good to hear you're not forgetting the mtb Good result and I'm sure you'll keep it up
I take it its a serious race series? Full on lycra was it?

[danevs]

May 30, 2010 20:36:32 GMT summittoppler said:

I take it its a serious race series? Full on lycra was it?

Yep, full of roadies with shaven legs. Faaassssstttttt!

[danevs]

Results are out CLICK HERE and I was fifth. Really happy with that.

[Ken]

Nice one Dan , do you think you'll do the rest of series ?

[danevs]

Jun 3, 2010 20:37:49 GMT Ken said:

Nice one Dan , do you think you'll do the rest of series ?

I can't do the June round because I'm roadracing but I'm going to do the other three rounds if all goes to plan.

[Tarbo]

Well done Mr Druff, that's an excellent result

Just don't forget to come and visit us every now and again when you're famous

[oldgit]

Great effort ! May I point out from your avatar piccy that a flatter back when time trialing will knock a lot of time off your ride. When I TT'd on tri bars I couldn't breathe properly so went back to the old-fashioned method I was brought up with. Hope you don't mind the comment.

[Craigy Boy]

Jun 4, 2010 14:43:47 GMT oldgit said:

Great effort ! May I point out from your avatar piccy that a flatter back when time trialing will knock a lot of time off your ride. When I TT'd on tri bars I couldn't breathe properly so went back to the old-fashioned method I was brought up with. Hope you don't mind the comment.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-HUdQwZT3Y

[Mark]

Pics up herewww.equestrian-sports-photography.co.uk/bike%20gallerys/Brownbacks%20may%2030th%202010/index.html Plenty of Mr Evans

[danevs]

Jun 4, 2010 14:43:47 GMT oldgit said:

Great effort ! May I point out from your avatar piccy that a flatter back when time trialing will knock a lot of time off your ride. When I TT'd on tri bars I couldn't breathe properly so went back to the old-fashioned method I was brought up with. Hope you don't mind the comment.

Thanks for the comment.

I knew that my position needed work but I've just been putting it off so I finally got around to fitting a longer/lower stem thus pivoting my position around the BB so to speak. I'm now flat backed but I've maintained quite an open hip angle so my power shouldn't be compromised.

Off to the Lakes today for a fast ten course where I'm hoping to beat my PB (currently 21:29).