A FIRST TASTE OF CYCLOCROSS 

This weekend, I lined up for my first ever cyclocross race at The Heart of England conference centre in Fillongley, organised by Dynamic Rides CC. Having raced road, mountain-bike and track, I've pretty much had a go at most disciplines except cyclocross. So, this weekend, I lined up for my first ever cyclocross race, I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I was looking forward to giving it a go. 

It was a great course, with a bit of everything. On a rolling 3km course, there were some tricky off-camber corners on a grass banking, a rooty woodland section, some planks to get over and lots of grass corners. It was a varied course and a good introduction to the discipline. 

Starting from the back of the grid, and around 35 riders on the start line, getting through the field was always going to be a challenge. The start was pretty chaotic, especially when we reached the first technical section, a bottleneck on the off-camber corners meant pretty much everyone was off their bikes and running. After getting caught up in the carnage, I eventually made it through, got back on the bike and going again. 

Once onto the gravel section, I managed to overtake a few riders before heading into the woods. From there, it was a case of picking my way through the field, finding opportunities to pass and trying to keep pushing for the remaining laps. 

After 40 minutes of racing, I crossed the line in 9th overall and 4th in my age group. It was a great introduction to cyclocross, and I really enjoyed the course and the race. My new Dao Gravel bike and Carbon 40 wheels really impressed me, and I couldn't have been happier with how they handled the course. There's definitely plenty to learn, and I'll certainly be back for more. 

Photo: Gary Hibbert Cycling Photography