Got there in time to see Aodan grab 4th in the 4th cat race sprint, thus getting nearer to 3rd cat status.
Had a quick chat on his warm-down lap, so started the race right at the back of the huge field. Blimey it was hairy, sudden braking, people jumping out of line. Took a few laps to move up, but didn't want to do much work as racing tomorrow too (as is Aodan). Took just three stints at the front, each of them bringing me almost to the back of the field
A lot less windy today, with the headwind up the climb - AVS 42.3/26.3 for 1h20 . A couple really strong girls doing their share of work (one of them 16th in the MTB World Champs, 2nd Commonwealth Games - how cool is it to be racing amongst such talent!). Was feeling good for the bunch sprint, got what I thought was a decent position, but half-way up the climb had to freewheel as I was trapped between riders (think I even had to brake ...). Got a late escape on the right, but still had some power in the legs crossing the line, a bit frustrating. Got 15th 3rd 3rd..
A good day out, think I did more than the clubrunners, over 150k