//Race report: NATIONAL TROPHY round 5
What a cracking weekend at the National Trophy.
I've been looking forward to it for weeks if not months, mainly to see the elite riders, but the late addition of two Limited Edition riders changed the game.
DAY ONE
First up, Dom. As usual, he took it in his stride. Probably the most competitive category of the weekend, and Dom was characteristically laid back and made the most of it. Tom did all the hard work with prep and pits, I just pinned on a number, but was still a pleasure to be part of it and see Dom mix it with some Team GB riders. Lets not forget Dom currently leads the SE Cross League in his category, so he was more than capable on the course.
DAY TWO
Day two and Edie's turn to play on the big stage. I dont think it's possible to overhype just how big a deal this was. A rider who really suffers at times with pre-race nerves. Just three months ago, she was going to miss the cross season, having had to make the step up to Youth B from U12. It was just too daunting. Then she came and watched her teammates race, then took part in a race herself and then signed up to the Cyclopark Tuesday Cross training. In itself, quite a big deal. There are some big names there each week. But the confidence it’s given her is awesome.
From not signing up for the regional league to competing in and finishing a National Trophy event is quite the story arc. Netflix have been in touch, but her Dad makes better films, so I think Edie turned them down.
And despite his 4T move, Riley was still claimed as Green at the weekend. By no means his first National, he put in a cracking performance, including a masterclass on the tricky off-camber section.
“We’re going to nationals, baby!”
Aside from 'our' racers it was great to be involved, and the atmosphere was just as welcoming as the 'smaller' racers. The older kids were great at giving time to the younger fans (Lola was collecting 'hero pics' everywhere!) One of the Southborough coaches said how good it was to see our green jersey in some races.
All in all, a great couple of days and I'd recommend to anyone in the team for next time.
Coach James and I mainly ran around, filming, cheering and eating chips, but hats of to Tom who was coach/pit man/bike cleaner. He must be knackered this morning!
