Dan Wells was competing last weekend in the British mountainbike series on a classic venue that has been used for Mountainbike races for 20 years both DH and XC.
At 250 metres ascent per lap over 6kms it is a course for the climbers! ( and no, Dan doesn't like that too much ;) )
As he missed the first 2 races of the series Dan was gridded on the 4th row in 26th position. With an uphill start into a tight right hand turn through a gate into the steep climb, it was difficult to make the places.
Dan used a lot of energy early on to get into 3rd position on the climb before the single track. He could see the leading duo of Phil Morris and Jonathan Pugh ahead and was frustrated as if front row gridded he would of been with them comfortably.
The long climb is not his favourite but he kept them both in sight as they went over the top.
The descents were fast and had great corners and jumps to keep Dan happy. (Before you can enjoy a descent, you have to climb first though... ) Dan loved those sections and it helped him to get closer to the front.
On the next climb he caught Phil, but Jonathan, a great climber and race favourite, was pulling away from Dan. He managed to close the gap to 14 seconds at the end of lap 1 on the final descent, but the effort to get there took its toll on the start of lap 2.
Jonathan powered away whilst Dan tried to recover and maintain his 2nd position.
Lap 2 and 3 were ridden at a good pace but still losing ground on 1st with the climbing.
Lap 4, Dan thought he had a comfortable lead over 3rd but having heard of Phil’s ‘Never Give up’ style it was no surprise to see him catch Dan back up again.
Well actually it was a surprise and Dan realised he’d settled into riding at 80%, he fired up his legs and motored home to secure 2nd place, slightly annoyed at himself but happy with his position against these guys. Lesson learnt...Full gas from now on!
Dan is looking forward to Round 4 at Margam Park in South Wales which is looking to secure a World Cup in 2016. Another classic venue and suited to the climbers again.
Yet another great ride by one of the CubeNutswerk riders !
At 250 metres ascent per lap over 6kms it is a course for the climbers! ( and no, Dan doesn't like that too much ;) )
As he missed the first 2 races of the series Dan was gridded on the 4th row in 26th position. With an uphill start into a tight right hand turn through a gate into the steep climb, it was difficult to make the places.
Dan used a lot of energy early on to get into 3rd position on the climb before the single track. He could see the leading duo of Phil Morris and Jonathan Pugh ahead and was frustrated as if front row gridded he would of been with them comfortably.
The long climb is not his favourite but he kept them both in sight as they went over the top.
The descents were fast and had great corners and jumps to keep Dan happy. (Before you can enjoy a descent, you have to climb first though... ) Dan loved those sections and it helped him to get closer to the front.
On the next climb he caught Phil, but Jonathan, a great climber and race favourite, was pulling away from Dan. He managed to close the gap to 14 seconds at the end of lap 1 on the final descent, but the effort to get there took its toll on the start of lap 2.
Jonathan powered away whilst Dan tried to recover and maintain his 2nd position.
Lap 2 and 3 were ridden at a good pace but still losing ground on 1st with the climbing.
Lap 4, Dan thought he had a comfortable lead over 3rd but having heard of Phil’s ‘Never Give up’ style it was no surprise to see him catch Dan back up again.
Well actually it was a surprise and Dan realised he’d settled into riding at 80%, he fired up his legs and motored home to secure 2nd place, slightly annoyed at himself but happy with his position against these guys. Lesson learnt...Full gas from now on!
Dan is looking forward to Round 4 at Margam Park in South Wales which is looking to secure a World Cup in 2016. Another classic venue and suited to the climbers again.
Yet another great ride by one of the CubeNutswerk riders !