Over the many years I have been involved with track cycling I have both raced and coached, with coaching being my only focus for the last 4 years. Last weekend’s British Track Cycling Championships saw a change to that and was my first time racing for just under 5 years. We also had 6 coached riders competing at the event.
Entering the sprint competition, I knew approximately where my legs were but to set a pb of 10.018 was incredible feeling, breaking my previous best time of 10.23 set 14 years ago! I am pretty sure that the field was the tightest it had ever been, with the top 7 separated by just 0.103 seconds.
Winning the National Sprint title in front of my family and children was probably the most special day of cycling career. A truly wonderful moment and something I will always remember.
But I wasn’t the only one smashing out pbs and performances at the championships. The riders supported by Black Line Coaching absolutely nailed it.
Oli Aloul set a personal best time of 10.02 seconds in the flying 200m qualification and pushed Harry Ledingham-Horn to 3 rides in a huge quarter final. He then went on to a 13.0 P2 in the team sprint, helping ESV claim the Bronze medal.
Matt Meanwell and Jack Wybrow also both took their riding to new levels. Matt improved his personal best further with a time of 10.14 seconds, while Jack found something special to deliver 10.30, proof that hard work and dedication really do pay off.
Anna Whitworth Hay progressed to the women’s quarter-finals, riding positively and taking races on to secure a well earned result. Bo Mayer made it through to the Keirin Semi finals and hit a great time of 18.3 as P1 in the team sprint.
And last but not least, our Black Line team delivered in the team sprint event. James Brightwell led the team with a cracking opening lap of 19.5 seconds, reminding us all why we do what we do, to ride as fast as you can with your mates.
As I reflect on our journey through the British Track Cycling Championships, I feel thanks and admiration for everyone who’s been a part of this event – from my fellow riders to the coaches at Black Line and everyone in between. I see this championships as a demonstration of what we are all capable of and I am proud of the efforts, execution (and times) of all of our riders who competed. Here’s to pushing boundaries, chasing dreams, and delivering what you believe you are capable of. The next time is going to be a good one and I can not wait.
