On the 23rd of June PSSA cycling hosted this years emergency services mountain bike championships at Lee quarry Near Rochdale. A spectacular setting on top of the peak district with clear sky’s welcomed riders from the fire, NHS, police and prison service. The course of approx. 2 miles long consisted of some natural and man-made trials with 3 big table top jumps being the riders highlight. PSSA cycling were hit with injury woes with two member pulling out due to busted body parts before the weekend had arrived so the team was down to Simon and Allen.
At 0930 the riders lined up. A long climb was the first challenge to great them all and as the gun went a blistering sprint started to get the best line up the climb and around the long steep left-hand corner. The first lap was quick with the lead and other positions changing on every section. As the race started to settle down Simon and Allen settled into the race. Allen was unfortunate to have a tangle of bars and slip his chain which put him towards the back of the race whilst Simon was in a battle for 8th with three other riders. Allens bad luck changed and with some good pacing he started to make up some positions. Simon started to suffer with the pace at let two riders go ahead as he battled it out for 11th.
The course provided many challenges but with some great opportunities to catch riders and overtake. With 2 laps to go Allen and managed to climb from last place following his tumble up to 16th with Simon slowly reeling in one of the riders who he had let go earlier.
On the last Lap Simon caught the 10th place rider and overtook. As the flag dropped to end the race Simon finished in 10th with Allen in 16th. The lads had done well to get round whilst others suffered with cut legs and a broken rib following crashes on the course.
A special mention to Charlotte who came to the race as the team’s support crew. Handing out bottles, carrying the spares and tools in the pits as well as back in the accommodation of feeding the lads whilst they cleaned their kit following course practice on the Saturday. Thank you, Charlotte.
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