Thetford Winter MTB Series Rd 3, 12 Jan 2020

I did a good warm up for the race, however this means that you have to start at the back. The alternative was to warm up then stand around for 40 mins and get near the front. Having decided not to do this, it meant there was already work to do. I started well although there was no room to pass anyone on the technical sections, and you had to wait until the fire roads. I kept to this strategy all race. I kept a good consistent pace passing on the fire roads and fuelling and drinking when I could. I finished strongly and was pleased that I was still passing people until the line. I also avoided so many crashes and lots of people walking back holding their lower backs - it’s a very tough course, demanding physically and mentally. My best MTB race so far!

Roland Ward