Naseby: Women's Team Race Series

I was feeling really tired as we drove up to Naseby in the team car for the next round of the Women's Team Race Series. Clearly running around the hospital until 10pm the previous night wasn't the best preparation for the race!

Thankfully the sun was shining and the rolling Northamptonshire countryside looked beautiful and lush. Unfortunately, despite pointing out numerous inviting country pubs, Steve refused to stop the car, so my hopes of a hearty lunch and an afternoon spent sitting in the sunshine were soon diminished.

The Naseby course is tough, with some short sharp climbs and lots of rolling ups and downs in between. After a few nervous "wobbles" before the race, the steady roll out from the HQ allowed me to relax a bit, warm up properly and settle down.

There were several attacks throughout the race but no one managed to stay away. Iona put in a couple of attacks over the hills but even her Tour-ta-Malta-podium legs weren't strong enough to stay away from the rest of the bunch.

It was a real encouragement to have Peter B and co. from Shutt VR cheering us on at the finish line each lap, having ridden out from Oxfordshire to watch the race.

This felt like a harder race than last year's (on the same course), despite the average speed being slower. Tracey, who was guesting for us, sadly pulled out after cramping up on the second lap. Iona and I continued to finish with the bunch.

Sarah

Photos taken by Heather Barnett.