Blogs

Mon, 31 May 2010

First race in Holland for Hannah

By Hannah Rich - Horizon Fitness Racing Team

This was my first race in Europe as a senior rider. The last time I rode in Holland was as a youth, so I was SO nervous before the start it was unreal.

Everyone started to line up dead early, and we had already been at the line for about 5 mins, and then they announced that it was 10 mins before the start. I was thinking 'great', I was already feeling sick enough as it was!

The race got underway and I didn't think it was too bad. The pace was quite high, but it was bearable. It was a bit sketchy at times, and I was close to crashing quite a few times... I didn't like the cobbled sections as my hands were killing me from where I was gripping on so tight, so every time we got onto normal roads again it was such a relief.

There were riders going out of the back all of the time so you had to make sure you were on the right wheel, but a few times I found myself having to work hard to get back with people. This was the longest race I've ever done, so when I saw we had 3 laps out of 5 to go, I wasn't happy, as I was dying. But then the last 3 laps were shorter so I was relieved. The race was so different to the races in the UK, and I enjoyed it being harder so was really pleased when I finished it!

There was a crash in the last km which I got caught up in, but didn't come down so was just off the back of the front group. I was really happy that I finished; it was a good experience, and I can't wait to do more races over here.

For more information about the Horizon Fitness Racing Team, visit www.onthedrops.com.

Recent Articles