Only weeks after running the London Marathon, I thought it would be a good idea to compete at the Welsh Road Race Championships.

Well, it’s finally here! The weekend of Welsh Champs…only 5 weeks after I was making my way round London on two feet. Whether I think I’m ready for it or not, I’ve got a Time Trial and Road Race to get around.

And if the start sheet is anything to go by, it’s not going to be an easy ride either! One of four 4th Cats in a field of 33 women spread across three age categories, I’m definitely at the tail end of the field! Not to mention the Storey Racing girls in amongst the start list too who’ve recently been competing in the Tour Series. The Ruthin hills are going to be nothing to them!

The fact Welsh Champs is so local is one of the reasons I popped an entry in whilst I was in the middle of all of my Marathon training. I’d just received my race kit from Velotik, so I was itching to get back on my bike. So I gave myself ANOTHER big event to aim for…you know because I thought the marathon wasn’t enough for 2019…

If Welsh Champs had been down in South Wales, I probably wouldn’t have entered. It’s a long way to go for a race if you don’t feel 100% ready for it.

I say I don’t feel ready for it, yet I did manage to pedal out a 50 mile solo ride last weekend. Obviously nothing in comparison to the pro’s, or what most cyclists do, but I was completely ruined by a 50 mile solo ride I did last year. Granted there were some lengthy downhills en route, but I’m trying to think positively here…

The road race is what I’m mostly looking forward to this weekend. Without a TT bike and ALL of the aero kit that goes with it, I’m already at a disadvantage. And besides, road racing is what I get the biggest buzz off. If I can hold on long enough to be in the action, I’ll be happy.

So, my main goals for this weekend?

⁃ Keep in the bunch longer than the 5 miles I lasted in 2018

⁃ Actually finish the race instead of thinking the broom car has ended my race!

⁃ Descend the Nant y Garth like the downhiller I am for the TT.

Lining up on the start line with 33 women is a massive step up on the amount of girls who raced last year. Showing that North Wales has quite a few local cyclists with a competitive edge hiding away!

So if you’re in the Ruthin area around midday, why not come and cheer the girls on as we make our way round the road race?