I’ve not really had the head for road racing the past few years. Trying to get through my degree whilst working full time didn’t leave a lot of spare mental energy to get through a road race. However, going into 2023 I still needed an outlet to help manage the stress of doing a degree. A few successful TT’s later where I could just ‘race myself’ and my own numbers, I resorted back to just riding my bike once exam season hit.

Now the degree is (hopefully…) over I wanted to see how I’d cope in a road race scenario again, which is where entering a race at the familiar Pimbo Industrial Estate circuit came in. As soon as the work for my degree was handed in I was doing 60+ mile solo rides. I definitely gained a few free Watts by just not having to constantly think about what assignment needed handing in next. It was guilt-free riding, which I hadn’t been able to do for literally years as there was always something on a to-do list somewhere or a mark I was anxiously waiting for.

It was a lunchtime start time for the race at Pimbo, so it was a fairly slow start to the day. I was trying not to put too much pressure on myself, as I hadn’t had the Summer of racing that some of the 2nd Cats entered would have had. I literally just wanted to not get dropped, and finish.

Waiting for rider briefing, the nerves started to hit all revolving around the question of if I’d get dropped or not. I couldn’t remember the last road race I’d actually managed to finish. We were soon on the start line for the neutralised start, which is where the nerves truly set in. I had to filter out all of the noises involved with riding in a bunch and just at least stick to the back. After getting a speed wobble back under control, it definitely took me a good few laps to settle in.

It was probably the race with the most attacks I’ve seen at a women’s race in Pimbo. It’s not often riders break off the front and stay there, which was the story for most of the race. Attacks would happen, but they’d eventually get pulled back. I’ve obviously raced for a few years on and off, so I sort of know road race etiquette by now. Do your turn on the front etc, which I did do. I just wasn’t strong enough to sustain it for very long. I made the effort though…I think.

Two riders eventually broke off the front, and there was an attempt to chain gang to pull them back. But it quickly just became a free for all where riders were trying to do turns on the front, but nobody was pulling through to take their turn.

After managing to dodge a crash, I was still in the race. Hanging on for dear life, but still going… It’s funny how much you forget about riding in a bunch in a race. I tried to get a bar out of my back pocket, and then had to deal with cramp in my shoulder. I was nervous to grab my bottle out of the second bottle cage whilst keeping my bike straight. But somehow I pushed through.

My nerves were starting to settle thanks to many pep talks in my head. My anxiety will always be there, but I’m certainly getting better at managing it.

My result probably could have been better had I not got slightly confused at what lap we were on. But ultimately, I just wanted to finish my first race back without getting dropped. And that’s exactly what I did.

Massive thank you to all of the volunteers and marshals that made today happen, and organising club Chorley Cycling Club.