Dyfi Enduro Report
The Dyfi Enduro has to be one of my favourite events of the year; it has a killer combination of lots of long climbs with very steep, technical descents crammed into a relatively short 60km. There is no time to rest, no flat sections or easy downhills. The event is starting to get a reputation and many top riders travel to compete in what is a tough but rewarding race.
The morning of the event I was a little tired, but looking forward it. As always it starts with an escorted 4 mile road section which suits me as it gives me time to get into it and warm up. As soon as the road section ends its immediately into a very long fireroad climb used to spread the 600 strong field of riders, in years gone by this is the moment where I watch the lead riders disappear not to see them again, but not this time.
I was feeling great and by the top of the climb I was in the front group of 4 riders, including Nick Craig and Stuart Bowers. I stayed with them for the first few up and downhill sections before Nick kicked a little harder on a tough grass section, I wasn’t able to go with him, but I did hang on to the other 2 riders. On the next rough downhill I heard a banging coming from somewhere on the bike, I couldn’t see anything wrong but kept looking and loosing a little time. Eventually I found the problem, my saddle bag with spare tube and tools was wide open, everything had fallen out and a lone C02 canister was knocking about inside. I can only guess how it came undone, as it would not just unzip on its own accord. By this point I was in 5th, but feeling comfortable. I was taking my time on the downhills, looking for the smoothest lines, as a puncture would now mean race over.
Until the 2/3 point everything was going well and I was feeling strong, but then as I was following Stuart Bowers down a rather steep and very slippy descent I caught my front wheel and went over the bars landing on the rocky slate. Luckily I wasn’t too badly hurt, just a few scrapes and knocks to my left shoulder and elbow, the bike was also in one piece. The rest of the downhill was taken very slowly as I got myself together and tried to regain some confidence. From there on I just kept the power down on the climbs and eased a little on the descents, luckily I didn’t crash again or puncture! I finished in 5th place in a time of 2 hours 40 minutes, about 9 minutes down on Nick Craig the first rider home, a result I am more than happy with.
To put into perspective, last year I finished 3rd, but the competition wasn’t as strong and I was 19 minutes down on Nick Craig (who won it last year as well!). Again a good sign for me was that I felt great at the finish and could easily have kept going. I also got my fuelling right and my energy levels were great throughout.
Now I have a 7 week break from racing but no rest from training. The next few weeks are crucial for Mountain Mayhem where I am hoping to be very strong. All the signs so far are that my pace and endurance are both good, but nothing can prepare your body or mind for a 24 hour solo race.
