Race Reports from Harry Queripel
Rioja bike race report - Day 1 - Prologue (26.6km with 604m of elevation) - this was essentially a flat out time trial but a day not to be taken lightly. A shoe issue led to a bit of a pause at the top of the climb but luckily I was able to find some rhythm again!
Day 2 - Mountain stage (65.2km with 1939m of elevation) - this was going to be the most difficult day of the three, with two big climbs over an hour long standing in your way. As the day went on the rain from the night prior led to the course being slippy and wet so the day became all about damage limitation, no crashes and try to stay smooth. I was happy to be able to finish the day in just under 4 and a half hours. One of the muddiest but fun days I’ve ever had on a bike!
Day 3 - final stage (51.4km with 1290m of elevation) - this stage and stage 2 had a neutralised start so all riders in the elite pen were bunched together until about 3km in. The climbs on this last day were relentless with not much energy left in the legs. Unfortunately on the descent, a lapse in concentration led to a crash in which me and my bike went flying, this added unnecessary time to the chip which was disappointing. A difficult day to come to terms with considering the way the previous two days went!
Stone circle report - crew
A massive 220km day out round Stonehenge on a gravel bike that I'd only ridden 2 times previously.. ye why not! Not every day is a race but sometimes an itch needs to be scratched.
AE forest champs report - Final round of UK racing at AE Forest — a tough, technical course with a brutal 4-minute climb to open. Lap 1 went well and legs felt strong, but things unraveled on lap 2: a shoulder dislocation on a corner after the first A-line, which in much discomfort was popped back into place. That knock rattled focus and led to reckless riding, resulting in a puncture that ended my race after 2 laps