This weekend we were down in Switzerland for the first round of the UCI World cup cyclo-cross season at the UCI headquarters in Aigle. It was a wicked course, really interesting and I was really really happy as I got my best world cup result since 2008/9 season.

Riding the course as always the day before we found loads of sections really similar to our new cross training ground in Oudenaarde making me feel at home straight away. There were a lot of short off camber sections with loads of little bank ride/run ups, a sand pit, BMX wash board section, steps and planks to constantly keep you on your toes.

We waited at the Cafe for Stef to finish in the managers meeting and watched a few people still riding around making it look particularly difficult which definately inspired me for the next day ha ha!

When it came to the race the rain had stopped the course had dried and it was getting faster by the minute. With a good start I did a great undertaking manouver on the first proper bend and was back up to the front group. With a few of the girls struggling on certain sections the first lap was always going to be a little slower but I sticked to my lines and tempo and by half way through the race was up to 6th place. Hanka Kupfernagel was the next rider ahead of me but for 2 laps we rode at the same pace just 6 seconds apart which was annoying but motivating at the same time. Having used up all my energy it was not to be and on the final lap I settled for a happy 6th place.

It was great to be back up close to the leaders after a not so great world cup season last year and every week i’m growing in confidence and can’t wait for next weekends 2nd round. With no Katie Compton on the start line thats got to be another spot right?!

Till then. Helen.