This time last week I was feeling pretty sorry for myself and dwelling on the fact that Sherwood didn't exactly go to plan. This week I'm beaming a smile feeling really happy not only with my race result but with the way I controlled my racing.

On Friday I went up to Dales Cycles to pick up my brand new Specialized Fate 29er... It is BEAUTIFUL! It looks lovely and feels even better. With it's shiny black and blue paint job and dinky wee 15inch frame and whopping great big wheels I rightfully earned the nickname "Big Wheels' from the Irish contingent at the race. I was so so excited to be getting to race on this machine!

It was another long journey down to Kirroughtree (well not so bad when I'm based in Glasgow but still far enough!) and arriving at 4pm meant that by the time we got the bikes put together and kit on it was already getting late. So Yuka Gallagher, my Dad and myself headed around for a quick pre ride. The course