We’ve arrived back from the UFOLEP National VTT Championships with a gold medal each and memories from a most spectacular weekend of mountain biking.

Since qualifying to represent the Haute Vienne at the National Championships in Mazamet, the focus has been on training and preparing for this big weekend.

After pre-riding the course on Friday, I was feeling very upbeat about it. It was dry, fast and completely rideable with no nasty surprises. The setting was around a large lake in the mountains – quite beautiful.

Our tent was pitched at the Municipal Camp Site in Mazemet about 8 k from the event site. Friday night we sat and enjoyed an evening meal and then it started to rain….

The rain didn’t stop all night and by the time we arrived at the event site, riders had been busily changing tyres and the talk was of a very different course.

Steve’s race was off first at Midday – read about how he got on here. When he finished, he was fairly positive and told me that there were just a couple of descents which were a bit slippy. After warming up, we all got called to the start line. There were about 20 in my race. 15.18 we were off, up a very steep grassy bank to start and then onto a tarmac climb.

The noise from the spectators was incredible, everyone who was there had an array of devices to make the most noice. Air horns, old tin cans and drum sticks and our mate Marcelle from Nantiat club had an old washing machine drum filled with junk and a crank handle!

As we turned into the first descent the trails had changed completely. The mud was greasy and sticky and on the first offroad climb up through the woods, it was off the bike and run or sit in the saddle and churn. The “north shore” section through the woods which yesterday consisted of rideable bridges, was now a muddy bog with pieces of old pallet and logs strewn every. In a word, it had changed into my worst nightmare.

Undaunted by the conditions, I worked as hard as I could. Lap three and I started to get cramp in my lower legs but I persevered and finished in 8th place. Theo was ecstatic (bless him) and came over to give me a big bissou on my mucky sweaty head. We had won first place for the women’s team in the 35+ age category and it was the fact that I had finished that sealed it.

I staggered back to the van, still suffering from bad cramp and couldn’t quite decide what to do. There was a large marquee set up by the arena with the word “Douches” written on it. Not really knowing what to expect, I thought at least some warm water might ease the discomfort. As I went in, it was like a tardis. The first section was full of benches which steps leading up the the shower cubicles. Each one had a shower running continuously with a wooden slatted floor. The temperature was constant at about 37/38 degrees C. It was an outstanding set up and afterwards we went to investigate to see how this was possible.

We discovered 2 industrial sized karcher washers linked up to the mains water and connected to an electrical supply. The water was being heated by these units and then passed into a large tanker which was then supplying the showers – ingenious.

There was no time to hang around, the prize presentation was in half an hour in Mazemet. We threw everything into the van, muddy bikes, kit – what a mess.

The prize presentation was of course on a par with the whole event. Everyone got treated the same no matter what the category. Everyone was presented with their medal, flowers and a lovely engraved wooden plaque with details of the event. In the audience was the same supporters with their various apparatus ready to make the most noise when their rider from the their region got up to collect their award.

Finally, I got to go up on the podium with Maryline and Sylvie as the first placed womens team. A very proud moment for me as I’ve worked hard to get here.

It was 8pm by the time the ceremony had finished and I hadn’t had a chance to eat yet. We had been invited to an evening meal which was at the local hotel with all the other Haute Vienne contingent. The food and service were incredible. We don’t eat out much in this style but it was a great evening.

Arrived back at the camp site at about 11.30 and we couldn’t drive in. The gates are locked at 10pm each night so we had to park the van outside and carry our kit across to the tent. There were now quite a few new arrivals at the camp site ready for the main events the following day which we were going to relax and enjoy. It was raining again!

Up early along with everyone else. We had such a mess in the back of the van, we decided to get to the race site and clean up there. The bike washes were exceptional with a maze of hoses rigged up to the main fire hydrant. We washed bikes, shoes and clothing and cleaned out to the back of the van before the events of the day.

Armed with an air horn and cow bell, we set off to watch our “boys” ride and give our support. It wasn’t warm and everywhere was still wet from last nights rain. As each of the categories set off, the weather gradually improved and the course was steadily drying out. We spent all day shouting and making a noise which was great fun. We had sausage sandwiches and chips for lunch – what the hell we earnt it!

Finally it was all over but there was one more podium place to take. The Haute Vienne had won Gold for the top highest placed riders overall. As some of our team had gone home the day before, we were asked to take their places. At the ceremony, we stood there once again with gold swinging round our necks.

What an event, what a weekend. The memories will last long and as we arrive home extremely tired and with about a weeks washing to do, it was definitely one to remember.