Day 1 is over and done with and what a way to start off the 2022 ISDE! Team GB had a brilliant first day with the Women’s team lying in second overall and the Trophy and Juniors both in third overall!
Day 1 consisted of just cross tests, but they were still very technical and well-suited to our riders. It’s important to remember too that with the ISDE, it’s a marathon not a sprint so the riders need to find the perfect balance between pushing hard and saving themselves for the coming days.
Test 1 was a stubble field, very fast and typical cross test and a great way to start the day right out of the paddock. Our riders did well but it was clear they were just getting into it.
Test 2 was a cross test but it was a lot more technical with a nice woods section, we did well and was more of a taste of what’s to come.
Test 3 was where the British really showed our skill with Nathan Watson finishing third overall and Alex Walton got his best result of the day, 13th in Junior. It was a great test for us, everyone did great and looked good out there and the atmosphere was incredible from the crowd!
Test 4 was also a good test for us and we knew we were lying third overall in the trophy class so the riders were looking to keep that and leave us in a good place at the end of the day. Aaron Gordon got an incredible 11th in Junior class, also his best of the day!
Test 5 had a great atmosphere and was a great way to finish the day, with massive crowds and British support. Everyone did really well as they were clearly getting into the swing of things and feeling comfortable with the bikes, which was proven by Steve Holcombe’s second place finish!
We are looking forward to today and hoping to keep our positions or move up!