I was so disappointed after injuring myself in July which completely wiped out my chances for the National Cross Country Mountain Bike title and any chance I had at the European Championships in Italy in August. All I could do was rest during the summer and concentrate on rehabilitation therapy and getting my ankle better and stronger. After four weeks off the bike completely I started training and training hard to get my strength back. My first real test was the national at derby, Moorways which is always a fast course and my first race as an Under 16. Excited to be back I started well although gridded 24th out of 48 due to the number of older riders I ad to fight my way through to the front group, this was short lived when a girl slid out on a corner taking me with her and ended with me going over the handlebars! I was quick to recover and bike and me were fine but the leading group had moved on and now I was chasing hard. I gave it everything I could and finished 7th which I am pleased with (my aim was top 5) as this was my first U16 national race and I know I still have to gain strength back in my legs from the summer. Onwards to the next in two weeks time in Cumbria!