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September 30th, 2020

2020 World Cup XXC #1, Nove Mesto, Czech Republic

This year the Covid19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the events scheduled for the usual 6 month World Cup season. The final outcome was that two World Cup races were held back to back, effectively condensing the season into less than a week. Competing in two short track and two cross country races in six days in the autumn weather was a new and challenging experience for everyone.
Ross Bell

Short track #1

It was great to be back World Cup racing finally! It had been a very long time since my last short track race also so I was excited to see how it would get on. The weather was muddy, wet and freezing cold which made the racing even more chaotic than normal. I started back in 32nd position but managed to work my way to the front quickly.

I felt strong and tried my best to stay out of trouble but with 4 laps to go I got caught up in a crash with some other riders and went from top 5 to bottom 5 in the space of one corner. I stayed calm and pushed forward through the pack taking my opportunities when I could to pick off some positions.

Ross Bell
Ross Bell

The last 2 laps were pretty much ridden blind as I couldn’t see a thing out my glasses, taking them off wasn’t really an option either due to all the mud and grit being chucked up, so I was pretty thankful just to make it to the finish line in 10th and in one piece.

I was very happy with how I felt but a little frustrated to not make it into the top 8 and get a front row start for the XCO as I certainly had the legs to be up there but not the luck on the day.

Ross Bell
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Cycling has always been a huge part of my life as I have been riding ever since I could walk. I see mountain biking as an adventure and a challenge.
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