JENSON Young reflected on a gruelling but great weekend where he became the inaugral national champion.
The Hemingfield rider, who represents Ribble Outliers, came out on top in the National Gravel Championships time trial in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, on Friday.
His time of 20.11 was the best by 19 seconds.
It was the first time this discipline had been held so Young broke new ground.
“I did a few laps in the morning but I rode the course dry and set the bike up for a dry track,” he said.
“Then about an hour before there was a massive shower and with other riders going out first it was just a muddy line.
“I am a good bike handler but it was really hard at times.
“Obviously you have to be looking ahead all the time because it was technical and you have to have a good line.
“To be fastest was amazing.”
Young was aiming for a double celebration in Sunday main’s race too.
He was in contention for at least a podium place until the latter stages of the 110km race.
The Swift cousins, Ben and Connor who are also teammates for Ineos Grenadiers, broke away from the field to take the first two places.
Young had been part of the five-man leading group and eventually finished fourth, one minute and 42 seconds behind the winner.
That was a one place improvement on his finish last year which earned him a slot with pro team Outliers.
He added: “The Swifts made it difficult the whole way.
“You know how strong they are and you don’t want to be chasing them the whole way.
“They’re team-mates as well so they just kept taking it in turns to destroy everyone’s legs.
“It’s just non-stop and it wears you down.
“I think if there was just one of them, they’re beatable, but when there’s both you’ve got no chance really.
“I am still really happy and the weekend couldn’t have gone better.
“I want to win it next year.
“The standard has gone up massively.”
Cawthorne’s Damien Clayton was also in the mix at the front and finished in sixth with a time of 3.26.58 – three minutes and 23 seconds behind first.
With the Swifts from Doncaster and Rotherham respectively, it ensured four of the top six were from South Yorkshire.
Young recovered earlier this week ahead of travelling to Italy for the European Championships at the weekend.
He added: “I’m in good form and feeling strong.
“I could complain about all the travelling this year but I am really enjoying it and in a privileged position.
“It’s nice to pay the team back for all the work they have put into me.
“Gravel seems to be suiting my style of racing. It’s harder than anything I’ve done before on the road.
“You have to be mentally tough to be on a bike that long but the support I am getting is definitely making it a lot more fun and the results are coming.”
The town’s other professional, Imogen Wolff, was 31st at the La Choralis Fourmier Feminine race in France.
