My pre-season plan for ‘stepping up’ in 2022

Having hit my highest peak in 2020, last season I found myself scrambling for fitness, motivation, and results. To perform at a higher level again this year, I’ve broken down what went wrong, and how I plan to avoid the same mistakes.

HOW TO FIX MY 2021 MISTAKES TO FARE BETTER IN 2022:

■ Be consistent with training and racing

■ Set achievable, regular training hours

■ Plan each week in advance

■ Try to avoid getting ill

■ Listen to my body

■ Prioritise recovery

■ Plan races well in advance

■ Schedule racing and recovery blocks

■ Focus on ‘A’ goals

■ Spend less time on the turbo, more time on the road

■ Simulate races to test kit

MY 'A' GOALS: NATIONAL 10-MILE TIME TRIAL

I hoped for a strong ride in the 2021 Nationals, but struggled with mechanicals in the race (multiple chain drops), so I finished 84th, compared to 72nd the previous year. So this year I’m planning on racing in the build-up to the Nationals to perfect my racing set-up and establish my form beforehand.

PODIUM IN AN OPEN TT

I had hoped to reach the podium in an open time trial last year. After a personal best fifth-place finish, I struggled to break into the top-10 last year. This year I’m planning on racing more consistently to improve my chances of getting the results I still dream of.

BREAK 20-MINUTE BARRIER IN 10-MILE TT

A combination of a lack of racing hours and poor form put my time goals out of reach, my best time for the year being a 20.41 in Kent. My previous PB is 20.19, on a course just outside Leamington Spa in 2020. This year I’m planning to target specific races on fast courses, improve consistency in training, and race more to hit this goal.