Danby mountain biker Frazer Clacherty has returned from Australia after coming fifth in the Commonwealth Games. I spoke with him about the experience

The Northern Echo: Frazer Clacherty at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Picture: Frazer Clacherty

Frazer Clacherty at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Picture: Frazer Clacherty

Did you take part in the Opening Ceremony?

Yes and I have to say it was probably one of the coolest experiences of my life so far. To walk through that stadium with so many people watching was quite something.

How did you prepare in the lead up to the race?

I was staying in the athlete village which was also super cool! I took it easy to begin with to allow my body to adjust to the jet lag and the humidity. Then in the few days before I was doing some shorter rides with some intense efforts to get the speed into my legs before the race.

When it came to the race how did you feel?

On the start line all the nerves had passed and I was lined up behind the two favourites so all that was going through my head was to get clipped into my pedals as soon as the gun went and to follow the wheels of the guys in front and I was confident I would get a good start to the race.

Did you have a gameplan?

I didn't really have a race plan to be honest. I knew it was a small field so it was going to be different to any race I had done before, so I was only focussing on getting a good start and during the race just taking it as it comes. I sometimes find with cross country racing that so many things can happen during a race that it is most times - for me at least - easier on the mind to go into a race without a plan and just accept the fact you are going to be suffering.

What did you think of the course?

I thought the course was really good! It was super tough to race, with some really steep rocky sections which were hard to get up during practice never mind in the race. Like I said before, it was always going to feel different with it being such a small competitive field whereas in a World Cup there would be 100-plus guys. This has a big impact on how the course runs and develops over the race.

Were you happy with your performance?

Yes, I was super happy to finish fifth and also to win the sprint for the line as I'm not much of a sprinter! I didn't really have any expectations as to where I wanted to finish, all I knew was that I wanted to go top five and if I was in touch with the front to try for a medal which wasn't possible on the day.

Did you manage to wind down afterwards?

I had four days to relax and enjoy the Gold Coast after the race which was really nice and it gave me the chance to see what a beautiful part of the world Australia is! I will definitely be going back within my lifetime.

What is next for you?

The plan now is to crack on with some training to prepare for the upcoming World Cups in Germany then Czech Republic at the back end of May which is now my main focus - I am super excited to see what they bring!