News – Ian Field’s High Five

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Ian Field of Hargroves Cycles Ridley hopes to match Roger Hammond’s five consecutive wins at the 2016 Lazer/Ridley British Cyclo-cross Championships this weekend in Shrewsbury

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News – Ian Field’s High Five

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Speaking ahead of the race, Field – who first took the title in 2012 – was uncharacteristically laid back about the challenge he faced in matching Hammond’s feat. However, his relaxed approach is not complacency – rather a coping strategy developed after nearly a decade of chasing an illusive first British title.

Missing out on both junior and under-23 accolades, Field raced for three years in the elite men’s category before his current wave of championship dominance. Looking back at his early attempts to land the national title, Field now recognises a very different approach to today’s successful formula.

“For many years, I got myself into such a frenzy that I had no chance of doing my best. I was either so nervous that I couldn’t perform, or so motivated that I was out of control. It sounds like a cliché but it really is just another bike race – the only difference is that this one has jersey on offer.”

TARGETING CONSISTENCY
Established as Britain’s number one ‘cross rider, Field describes his 2015/16 campaign as consistent, if not outstanding – yet. That’s because the Hargroves – Ridley RT rider is targeting something which has so far eluded him – a strong finish to the season.

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The national championships kick off four races in four weeks that will – in Field’s words – define his campaign as “really good, or one of those seasons.”

“I’m currently 25th in the world cup overall with two rounds left” Field details. “Two good results there for a top 20 overall and a good result at the world championships would mean my approach has paid off.”

Getting off to a perfect start won’t be easy for Field however, with a strong contingent of challengers taking him on for the British title. Five-time runner up Liam Killeen, British mountain bike champion Grant Ferguson and old rival Ian Bibby all present threats to Field’s ambition of equalling Hammond’s winning run.

But Field is embracing the extra competition, rather than feeling overwhelmingly threatened by it. “This year it’s a high quality competition and that’s the way the championships should be.

“I think it’s cool that these professional bike riders, all from different disciplines still want to ride the ‘cross nationals. It’s not what they are paid for, they are doing it because they love it and because the title is important to them.

“That makes winning the title more special and with all of the big names there, nobody can question the quality of the rider who wins on Sunday.”

Undoubtedly Field will be hoping he can take the title unquestioned for a fifth time and match Hammond’s achievement – find out if he can do it by following us @UKMadison on Twitter for live coverage from the British Cyclo-cross Championships all weekend.

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Feature: Talking to organiser Dave Mellor  about the Lazer/Ridley British Cyclo-Cross Championships

Feature: Start list for the Lazer/Ridley British Cyclo-Cross Championships

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