The National Champ title is a big one for me, it always has been. It’s quite a prestigious title to have under your belt and to be British Champion in 2012, especially when there is such a strong field in the UK, really means a lot to me. Winning up at Moelfre at Farmer Jac’s place, where we’ve ridden so much over the years and which is only about eight minutes from my home, feels extra special.

I’ve always had a special pull towards the title since I first won it in the youth category many years ago. It was 2001 when I first won and I can still remember the thrill of it. I’m lucky enough to have won it in a couple of categories and the thrill doesn’t diminish – if anything it’s something that you appreciate even more as you get older and more experienced. To carry that jersey and the title all year long is an amazing feeling and it’s something people can relate to. If you can say to someone that you are British Champion, well suddenly your gran knows you’re not just dicking around in the woods on your bike, she knows you mean business. I think anyone from the UK who feels that strong patriotism is going to be drawn towards the title, especially when you are racing abroad a lot like we do. It’s special.

I feel so privileged to have won that title as a youth, then as a junior ten or eleven years ago and now again in 2012. For me to be British Champion and to be able to wear the ‘Jack’ on my arm in front of an international crowd makes me feel proud – proud to race mountain bikes and proud to be British.