WORLD CUP ROUND 3, CASA DE CAMPO, MADRID, SPAIN

In the third of three back to back UCI World Cup races, Oli Beckingsale raced in the Spanish heat this weekend in the Casa de Campo park, 2km from central Madrid. The fast course packed with short, very steep hills combined with it’s close proximity to the city meant that a 30,000 strong crowd took in the weekend’s racing.

Since Offenburg Oli recovered well supported by the guys from Giant US and was feeling good come race day, the pace was going to be hard from the start.

“The race was mental!” said Oli, “It started fast and never let up!”

After three of seven laps there was a front group of 25 riders with Oli sitting happily amongst them, then on lap 4 the pace quickened causing everyone to suffer in the 28 degrees heat. Oli hung in there despite a dramatic high speed two wheel wash out crash, and finished in a solid 19th place.

Following his third back to back race Oli now sits in 21st overall, the only Brit inside the top 50 which is a great sign for his Olympic qualification hopes.

Next up for Oli is a National series race in Scotland this weekend before he heads off with Giant Team Rider Adam Craig to the Alps for two weeks preparation for the World Cup at Fort William, Scotland and the Worlds, both of which are high on his agenda.

For those lucky enough to get a place at Giant Mountain Mayhem 2008, you can now read Oli’s advice on how to prepare for the big day at www.mountainmayhem.org.uk following a recent interview with Giant. To read more about Oli’s progress in the run up to Beijing and for his latest Diary entries visit his homepage at www.olibeck.com