Joe Morley on his under 23 selection

Sunday, April 17, 2011

This years selection for the under 23 k1 men was the closest racing for years with seven potential athletes going for three spots. The sun was shining over Nottingham and I was feeling confident in my new Nelo boat having only jumped in it for the first time two weeks before. 

My weekend started off well, putting down a sold first run added to my confidence. I went on and improved a few sections on my second run and won the race. Taking maximum points from the first race put me in a great position going into the final two races on the Sunday.

The final day of racing saw more sunshine and more tight racing. The course set out was less technical than the first day but still had some difficult moves in, and a few options which left everybody struggling to decide on a plan. Putting down another fast run left me in second place at the end of the second race, meaning I was guaranteed a place on the team for 2011. The rest of the results meant the other two spots on the team where anybody's for the taking! Going into the third race knowing I had a place on the team meant I could relax and enjoy the racing, but still wanting to be first boat, I went out with the same attitude as before and put down a really fast run but unfortunately picked up a touch and finished second. 

Im now looking forward to the senior selection races down in London and some international races over the summer.

 

Joe Morley