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Surf Report – I know this has nothing to do with jet ski racing but I had such a great time I thought I would just share it with you very quickly. I went to Porto with Viky, Laurent and Thomas to a surf school. It was amazing. First of all we did warm up exercises with the trainer on the beach. After that we went into the water with the trainer and the boards and just practised riding on our bellies with the trainer pushing us in the waves. Then we learnt two different ways of how to stand up first of all on the beach and then we took our boards into the water and spent the next hour trying to stand up....it was so much fun. We all managed to stand up and we had a great day. I am definately going to go surfing again now.

We had some good fun throughout the rest of the week too, spending some time on my ski with Lisa, Jim, Vicky, Julie, Quentin etc and some time just playing around in the water with Thomas, Quentin and everyone.

This is held on the same part of the river as the Portugese nationals so we were already set up camp. Some of the Brits arrived Wednesday although most arrived on Thursday.

I found out on Thursday evening that my sponsored limited ski had not been brought to Mirandela and so was very very upset. We decided the sponsorship with Lagoona wasn’t working out for us and decided to go back to how we used to be with my dad taking care of things.

In practice on Friday I went out on Lukes Ltd ski in ladies because he kindly said I could borrow it but I just didn’t feel comfortable on it and I didn’t want to damage it for him so I decided I would rather go out in my Ltd class on my stock boat even though I knew I had no chance as everyone in my class is on Ltd skis, especially on the starts. My mum and dad said that was fine too. Wilko and Valentine also offered me their Ltd ski’s which was very kind but I just like to ride my own ski and would hate to ruin it for them as they had to ride them all weekend too. I felt better when I went out in juniors on my stock ski.

Friday evening was the opening ceremony which is always good and this year was the tenth anniversary. There was a band playing and all the people involved in organising it made speeches and then we all lined up and the parade began......(all the competing countries line up in a parade), We all had our union jacks and wore our new girl power t-shirts and we were as loud as we could be. Must say though it was not the same without Ria leading the pack. After the opening ceramony we did another round at the dodgems and the flip flops were out again – it was such a laugh.

Next morning I felt the aches and the bruises from the dodgems and had flip flop marks all over my clothes! Riders meeting at 8.45 then straight into racing. I was 5th out in ladies and 7th out in juniors. I was so hot in my wetsuit that Laurent cut holes all over it for me and then everyone said they looked like I had stockings on so I put my skirt on for a laugh. The ladies class was a full line up of 14 ladies – as always it was as tough as ever at Mirandela and I struggled. I was last out of the hole shot (think some of that was because I was on my stock) but I did work my way up the pack. Sadly Lisa had an accident and I was wondering all the way around if she was ok. I also lost my goggles in this race so just couldn't see anything at all.I think I finished about 8th in moto 1 but not really too sure. Moto 2 went ok, was at the back of the pack but expected that. I took over some girls and then me and lisa Jacobs were having a fun race being close. Moto 3 I got a good start but then everybody just drove past me down the back straight. In the race I found the back sraight the hardest part on the race track because i just couldn’t hold on and the size of the waves just scared me and then when I hit them wow it hurt.

In my junior class James Bushel and my dad held for me and we tried a different start but it didn’t work out. So i had a really bad start and came out in 11th but as some people made mistakes I got by them and I got 8th. The second moto we went back to doing our normal starts. But I got boxed in and was all over the place. I stayed in 7th the whole race. My third moto I got a brilliant start and was second on my hole shot and came around in 3rd. I was so happy but as I had done 5 races I was really tired and by the end of the race I was 7th so I wasn’t happy with myself about that. Thank you to James Bushell for holding me, he did a great job.

Lisa was very unhappy about her accident and the ladies class had a meeting before moto 2 and then Lisa & Vicky made a speech at the presentation about how they felt about the weekends racing and how important it is when racing - to race safely.

After another fun night on the dodgems we set off next morning to Vicky, Laurent and Thomas’s home for the next part of our holiday. Unfortunately Vicky and Laurent had a bad accident on the way home. Thankfully they were not hurt at all. We rescued Vickys ski, engine, wet gear etc from the wreck and took everything back in our truck.

I guess I have a tough week ahead of physical training as I only have one ski now and this ski has gone to Russia.......watch this space.

Hey just found out from my Grandma that I have been nominated for a sports award back home.......will tell you more when I know more xxx

This weekend was a race at Bellegarde, Vicky and Laurants nearest lake. We went to the lake on Saturday to test Kevins HSR 160 kit- he very kindly let me have a go, wow that ski is soooo fast, it was also good in the corners. Frany Zappata also very kindly loaned me his stock kawi to ride. I haven’t rode a kawi since I moved to HRS last year. It felt really wierd and the tray felt very small, also whenever I went into a turn and let off the gas the power just shot down, so not like my HSR. It was fun though- thanks Franky.

Sunday was race day. First off I was taking part in a 1 hour endurance race. I was riding Vicky and Laurents friends (also called Laurent) limited kawi- I thought what fun this would be. I was in a team with Laurent and Vicky. It was so much fun, after an hour we did 38 laps coming fourth, Franky Zappata and his girlfriend Chrystal also did 38 laps but they crossed the finish line before us. The winner did 39 laps. Next was the Ladies race, there were 12 ladies on the start line. I was next to Vicky as all the intsructions were in French and I didn’t have a clue so just went when everyone else did. I was riding Laurents Ltd Kawi and Vicky was on a loaned HSR stock- I was first to the hole shot and stayed there through out the hole race but could hear Vicky getting closer and closer, but I won and Vicky was 2nd.

Finally it was another 1 hour endurance race this time Kevin Laigle (UIM rider) asked me to join his team on a stock Kawi- think I nearly killed myself, everytime I let off the gas it stopped dead and threw me off. It was all so much fun though.

The endurance team. Thanks to Laurent for the loan of your ski, yes a Kawi Ltd.

Je voudrais remercier Franky Zapata & Christelle, Kevin Laigle and Laurent Pantel pour me laisser emprunter leurs jetskis ce week-end. j'ai eu un grand temps, merci beaucoup!

Thursday morning we drove from Bellegarde to Lyon. We arrived at the airport 3 hours later. We met up with all the French riders in the airport, checked in and caught our flight to Moscow. At moscow we were met by EJSBA Russian tour guides, then got on the coach to travel to our 1 night stay in a hotel in Moscow.

We all aranged to go to “Red Square” Friday morning. We took the under ground to the Red Square. The square was beautiful, i have never seen anything like it. All the different colours on the buildings and some of them had gold turrets. We saw the Kremlin. There was a place where you could make a wish and then throw money. It was just such a different sight to see. We saw lots of pretty brides getting married too. The French crew were mad we had such a laugh. After a really good time we got the underground back and traveled from Moscow to Tevr.

We got to Tevr, checked in and went to unload the lorry full of ski’s. The men of course needed some girl power help!! Go Girls...Go

Saturday was another early start for us as we needed to fit the intercooler very kindly loaned by Vicky at B7sport.com. Thank you Vicky and Laurent. This meant that at least I could go out on a Ltd boat in the GP class rather than my stocker, like I had to do in Portugal! We had riders meeting, signed on and then the practise began. The Course was huge and had a big back straight, when I looked at it I expected to be like Portugal but because it was a slanted wall the waves had somewhere to go making it smoother. I was in section A for the qualifiers and it sure looked the harder class. The first name was Chris MacCluggage, then Poret etc.... Mum and Dad said not worry just go out and do my best – the riders were all top class so I didn’t think I had much chance. As always Yves went down the line and off we went I got a brilliant start being on the same side as Chris Macclugage, although had a bit of a battle with Valetine but I hung in there, Mac was first to the hole shot and to my amazement I was behind him, I couldn’t believe it. Both the hole shot meet, I was in 4th with Valentine very close behind me on his new HSR. About 9 bouys into the course he sweeped around the outside off me and passed me. On the Back Straight Valentine caught a wave and it flipped him off. He got back to his ski as quickly as he could but was in last place by this time. I moved up to 4th but was worried if Valentin was ok. In the splitters I went blue and the guy in 3rd went green. I came out in front of him and could yet again not beleive I was here. Mac in 1st and Jeremy Poret in 2nd with me in third and thats the order the race finished – Yves and Mac both said – “good job” to me.

As usual in super stock, we had to do time trials. I had never done time trials before and was worryied when I found out i had to do them. The top twenty five riders that qualifeid were called to the line. I was really nervous but Yves ran it by the order that everyone finished starting with the person in 25th place so by the time I had watched 22 riders go I didn’t feel so bad. I was 3rd to last, but when my go came i just had to relax and not think there weren’t many people watching although there were thousands and thousands watching. Well I didn’t fall off which was a worry, infact no one fell off. I finished 12th overall in these. These are the results of some of my friends....

The crowds were really filling up now. We had a big opening ceremony where the riders carried their countries flag. There was only me from the UK so I carried the Union Jack. We listened to all the official speeches in Russian and watched the dancers, army men etc.

Race one seemed to come around very quickly and I was excited and nervous at the same time because I know how aggresive the superstock riders are. My start wasn’t too good but I tried my best being behind everybody’s crossed lines. I came out in 10th and held it through out the race. Quinten and Mac had a knock and sadly Quitten hurt his ankle which meant he was out of the race. He had to go to hospital and he had a pot put on and then his mum and dad were going to take him to their local hospital when they got home to have it checked out.

Race two was at 10 O0 pm - My start was very good. I was in the top 5 on my start. As we were coming to meet together from the hole shot I went tight on a bouy and hit a wake and did a big sub. And I mean a big sub I disappeared completely under the water. As I came up, another skier hit my boat but he couldn’t help it. I just popped up from under the water! I got back on as fast as I could but realised my lanyard had snapped, so i put my spare one that I wear on my life jacket in and tryed to start it, I didn’t expect it to start because normally when my HSR has been under water it won’t start. It took ages but I kept trying because I had water in my engine. My spare lanyard kept coming out because it was stretching to far and my ski was coughing all the way around for the next few laps so it wasn’t my best race. I did finish though.

I finished 16th overall out of twenty five top riders which I was happy with. Brice Lopez won, Michael Poret 2nd and Chris MacCluggage was 3rd.

It was a very late night because the free-stylers, Yves stunt show etc didn’t finish until after midnight and then we had to load the truck. They needed Girl Power help again of course.

It was such a good experience riding with the top riders and I enjoyed it so much. I have never ridden with Mac, all 3 of the Porets, Brice Lopez etc before – they are amongst the best riders in the world. The whole experience was just so much fun. It is one of the best race meetings I have been too. Everyone was so friendly to us and the French riders were all mad and I mean mad. I have never laughed so much. My mum and dad also had a great time which was good.

Get Well soon Quinten and hope to see you in Croatia. And for all our French friends – Olay, Olay, Olay, Olay – I can still here you all now.

We arrived in Morlon- Switzerland on Thursday night. It was freezing and wet,it felt like we were back in England already. Last year it was very cold, wet and very muddy. This year was exactly the same. We had just left lovely sunshine at Vickys.

On Friday there was free practise at 3-7pm. So until then we dicided to go to the chocolate factory with Vicky,Laurent and Allain’s family. We read about the history and then it was time to test the chocolate. We all dug in and tried as many chocolates as we could until we were full.hhmmm... We saw how the chocolate was made and the processes it went through and then there was a shop at the end..........

When we got back we got all the ski’s out checked them over and they were ready to test. Me and Vicky signed on and got our ticket for our free meal,drinks and free entry to a concert. We put the boats on the water, dad set my ski up and all was good. Vicky was riding Kevins superstock HSR this weekend.

Saturday morning was the riders meeting, the ladies had a seperate riders meeting also for Monaco The Ladies World Finals. In Switzerland they were letting Hydrospace’s ride in the Junior class as before they said hydrospace weren’t allowed in Junior class. I couldn’t ride in this class though because my stock ski was still on its way back from Russia.

The Ladies were meant to have a Pole position race on Saturday but it was changed for Sunday morning because lots of the riders boats were not back from Russia until tonight. So on Saturday we cheered Kevin Laigle and Lee Stone on. Kevin got second place, Well done Kevin and Lee won. Lee’s backflips are amazing.

Sunday morning we were the first race out and it was freezing. (Where is my Humbrella!!). I was excited as I was racing against multi world champion Karine Paturel on a HSR and Allesia Ida both who I have never raced against before. In the UIM races you have a rolling start and I went in between Vicky and Audrey. The marshal put his flag up and off we went. Vicky was first on Kevins 165 hydrospace and then behind her was Allesia on her superstock kawasaki and then I was in 3rd and Audrey behind me. Allesia made a mistake and missed a bouy so I took the opportunity and nipped into second. I was so happy and kept my place - as this meant I would be on the front line with Vicky and Allesia for the start in the next race which is really important. I kept second throughout the 10 minutes and one lap race. Our second race in the afternoon was just as cold, we all went to the start and my boat cut out so I had to start it again and it wouldn’t start and then I got it started just as the other girls were about to leave without me. Because of this I was way at the back but then got myself into fourth. Behind Vicky in first, Julie in second and Allesia in third. About 7 laps into the race unfortunately Julie made a mistake and fell off and I just made it past her and I was in third. With Julie and Audrey behind me, we were soon coming up to back markers but I didn’t find it as hard as I usually do passing them. Vicky was first Allesia second and me third, I was so happy. The race was 15 mins and one lap.

At the UIM they like you to stay in your wetsiuts for the presentation. 10 minutes before the presentation was meant to start Vicky was told we didn’t have to today – it was very cold, I didn’t think I would have time though to get all my stuff off. You know me it takes me ages. Then I started having problems breathing with lots of pain. My mum fetched my Asthma inhaler. It is a very long time since I have had a bad attack like this and it was scarry. Lucky for me my mum is a Childrens nurse and has a lot of experience with Asthma. She was very calm and didn’t fuss. I had to use my inhaler a lot and this then caused me to shake – which mum said it would. I was crying because of how I felt just as the presentation started and when I went on the podium I couldn’t stop shaking. I thanked Fabio and Ravanna, picked up my trophy and prize money and felt really happy being along side the winner (and my very good friend Vicky Beale) and Allesia Ida. I slowly felt better as the night went on, and I managed to go out for a fondue evening with the B7 SPORT team to celebrate – although I couldn’t eat or drink anything because of how I was feeling I enjoyed it.

Well done Vicky 1st and well done Kevin who had a bad luck weekend - your a winner to me. Mon amour que j’aime a la folie pour la vie - lol

Thank you so much to Vicky and Laurent at B7SPORT.COM for all their help and making it possible for me to race in Switzerland. Thank you so much to Kevin also. Without all the wonderful help from B7 Sport.com there is no way I would have had the opportunity to race in Switzerland so a big big big thank you – I will never forget how hard you all worked and everything you have done just for me – thanks B7 team.

Thank you also for all the good luck and congratulations messages that were sent from the UK. They mean a lot – it seems ages since I saw you all. Will be back soon though.

Next we are off to Croatia for Round four of the EJSBA tour. This round is on the sea with big waves – never ridden in waves before except the Mirandella waves! Watch this space to see what I think.................

After a cold and wet time in Switzerland we enjoyed some time on the beach in Italy in the sunshine before we got to Croatia on Wednesday. As usual we met up with the Brits on tour – the Bushey family, Brian, Foxy & Perry and went off exploring the race site.

We are in a big car park right on the beach, there is lots to do and its a very busy holiday place. I went on the trampolines and pedlo’s with James, Brian and Sam we had a right laugh.

Then I got a suprise because Laurent arrived with Kevin, know its going to be even more fun now! I got my ski back from Russia today too so I tested her and then I went to Sams very posh hotel to get ready to go out. In the middle of the town was a big screen showing past EJSBA rounds and filming that had been done in the pits today. The little town was very busy. There was also a Kareoke on the big screen which went on throughout the night.

Riders’ meeting was at the usual time and the usual things like the course was shown, the deviation buoy and the rules. The same order was kept as in Portugal so my practice was 5^th out for ladies after James in runabout stock and then 8^th out for juniors after James in runabout GP. The wind was up in the direction off the sea today which meant swells. In the morning it wasn’t too bad but then for practice in the afternoon they were big swells. It was actually really fun and I did enjoy it but if it was like this for racing it would just have been a case of holding on. I liked the course here it was my kind of course, spread out, some smooth turns and some sharp turns it was just nice for me. After practice had finished Sam invited me back to her hotel again for us girlies to get ready as there was an opening ceremony. All the riders from each country had to go on stage, The French had the most as usual but for GB there were only four riders at this round - me, Brian, James and Perry. We all had a great night.

Riders meeting first thing and then first start with ski stock. Luckily today the wind was in the opposite direction so there were no swells. Ski Ladies were called to choose our places, I picked ball number one I have never got 1 before. I choose pole on the out side as I thought pole was the place to be if you have first pick. I came out in 3rd behind Audrey in 1^st and Marina in 2^nd. 5 laps into the race Marina took the blue split and I took green. We were pretty close but I think she dropped to her knees but couldn’t quite see. So I was now in 2^nd and I held that place to finish 2^nd. I was happy.

Moto one junior was really bad I was on the outside hole shot with Nico on my right. I got an ok start but not good enough as Nico pushed me to Clement who was on Pole and I fell off. So I was in 9^th. I had a hard race but kept going and finished in the same place I started 9^th. Not such a good race!

We had lunch and started again at 1.00. Sadly Laura and Cribea had a nasty accident and so racing was held up for two hours, no one minded we just wanted them both to be ok and thankfully they were. Once the ambulance was back we got underway again. In ladies Moto 2 I had 2^nd choose on the start line so I went outside of the outside so I couldn’t get boxed in. I got a really good start and was I first around my hole shot and 2^nd out of everyone behind Audrey. I really enjoyed my Ladies race and was so happy to be in 2^{nd again}.

Moto 2 juniors I got boxed in again and was in 10^th and got into 9^th but then hit a wave from a boat gone past and fell off. By this time I had done 3 motos of 10mins and 1 lap and my legs were dead and my back was too. I finished last so I was ready for a good moto tomorrow and beat some boys – well I was the only girl out there!!

In memory of Nick, Lisa and Tina’s dad there was a mechanics race at this round which was also loads of fun. Skippy (James mechanic from Australia) did it on Pinky. I was very nervous though watching the race because I was in 2^nd place and I just didn’t want anything to happen to my ski but I didn’t need to be nervous because Skippy took real good care of pinky. It was fun.

We had another nice evening in the town and Yves put on a free style show in the harbour.

There was no riders’ meeting Sunday morning. I watched the first race and the inside hole shot was faster than the outside hole shot. Before my ladies moto was James in runabout stock and it was his birthday so I thought he would enjoy everybody singing for him and a cake so I went to see Yves with my plan and when he was on the line everyone sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JAMES… We had fun and then when James had won and came back to get the chequerd flag we gave Yves a poster of James when he was 8 – it was so funny, don’t think James could believe it. Then when he got off and came back to the stands we gave Franky Zapata’s girlfriend a poster and she put it on her t-shirt. It was so funny.

In my 3^rd moto of the Ladies I choose outside outside again (even though I knew the inside was faster I didn’t want to get boxed in) I had Manon on my left. We were off and Manon went to her right instead of straight and went straight into me and I had to go around the log jump and carried on but by this time I was quite mad as I wanted a good round especially after having to ride my stock boat in Mirandela and loosing my placing. I knew I just had to ride one hundred per cent and do my best now. I knew I was in about 5^th or 6^th place with Lisa Jacobs in front of me. I began to go different splits to Lisa and 4 laps after I eventually took her. Then I was trying to get into third where Marina was. I was taking green and she was taking blue again it took me a few laps but I finally managed to do it and I just had to hold on now as 1^st and 2^nd – Julie and Audrey were way ahead. I finished third in that race which was amazing for me considering my start, which meant I got 2^nd overall on the weekend. When I came off Manon was very sorry and her steering cable had snapped which is why she came to the right and into me. It obviously wasn’t Manon’s fault and it could have happened to anyone. I wasn’t angry.

Juniors Moto 3 was much better I got a better start and was 6^th and stayed there all the way through the race and was really tired but I knew it was good training for me.

In the Junior Championships I finished 6^th overall with Nico, Kevin, Clemont, Marco and Quentin in front of me. I am very pleased with my result for my first full year of doing the European rounds and racing with the boys!

Thank you to James for holding me again in juniors – you didn’t do a bad job!!

The weekend was a made sad because Manon’s (who I race with) Black Kawi with number 89 on got stolen from the race site so keep your eyes open everyone. I hope it gets returned to you very soon Manon.

Presentation was in the big square in the town again and the trophies were lovely. It was a lovely place to race, thank you Crikvenica and see you next year.

We all celebrated James birthday that night. I hope he had a good birthday and be ready for something next year James!!!!

We arrived in the pits Friday morning parked up and then went for a wander around Monaco. There was a football match on on Friday night Sevilla vs Barcelona. All the fans were singing and chanting all day long. It was cool to see them all. We walked around the other side of the bay looking at all the boats and then we sat and had a PINK drink. We had to be back by 4.00 for tech,signing on and free practise. Me and Vicky signed on, we got a bag full of alsorts of different souvenirs. We got a pilots T-shirt and hat which we all wore for riders meeting on Saturday. We went out for free practise and the waves were huge. Most of the time I was up in the air or under the water!!!! It was so fun jumping the waves but I knew in a race I needed to race not jump waves. My eyes were killing me when I had finished because the waves just hit you all the time and the salt water really hurts your eyes.

Friday night Boss (Laurent), Vicky, my Mum, Dad and I went for a meal and then went on the fair. Vicky and I went on the Bungee trampolines. Then Boss and I went on this big climbing frame which you wear a harness for and do lots of different balancing things. It was a fun night.

Saturday morning we wore our Pilots outfits and went to the riders meeting. The Rules were explained and the organizers were introduced. It was then free practice again, the waves were as bad as Friday. After my free practice I went to watch the Runabouts and they were just flying in the air.

The thing I really don’t like doing is Slalom and here we had to do a slalom championship as well. We were meant to do it with someone else but the person who I was meant to be doing it with didn’t want to do it so I was on my own. It was really rough but I did it anyway for the practice. The top 12 go through to the finals and I was 13^th.

We also had a pole position race, we had to restart the race 6 times as people were jump starting. When we finally got going I was at the back but then past a few people and then got half way around the course hit a huge wave and landed under the water with the throttle full on. When I came up I knew it wasn’t going to start but tried it anyway just to make sure and no luck. The waves were just bashing over my ski. The security quickly came to me and tried to help me. He was concerned about me and my safety but I was worried about my brand new boat that was sinking!! A boat soon arrived and tried to pull my ski but it just disappeared and we couldn’t see it and then she came up. The waves were just sinking it. Three other boats came and tried to help then they had to tie a buoy to Pinky so if it sank we knew where it was. Eventually after about 20 minutes all the kind helpers lifted it onto the stretcher on the back of the marshall boat and a man sat on top of it and kept it stable. The uim marshals k38 (as always) and the helpers were brilliant and finally they got my pinky back to shore. I was so upset because pinky is brand new and I know how hard it was for mum and dad to get her for me.

Dad set about sorting my ski out, removing the oil etc…whilst I had to get ready for the big ball, Marie Stone (Lee’s mum) very kindly did my hair for me whilst I sat in the pits watching the big plasma screens which screened the live slalom finals – Vicky finished fourth which was great.

Then it was time for the Ball so we all got changed, we all had to wear long evening dresses. It was really funny walking through the pits in our ball gowns. We went to a gala dinner at the Yacht club of Monaco.

Sunday we had another riders meeting because the course had changed and Dad continued to work hard on my ski. We had a parade to do so I got my British flags out and tied them to my ski and lifejacket. We had to ride with no helmet on and the salt water so the crowd could see our faces and the country we were representing. It was all on TV. I had never done a parade on the water before but it was really good.

Then my race was straight after the parade. As I didn’t even do a whole lap in the pole position race before I sunk I was on the back row. Starts are very different in a UIM race to what the EJSBA and JSRA run. They are what you call a rolling start which is why your pole position race is so important – it’s a bit like the starts in the grand prix. I started at the back about 22^nd I think but eventually I managed to work my way to about 12^th. It was really difficult and tiring. My eyes hurt the most. It is the most difficult race I have ever had to do. Audrey won, Alessia Ida 2^nd and Julie Bulteau third.

After my race I went to the stands to watch the runabouts. Karine was amazing and she won. Laura Hummel came from 6^th to second which considering she still has a really bad leg from her accident in Croatia was amazing – GIRL POWER LAURA. Audrey was second in the runabout class.

The weekend was a real GIRL POWER weekend with about 40 girls taking part which was brilliant. It was good having all the girls together and watching them competing in Slalom, Ski, Runabout and free style. GIRL POWER XX

Well done also to everyone especially Brice and Valentine in Morroco this weekend.

EJSBA round 5, Disneyland Paris. September 8^th, 9th and 10^th.

Well it doesn’t seem two minutes since we were on this ferry coming back from France infact it was less than a week ago. We arrived late on Thursday evening after the Bushel family had kindly saved us an excellent spot and had a chilled drink ready for us.

I went off for a walk with James and Laura while mum and dad did the usual nattering thing.

Friday was the usual Tech and practice etc. I liked the course this year which was good as last year Disney wasn’t my best round. I had to ride my best this weekend as I wanted to keep my third place and I have learnt that the racing is never over until you are home and dry and anything can happen. I was 29 points behind Julie in 2^nd place so had my fingers crossed for a good round. Practice went well.

Saturday morning and not the best start in the world – I won’t go into it as you had to be there to experience the problem with my ski. Put it this way I have never seen James Bushel so shocked before!! After that was all sorted there were worse problems to come. On the start line I was told I couldn’t ride – even though I was in third place in the championship as I wasn’t 16 and the French wouldn’t allow it. So I like Kevin Reiterer (also in a podium position in his stock class that he had ridden in all year) and Charles Menguy and Valentine Dardilat couldn’t ride either. So I left the start line and watched from the side line!

After Frankie Zapata organized a meeting with the riders and Yves to discuss the issue and find a solution. Basically it was decided that the points for the classes involved would end after the Croatian round – no one could think of a better solution and it was agreed by everyone involved. Everyone wanted to ride but couldn’t. There was also a meeting to inform every one of possible changes in the French law which would then allow under 16’s to race, hopefully we won’t have this problem next year and I will try and keep you informed on this when I hear more.

So the rest of the weekend was spent on the sideline watching – not where I wanted to be!

Think this sums up Paris for us.

Also the weekend got worse because my dads step brother died very suddenly and so we weren’t at home to help the family.

Congratulations to the Brits James Bushel for winning Stock and 2^nd in superstock (and for anyone who has seen Frankie’s boat 2^nd is the best you can be!), Jim for winning Veterans (in the very last moto), Perry for finishing 3^rd and Brian 5^th overall. A good season and good luck to all those lucky devils off to the World Finals in a couple of weeks in the USA – Good Luck you lot.

Also Congratulations to everyone in my ladies class, I have had a great season riding with you and can’t wait for next year already. Overall results were Audrey taking the ladies title, with Julie in 2^nd, me in 3rd, Marina Urbain in 4^th and my very good friend Vicky Molyneaux-Beale took 5th. I look forward to seeing you all next year.

British Rounds..................

JSRA Round 6, Willen Lakes September 2nd & 3rd 2006

We caught the ferry from Calais to Dover at 6am on Friday morning and got to Milton Keynes about 10am. We had all day to set up and relax. We wern’t the only ones there Karen Cable and family, Matt Atkin and family and Brooke and her family were there too. We got both of my ski’s teched and then we were sorted.

That evening Brian,James,Ryan,Lewis,my mum and dad and I all went to the snow dome. James and Brian went snow boarding and Mum, Dad and I had a drink and watched them. It looked great fun and I really want to have a go myself.

I signed on Saturday morning and then had riders meeting. The course was big and had two spliters as it usually does at Milton Keynes. I really liked the course. We had a practice session as usual and then I had a one race break before it was my first moto for Novice ski. I went on the outside hole shot with Abby next to me. Abby got the outside hole shot and Jamie got the inside hole shot. Jamie pulled away and me and Abby were having a friendly battle for 2nd place with Abby in second but 5 laps later I took here on the inside and got into 2nd. Jamie still held on to the lead.

I had one race inbetween Novice and Juniors. They called me to pregrid while I was racing and my dad didn’t hear it so i didn’t have any choice of where to go so they put me on the inside, but I didn’t mind as I had already missed four motos in this championship through injury. Lee got the hole shot then Gemma and then me but then Gemma took blue and I took the green spliter and I came out in front of gem. I then started catching Lee but just couldn’t get there. I finished second.

Sunday morning we had another riders meeting and some people went out for practise. My race wasn’t until just before lunch so I had time to relax but I was in my wet suit so I could watch everyone else especially as some of the points were so close in some classes the overall championship depended on today’s results. Also I loaned my limited “Pinkie” to my friend Chris Wilkinson 777 as his ski was completely out of action. It was really strange watching her race but she did Chris proud (might have something to do with Chris’s good riding too though).

Girl Power beginner juniors with Sophie and Brook both on the podium. Hope your leg gets better soon Emilly.

When it came to my race I wasn’t nervous at all today – think its because I had missed so many motos this championship through my injury and everything else that has gone on this season for me, I am not really sure why I wasn’t nervous. In Novice I went on the outside hole shot with Jamie on my left and Abby on my right. Jamie got the hole shot with me behind him. I enjoyed the race but Jamie was to far ahead and impossible to catch. After lunch was my junior race. I went on the outside hole shot again. I came out in 3^rd and then 4 laps into the race I missed a buoy so I had to take the deviation buoy and Josh took over me.

Taking second overall on the day in Juniors and Novice

Overall on the day I finished 2^nd in both juniors and Novice but to my complete amazement despite missing 3 motos because of my injury I finished 3^rd in the Championship overall and again despite missing 4 motos in juniors I still finished on the podium in 5^th place overall so not a bad end to the season. Well I just hope my good luck continues as I am currently lying in third place overall in Ladies in Europe and we are off to Paris now for the last round, fingers crossed of course.

Round 5, Stockton 8^th & 9^th July 2006.

Well a short race report this round as I was unfit to ride following my accident at the last round. I have grade 3 (which is the worst) soft tissue damage to my Gastrocnemius and soleus muscles and as yet I am unable to weight bare and need my crutches to get about………yes they are pink!!! I am at sports clinic everyday for Ultrasound treatment and don’t know yet when I will be fit.

Of course they are pink!

I still went along to the race meeting though for some GIRL POWER support. I had really looked forward to Stockton too as I guessed it would be a long hole shot. Thank you to everyone for the lovely cards and presents I received and all the good wishes ….it was lovely to arrive to. We had more bad news on Saturday when Ria and Matt were both injured in a bad accident Ria got a fractured jaw and Matt badly bruised ribs, it was horrible. Jeremy our race director also broke his finger in the rescue. It was not a good day. It got better at night though when all of them were back from hospital.

Sunday and first race out was Girl Power Ria’s race and she raced, yes with her broken jaw and she was brill and kept her lead in the championship. Well done Ria but my mum says you are mad for real now!!! My Pinkies came in useful to other riders this weekend – James Bushell said “that my skis are like Herbie and want to come out to play”.

Top Girl Power news – Abby Littlechild my friend and team mate finished 4^th on the podium in Novice ski – many congratulations Abby, want to see more now. Also on Sunday in the junior class that we sponsor the top three were all girls Emily, Brooke and Sophie…..how cool is that, well done Girls keep it up. GIRL POWER.

It was hard to watch as I wanted to be out there and I will be back just not sure when yet. Hope to see lots of you in Portugal and I am working hard to be fit to ride there. Lark the Shark will be riding in Portugal and brilliant news that Karine Paturel (6 times World Champion) will be riding in Croatia – how exciting is that. I will try and keep you all posted.

Well done everyone at round 5. Special well done to team mates Jamie on winning Novice Ski, Luke on winning Superstock, Matt on second in juniors and Abby on her fourth in Novice. Good team weekend too.

I would just like to say a huge Thank you to Doug at AFX Helmets for adding Brookes helmet to my sponsorship deal……..thank you so much Doug. Loved all the goodies too.

Also while on the subject of sponsorship I would like to thank James Bushell of 158 racing for my new tote, thanks James – but it’s not pink!!!

As usual we arrived Friday evening on site and I went straight off to see all my friends. The weather was lovely so everyone was out and about. We had my ski’s teched which was good because for some strange reason my stock ski decided it didn’t want to start but dad spent some time on it and managed to get it going although don’t know why it wouldn’t start. Phil Pope and James Bushel had been down the lake doing some testing and had managed to loose a pump in the bottom of the lake and it was so funny when James came across to borrow our flippers, snorkel & mask and walked across the site wearing it, they are mad. Most of us went for a dance in the clubhouse Friday evening which was cool too.

Saturday morning and race day – Ski’s out and ready for action. Riders meeting at 12, and straight out for practice after that. We were racing on the big lake this time which was cool, I have never raced on this lake before. The course had a double a splitter which was exciting. After everyone’s practice it was my Novice race – I needed to do well again in this class because although I was still winning this class Josh was giving me a good battle and Jamie (my team mate) was close behind too. On the start line I was next to Lee Wheeler on his HSR and Abby (also my team mate) on her HSR. Under starters orders and we were off….Josh got the hole shot and I was second with Jamie close up behind me. The race carried on like this all way through, I tried to catch up with Josh and got close at one bit when he made a mistake but I just couldn’t get by him. I was pleased with my second though, it was what I needed. Well done Josh. Jamie finished in third and Abby finished in fifth and everyone tells me she had a brill race so well done Abby.

Junior race – I was lying in second position in this class, just three points behind my really good friend Lee Wheeler so again needed to try and ride my best. But I had a major problem as my ski had decided not to start even though I had just been out in practice on it. My dad was trying really hard to get it going and he was soon joined by the rest of the team trying everything but it just wouldn’t start. I was really upset. Then we had a thought to see if I could borrow Jason from Quest ski as it was stock so we put a call out and Andy from Lagoona went off running across the site at the very last minute it very kindly arrived but I was told I had to get to the start line fast – Dawn was saying run run fast and my mate Luke, bless him swam like mad with my ski to the start line. Lots of people helped me and thank you to everyone – I will always remember it. It was a frantic time. Thank you everyone. Starters orders and we were off – I came out of the hole shot in about third place but then as I went into a buoy I got hit in the side of my ski with the ski going over the back of my ski and hitting my legs……the race was red flagged and Rob and Glyn brought me back on the spine board to the ambulance. The paramedics and Dr Jolley checked me out and sorted my leg out. It hurt me well bad and I was shaky. It was a frightening time. I obviously missed my race. I was pleased I wasn’t seriously hurt but sad I was out of the championship and really upset that I had damaged Jason’s ski (ripped the mats and damaged both sides of the tray where the ski went over it) but my mum and dad and everyone said they would sort Jason’s ski and it would all be ok. Really sorry Jason. Thanks Andy.

The racing was over for the day now and England was playing football. We had all planned before my accident to watch it in the club and Sam Bushel came across and made sure I still got to see the match, she took me in the wheelchair. My leg was well hurting but the Girl Power team just cheered me up so much, they were all brilliant and really looked after me. Everyone really looked after me. Thank you. All night people came to see if I was ok, it was very kind of everyone. It was also Abbys birthday too so we still had our planned BBQ and surprised Abby with a birthday cake etc…

Next morning I still couldn’t put any weight on my foot, it hurt if my big toe even touched the floor and I couldn’t get my foot flat so on my mum and Dr Jolley’s advice we went off to Boston Hospital to get it checked out. All the time I was in the waiting room I kept thinking wonder who is winning their race, it was horrible not being there. I had my x-rays done and thank goodness it was like Dr Jolley had thought at first no fractures but bad soft tissue damage. They measured me up with crutches, taught me how to use them, and gave me lots of things to do and an appointment in fracture clinic next week to check how it is going. I missed watching my Novice race but was back in time for the afternoon racing, including my junior class. It was horrible sat watching when I should have been in the race. Some of the riders also said it wasn’t the same on the line without me – thank you. One of my racers also said it wouldn’t be the same winning without me in the class – how cool is that. Thank you.

Not sure when I will be back racing but I will be back. My mum had hoped it would put me off but no way. I can’t wait to be back. I am going to sports injury clinic this week so will keep you informed. I got no points at all in my junior class at this round and missed a moto in my Novice so my hopes are gone now in Britain this year so will just have to train for next year now. I really want to be well for Portugal and will do everything I can to try and be. I will keep you posted on here.

Thank you to everyone. All JSRA officials, Glyn & Robert for bringing me in, the paramedics and Dr Jolley, all the Girl Power team, all the get well wishes, Jason form Quest (sorry), the whole Lagoona Park team and Just everyone xxxxxx

Well the weather didn’t have to do much to be better than Austria! But it was the best this weekend – even my mum had shorts and her bikini on and if you know my mum you know how nesh she is!

As always we arrived on Friday evening, picked our pitch next to the waters edge and saved some spots for the rest of the team. I went off to meet my friends and have a cuddle with little Faith (Dawns daughter), and mum and dad went to say hi to Guy & Dawn whose lake we were racing on. The set up was great with lots of toilets and a marquee with a BBQ. I had a fun night with my friends.

As usual Saturday morning was check over the ski’s, tech, signing in etc and riders meeting at lunchtime. Then it was out for practice. The lake was big and the course looked good. I had two races on Saturday one for Novice and one for juniors. My Novice race went well but I just couldn’t catch Josh at all, he was flying. Josh won and I came in second – well done Josh you rode a really good race. I enjoyed every minute of the race. There was just one race in-between my Novice and juniors so I was soon out again in juniors. Our first race was red flagged so after a restart I got off to a good start but soon realised there was something wrong with my ski so I just hoped I could do two laps before it broke down otherwise I wouldn’t get any points. I kept shaking the handle pole as it seemed to help and thought I will just have to do my best; it was difficult to ride as it kept cutting out almost and then going again but only for a second or so. To my amazement it kept going all through the race and I stayed out in front but I could hear Josh behind me getting closer and closer. When I finished and my dad pulled my ski out of the water it was absolutely full of water and the connector to the intercooler had split which meant that all the water from the lake going to the intercooler was just going into my ski, filling it up with water. How lucky was I. Luckily my dad repaired it and it was all ready for tomorrow. That was good because I didn’t want my dad to have to work on my ski into the night again especially as it was Andy’s birthday and we needed to celebrate. We had a BBQ and gave Andy his presents – my presents to him were all pink including a pink tool kit!! Andy even wore his pink apron to cut his cake. I drive him mad with my pink. Andy also got a large water shooter for his birthday from Abby & Kris so you can imagine the fun!

Sunday morning – riders’ meeting was early and after a change to the course to make the splitters equal it soon got around to my Novice race. This time I decided to go on the outside holeshot and I came out in the lead and I luckily stayed out in front although I did have a couple of wobbly moments! Josh came in second which meant that although we have equal points 113 I had won on the day. My junior race was in the afternoon and I knew I had to do really well in this class as I had a pretty bad round at Tattershall so I went on the outside again as it was lucky for me this morning. I managed to come out of the splitter in first place and stayed there again throughout the race. This meant I had 3 wins and a second in my four motos so two wins on the day.

GIRL POWER – guess who won superstock, beating the best boys in racing?????

Yes it was Ria Pickard. How cool is that. What was so funny also was at presentation James and Phil wore Girl Power vest – it was brilliant.

My team mate Abby made a sad but right decision not to ride this weekend after her horrible accident in Austria. I hope you can ride at round four Abby.

Sadly Dawn had a clash and I hope her arm and head get well soon oh and your broken foot Dawn!

Hope Sarah our lap scorer soon feels better after her hospital trip on Friday and Saturday and Get well soon to Lauren’s Vicky after her very serious road accident.

ü Well done Jamie, you rode well again (although I can’t see you in my Novice class!!)

ü Luke your last superstock race was amazing – you had such a battle with our friend Chris and tried hard to catch up with Neil on your Ltd ski. It was amazing to watch.

ü Matt I obviously can’t see your race (as I am in it) but I am told you came from last to third and rode your brand new HSR brilliantly. I best watch out…..the black is back.

Good Luck to everyone at round four to be held at Tattershall in Lincolnshire on the first weekend in July. Hope to see you there.

Just confirmed is that I will be racing in Russia near Moscow by the kind invitation of the Russian Olympic committee and Yves. The race is at Tver and may be attended by up to 100,000 spectators. Scary or what! Visas and flights are being sorted out now.

I have also been invited by the King of Morrocco to race there in August and I think I am the only girl invited. Sounds lovely.