Have been racing since March & did my 7th race last week & totally blew up in the 1st lap...

My training rides have been getting faster and I am getting fitter & stronger, climbing & descending faster e.t.c - was first race in nearly 8 weeks ( scene get's quite in height of summer where I live) & I really fancied my chances to place well..

After 3 miles of first lap ! I just hit a wall which lasted until I got into 2nd lap when I was able to pick it up again - I couldn't understand it because I have been going faster for 20 mile training rides on race technical terrain and feeling OK. The distance I am racing is 15 mile.

Only thing I can think of is the adrenaline is affecting me and maybe I am too tense and losing energy this way on race day...anyone else experienced this when they started out ? any tips ?

Also I am now doing road rides - what sort of training do I need to be doing on & off road - any hill training e.tc ?

I love XC racing, the courses are excellent & the atmosphere is great - I suspect also it is one of those things the better you get at it the more enjoyable it becomes.. ?