To think that this time in just one day I will be at our hotel in Brno, Czech Republic, brings a big smile to my face. I’m flying out from Stansted on Wednesday morning with team support (aka big sister Anna) and team-mate Erica. We’re bound to be an excitable trio!

From what I’ve heard (which, if I’m honest, isn’t a great deal) the course at Nova Mesto is pretty tough: steep, but not as technical as Houffalize. Regardless of the course, however, and with the whole World Cup situation still pretty new to me, all I plan to do is embrace the experience, race hard and see what I can do.

Racing the eliminator on Friday night was great fun last time and hopefully I will qualify again! It’s exhilarating, fast and furious racing and definitely gets you excited for the cross-country the next day.

On Saturday I’m aiming to place in the top 75 per cent of the junior girls, which is better than I did in Belgium but hopefully not too unrealistic. I’m prepared to give it everything I’ve got so we shall see…

Having got one World Cup under my belt, and a good result at the nationals in Dalby, I’m ready and raring to go. Maybe this time riding with the best mountain bikers in the world won’t be such a shock to the system!