The Life of Simon

Vuelta a Bolivia Part 2

2012-01-20T15:20:00.002+01:00

(I still don't have a computer and can't upload any photos ! Hope the words are enough.)

Again a while since last blog; it is amazing how not having a computer or internet can make keeping in touch dificult, I have got to the point where on my way home from a ride I am at the Irish bar at the bottom of the mountain where i live to catch up on my days! At least for now anyhow.

Picking up from the last blog; those pointless first 2 days were lost in terms of the overall event. However I will say, the feeling in my legs were not lost. Apart from the time already spent racing the heat was up to 40 degrees. To add to the matters I woke up on the day of the true start of the tour with a very bad stomach, I was told it wasn't uncommon and I will just (JUST) have to so eating for a couple of days and take some sickness pills. this was bad news, the task of just finishing wasn't enough.

I just ignored the feeling of needing the toilet and vomiting best I could, this was an opportunity i have waited for, a true challenge, to get through the race was my goal.

I raced the first 3 days, stages 1, 2 and 3 averaging 215 KM per day, hitting the 40's for temperature. These were relatively flat stages, but the wind was immense at times.

As we started stage 1 after 30 minutes of racing mostly downhill a group went up the road. To be honest I personally thought this was ok, the columbians had no one in that group and they were the people to watch, however myself and my team were put on the front to control things. We motored for the first hour, taking advantage of the downhill, but unbelievaby the front group pulled out an advantage of 8 minutes! By half way this was upto 11 minutes. The heat and first 2 tough days became apparent, and slowly myself and 2 other team mates were left pulling the peloton. All of a sudden 3 team mates punctured and one went out the back into groupetto. I had spent all day in the left hand side of the road riding as close to the edge as I could to use the guy in front to keep me out of the wind.With this situation I was in the right place, I knew how to race like this, Belgium taught me that, and I even found myself able to get back to the team car for water etc and then back to the front. With 60Km left to race a couple of riders from the all-day break filtered back into the peleton and I think this sparked some urgency, there was still 6 riders with a 5 minute or so advantage. I was the only left with legs and I knew i had to give my best to take something away from the day, the group up the road was away but we were still racing for 7th. The Argentinians were a team of bull dozers, just hug guys and they really tried to rip things up at the end. In the end I followed an ok wheel just misjudged the sprint and finished in 18th. It was a scorching day and as a team we didn't have the luck we needed, after working hard all day the efforts seemed slightly wasted, I mean 3 punctures at once doesn't happen that often! It was only the first day though, chin up, 7 more days and 9 more stages to go. Only.

Unfortunately I found out another team mate had gone down in a crash, so by the end of stage 1 we had 2 crashed riders and already 7 punctures..

The second stage was good for myself and the team. One of the local riders said it was a pan flat day with an undulating finish. We got one of our riders (the Argentinian, Julian Ornetti) into the break of 5 riders. The course had a point where we turned at one end of the 30 Km road and we saw the front group pass the other way. They had 13 minutes, but there was still no panic. As soon as we turned, FULL GAS. I got the team near the front and we sat in pole position and just had to count back the kilometres now, our sprinter was in the front group and we had no GC riders in top 20 so it wasn't our time to take charge. It was a pretty fast finish averaging 48KM/H for the final hour, the heat was getting to me slightly and I was only eating rice as I as feeling progressively more ill.. As we approached the 3 KM to go sign I saw an opportunity to attack up an incline, I felt strong but was quickly swallowed up by a controlled peloton. The group caught me up another incline with just over 1Km to go. To be honest I was done, so I thought. I dug in with the finish line so close, all I had to do was finish.

I wasn't there to just finish, and when the peloton eased up and a small gap appeared around the peloton I launched, luckily another columbian and 2 others had the same idea, I sat on their wheels and with 500m to go stayed seated, squinted and screamed (inside) to the finish. It was painful but certainly worth it, I had achieved a top 10 finish in my first UCI professional stage race, finishing 9th. And looking at the video afterwards, the peloton was hot on my heels so to finish that highly surrounded by sprinters, it was nice.

After a great stage 2 we were put into a very nice hotel 160Km outside of Santa Cruz. We were in need of some nice food, or at least I was. Apart from the heat killing me so was the illness, it was painful. I have to say though the rice here had some real flavour! I was getting sick of rice already though, so i snuck in some meat and roast potatoes, you can't deny an englishman his roasties.

Stage 3 started where stage 2 finished. Collectively things went well, although we knew that the day after was going up to altitude and we needed to save something. I think a culmination of the heat and fact that I was stuggling to stay healthy was what gave me a terrible final hour and half on stage 3, I felt ruined wiht an hour to go but knew I needed to plug away, I had hopes of finishing first in the team and at least achieve a good GC postion. I lost 2 minutes or so by the finish, which wasn't too bad, I felt worse than I had lost at least. The hotel had a swimming pool with a slide, and you would be surprised at what that did to 100 cyclists that had ridden 5.5 hours a day in heat for the last 3 days. A cooling dip was what was needed. i even got told to drink loads of coke to kill the illness, well at least I could use it to wash the rice down!

I will post up my plans for 2012 in due course, I am waiting on confirmation of a few things but hop to be able to reveal all soon.. Thanks for reading!

The Tour of Bolivia - Part 1

2011-11-29T17:49:00.007+01:00

A 10 day race is a long time. Initially I wanted to blog as often as possible to keep the details and excitiement throughout but as always, something happened, and when my computer was stolen just before I went to bolivia it did make everything very difficult.

Without a computer photos are going to be difficult to post as what I am using won't add photos either, however I can give words!

So, where to begin. As I was preparing to head to Bolivia (and everything was ready / running smoothly) I had my car broken into, a bag was stolen containing my passport, computer and favourite coat! Now the hassle (forgetting the cost of this problem) was never ending until I landed back in the UK 17 long days later.

Anyway, with my emergency passport, which I spent all Monday (31st OCT) trying to get, I was on my way to Madrid airport with my team. There were 6 riders and 2 directors travelling together. We met another Spanish team also and we flew all together. I managed to get a good sleep on the flight , unusually, and we landed in Santa Cruz at 3am the next morning. After finding a place on the second bus we finally got going on a 6 hour journey to a town called Yacuiba. Not 5 minutes after leaving the airport I was watching the front bus with most of my team on, flipping overand skidding off road. Not knowing what I was heading over to I went to see if I could help. Now luckily, there were only stitches, scrapes and bad bruising to deal with, which I thought was extremely lucky... There were many reports and as you can read from cycling news (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/coach-crash-overshadows-build-up-to-vuelta-a-bolivia) it reached the ears of many news sites.

We then spent a day waiting in Santa Cruz for a replacement bus and without a computer or anything to do it wasn't the most 'exciting' first day. Without any good food or water it was also a long day which only saw us arrive at the hotel late that night in Yacuiba. After a long 2 days travelling I was ready for bed. It was good we were to have a day to relax before kick starting La Vuelta Bolivia!

The time difference was - 6 hours. I was the first awake at 6am and shortly afterwards we all headed down to breakfast. The food throughout the whole trip was not what any of us were used to, and although it 'filled' a hole, I ended up with sickness and diahorea throughout the trip, not ideal and so uncomfortable! After putting our bikes together we headed for a couple of hours spinning our legs and generally enjoying ourselves as a team. We spent much of the day talking about what was ahead, and even the language barrier wasn't enough to hide the task in front of us. Although this was my first 'long' Tour and we were to ride an average of over 100 mile per day I wasn't daunted, I was certainly looking forward to the challenge.

For some reason, still unknown to me, the first 2 days weren't counted for the overall race. I wish I had done what the other South Americans did and got in the bus after a leg stretch! But instead I raced as normal. They were still put on as races just one-day events though..

However this 'warm-up' was good, I got a chance to see the field I was to race against and adjust to the way things were going to be for the remaining days. Despite the fact I was ill from the food from day one, I was enjoying it, feeling good and my eyes were focused on taking something from this opportunity. Things have just begun and there is much more to blog about each day, the cultural differences, the challenges and of course the racing. My first UCI 2.2 Professional race was well underway.

The Will To Ride

2011-10-19T20:40:00.006+02:00

Well quite honestly, nothing different has happened since recovering from the crash at the start of September. The plan was to do some big races between then and Bolivia in November. For what ever reason this didn't happen. In a way I was glad, I had some ups and downs and I prefer to race knowing I have had at least 3/4 weeks good training behind me.

After crashing, all I have done is Train, eat, sleep, rest; most days anyhow. With a bit of fun and the odd drink of wine (or as I prefer, Guinness!)

However wanted to refer to my life as a 'Racer.' As some of you may know; a season lasting from January to September would be counted as long. But to finish a bulk of racing in the middle of September then have a good 7 weeks of just training before taking part in a 10 day race in Bolivia, it requires (as I found out) a strong mind, but most importantly, it is a reminder of your 'Will to Ride.'

Afterall, why do I spend most of my life living within touching distance of my bike? And making all conscious effort to keep myself in shape? It is the one important factor of riding/racing; your 'Will' to do it.

I understand everyone who rides has a different ambition, but likewise, it will always require a will to meet that ambition, from trying to beat your best clubmate to trying to win the World Champs from 10 men back (Cav!) As I close into my last race of the season; { the 10 day, 12 stage Tour of Bolivia (http://www.fidesciclismo.com/vuelta/iv/) } I am confident I have done all I can, both mentally and physically to prepare. As you can imagine I am very much looking forward to this opportunity, anyone going off to race in South America would love it!

I look to get through this race, and take anything that I can seize during the race. My longest stage race to date is 5 days, so 10 days should push me. With the altitude around the 3000m minimum, it certainly should be 'lung' testing!

To be the best at what you do you have to always question yourself. NOT doubt yourself, but make sure you are on track. "As long as there is a will there is way": there is no shortage of truth for this statement in cycling.

{Here you can see my gorgeous other half; Beth. She is pictured here from the PEZ cycling website (on the link, daily distractions.) Beth has 'John Fegan' from 'Train-In-Spain' to thank for sending in this photo!}

As I move to the end of the season I would like to thank Beth for everything this year. She has always and still always supports me 100%. Also, Beth has just bought her first Horse, which she has always had a passion for! That should take up a chunk of my off-season anyway, but it is great to see her also taking on a passion!

{Look how happy she is!}

Crash and 'O'

2011-09-10T13:44:00.006+02:00

{Team Presentation Photo}

The Vuelta a Tenerife from 31st-4th September was certainly an eye opener. The terrain was demanding, the competition was tough; but I loved every minute of it. Although (in terms of results) I had nothing to show, I learnt much more important things, how to suffer on mountains. The race really was a climbers delight and day in day out the difficulty was in the climbing.

Although my week had its stupid mistakes: for example, placing myself in the wrong place before climbs or finishes, I took away an experience I won't forget and most importantly I am a better rider because of those small mistakes.

{Climbing Mount Teide!! Epic, and finish @ 2400m..}

The trip to Tenerife was fantastic, the team were great and I really got a chance to 'blend' into Spanish racing and my team.

{Posing before stage 2, RR1!}

On return from Tenerife, I was to rest for a couple of days before Starting the Tour of Valencia on 8th September, and that I did.

Stage 1 started off fast, with the wind kicking from the left it lined the bunch right out. The first 1.5 hours really blew the race into 3 bits. I stayed at the front and was well placed, in the front group. The heat was hanging around and after 20 minutes off no water I caught a moment to go to the back and grab a bottle from team car. As I neared the back, another rider decided to cut from right to left without using his brain, as he did so taking my front wheel out. At the time it was slightly down hill and we were moving very fast.

I tried to get back on the bike but I had a hole in my arm that need stitches, it was game over.

The crash is timed badly, I felt great that day and was certainly up for the Tour. However this is bike racing. I am going to take the time needed and will do what I can to heal quickly. I have made the necessary tools (see below) and as soon as I can I will be back to normality. I have a lot of great races to come this year and I am really looking to get something out of these great opportunities, things will go my way eventually, watch this space!!!!!!

{A hip invention, cardboard and tape.}

Last week's racing!

2011-08-23T19:19:00.008+02:00

It is hot here in Spain at the moment and the heat is still relentless even after a good few months in it! It is hard to explain what it is like racing in what can only be described as a wall of heat!!

Last week I raced twice; once on Thursday (in Castalla) and once on Sunday (in Vigo) both races were around te 110KM and both races were tough. Castalla was 3 laps of a larger circuit, which was quite lumpy and had one sharp 3km climb in it. The whole team missed the move off the front after a lap. It meant lap 2 had us all at the front trying to pull it back. There isn't much to say about this race as nearing the hour and a half mark (going up the climb) I managed to puncture, without knowing I had done. I had just spent a good 10 minutes thinking it was just bloddy hard, I still blame it on the heat!!

The second race in vigo was good. Being literally next to Portugal there were some big Portugese teams, spanish teams and the national U23 Argentinian squad. The race was 11 laps on what was a dual carriageway; it just went up and down a hill 11 times. It was tough and I managed to get in the break, but with only myself and 3 Argentinians giving turns at the front, the 2 teams from Portugal that were not in the break put all 18 men in-to chase and we were brought back with 3 laps to go. It was tough and the finish was very dodgy. We had a slight delay on the 12 hour drive home due to the car puncturing a tyre! Luckily it didn't blow too hard and we stayed straight-ish!

The 12 hour drive to Vigo, the race and the the drive back was tiring. However I got an email asking if I can race in the Tour of Tenerife! Obviously I said yes and I fly there next Monday 29th. The stages are not long but they are very tough. Stage 1 is a 13 KM mountain TT.

There is still time, my form is certainly on it's way back, I am looking forward to what the year holds..!

A change of plan

2011-08-16T22:08:00.005+02:00

Well instead of taking the National TT route to finish off 2011, I have been given the opportunity to finish my season off with some great oportunities in some Pro races for end of season! A tour in Spain, a one-day in Taiwan and a 2 week stage race in Bolivia should finish off the year nicely. I am hugely excited to get this opportunity and as I write I am ramping up the training again to finish with a bang (I hope!) I am looking to step my game up next year and I now I have been given the best opportunities to do so.

I am racing on Thursday with the team in a town called Castalla. After a long period of illness etc I am feeling good on the bike at the moment and am looking forward to racing hard again.

Keep an eye out for the post after the race on Thursday!

Vuelta 1!

2011-07-31T19:12:00.006+02:00

Since my last post (a wee while ago now I know!) I have done a couple of races, but spent most of the last month or so doing nothing due to being ill. For 10 days (one week after nationals) I was hit by a cold/flu that just knocked me out, I felt pretty bad and could do nothing. I spent most mornings in bed trying to feel better everyday!

Considering in the 2 weeks leading up to nationals I also did much resting; the illness couldn’t have been timed at a more difficult time. I also mentioned I would be going to Portugal to do a big race, well that didn’t happen. I was obviously gutted; after all it was a great opportunity and a great race to be involved in. The frustration was there for a while but after getting ill it didn’t take much time before I was glad I wasn’t ill and in Portugal!!

Nevertheless, I did as much as I could to eat, sleep and drink right and even a bit of very easy riding to keep the legs turning. I was aware that the next race was a 4 day race in Seville. Although (in terms of training) I wasn’t going to get time to prepare I knew my hard work over the winter would help carry me through this difficult month.

I did a bit of research of the race, made sure I knew roughly the stage distances etc.. I also became very aware of the fact I was going to one of the hottest parts of Spain.

Moving on to the race: VUELTA A SEVILLA!

The team (including team manager, soignée etc) all met up at a service station on the motorway to Sevilla; we all moved into the team bus and team car and headed off. Unfortunately, after only 1 hour of driving, the team bus broke down. The team bus had 6 people in, the bikes for all 8 of us and the food/water for us all. We managed to roll into a warehouse (just by pure chance) just off the motorway. We then waited from about 3PM until 20:30PM for a back up van to arrive. We had water but no food. The only saving grace to stem the boredom was a TV to watch the last hour of 'Le Tour' hanging on the wall.

The van that saved the day was relatively small, it was a real squeeze to get 7 of us, 8 bikes, all the spare wheels, food and water we needed space in the van. Nevertheless it was a bit different and quite fun; we were on our way to Sevilla and that was most important!

We arrived at the hotel at 11PM. Very hungry and tired. We picked up a couple of sandwich’s and an apple and headed to bed, still a little hungry.

After the long journey the day before, we finally made it to the stage 1 starting area. Everyone was very ready to race, and the tiredness was shunted. There were many TV cameras and photographers at this race.

The race started very fast, and for the first time I have seen in Spain the very first attack stuck! The wind was an incredible side wind. For the first hour I concentrated hard on fighting for the front. I managed to stay comfortably in the first echelon (the peloton had formed 4!) After an hour and a half racing we hit the first of 2 mountains. I was struggling. Not because of my legs though; THE HEAT! At 40 degrees it felt as though my legs had never ridden a bike. For the last hour my head went into a state of slight dizziness and nothing; not even an almost frozen bottle of water could cool me down. The heat seemed unrelenting and I ended up finishing in groupetto. I was, as you can imagine, slightly annoyed. Never less I knew the last month was crazy and full of period’s illness etc, I just had to find a way to get trough the next couple of days.

When people say that dehydration takes hold it will take time for it to disappear, I knew I had to drink plenty of water and after that race, during the night and in the morning I drank as much as I could, 7/8 litres!! But it didn’t matter, my body was still suffering and my legs the same. On day 2, I held on in the race for only 40 km and did the remaining 3 hours with a small group; but the head wind home gave plenty of thinking time!!

I repeated my drinking practise from the day before, growing more determined to show the team even when I am down I can do something about it, and I did. On stage 3 I attacked hard, and from the people I was attacking with I knew a break would play and important role in the day. I got into a group of 15 or so and also with on of my team mates, Adrian Lopez. Adrian was much higher on the general classification and so naturally and willingly I did everything I could to make sure I drove the break and gave him the water, food and encouragement needed. Without many team leaders being in the break it was sure to be a tough day. Winds were strong the roads were wearing, yet not mountainous. There was talk of a bunch sprint which sat in the back of my mind. Although for 100Km I did what I could the current race leader and his team were dedicated to keeping the jersey, and after the 100km the roads flattened and the wind turned behind; we were caught. Although I missed getting a result I was happy that I was able to be in the mix and definitely not feeling as bad as other days. The 4^th and final day was yet to come, and with the most challenging route I was sure it would be the making or end of the race for me.

I didn’t attack at the start, I sat and watched. With the first and only Sprint point coming in at 8KM for the day (and the jersey still to be contested) it was a very rapid start and hellishly nervous. At a 50km/h average for the first 45 minutes this showed. We hit the first climb then and I wouldn’t say it slowed down. I struggled like mad at the bottom to find my legs, but all the way up felt better and better, which was lucky because at 40km/h uphill you need to be feeling relatively good! When we crested the mountain I went to the front to mark. Immediately I found myself on the leader’s wheel, he was attacking! I followed for about 10 minutes and attack after attack on the rolling terrain became hard.

I did my best to shelter the team leader up to the last climb, with little hope for myself. As we hit the bottom and I moved into the little ring, my chain came off and as I reached down to get it back on I got my finger stuck! I got off for a second to put it back on. I was in the convoy of cars but I just stayed calm. I could even see it all happen as we went round corners. I took a bottle from my team then thought: ‘right, do or die.’ And I just gave the hill everything, luckily I found my old legs! I went from out the back of the race, to off the front with the front group. I was pleased to make it past the day and finish front group, I just wish these legs came earlier. With 2 km to go I attacked with 1 other rider and we got a good 10 second gap immediately. As the two of us approached a junction a police man waved us the wrong way. After hopping through trees I rejoined the peloton but at the speed they were going I was never going to see the front again.

As hard as it was at times; I learnt a lot about how to ride in extreme conditions, you can’t underestimate hot conditions, everyone has a way to get trough it and now I know mine. The last 2 days were great and I finished each time at the front. The team were great, and never let my head drop.

Although it is getting late in the season, I still have much to play for. Still a couple of stage races to come and most importantly the British Time Trials Championships where (providing all goes to plan) I look to do well in.

Keep tuned in there is more to come! J

Posting shortly.

2011-07-30T14:01:00.002+02:00

I will be updating this page shortly with an interesting post about a recent stage race; I am currently waiting for some photos. If I don't recieve the photos by tomorow I will post without without them!

Thanks for keeping interested however long there is between posts!!

Simon

You have to take the Ups with the Downs.

2011-07-02T20:41:00.004+02:00

{Head down going for it at Mountbatten, lapping the field for 2nd time!}

Again I have left it some time before updating my blog, but this is a busy life at times; travelling is a big part of things!

I always enjoy what I do; there is never a day I wish I was doing something else. This blog was intended for me to use it as a way of communicating with people who are interested in what I do, and the reasons people have read this blog vary immensely. This therefore is a part of the blog that you see deeper than the results and fun.

{Just another day at the office, taking to the front with a couple of UK's top Pros behind}

After the result in Cartegena I will admit I was happy to feel so comfortable on the bike and be able to handle HUGE amounts of racing/training at that time (obviously I enjoyed the result as well!) Naturally I wanted to get out and train harder after it. However, I can say with hindsight that maybe a rest after the race; would have been best. I have had a very difficult few weeks following the 3^rd place in Cartegena; overtraining is the term used, and for the 2 weeks following I just could not seem to get my legs to feel normal again.

Before I write about the Ups of recent times, I think it is important for me to let people know a different side to the story.

{With a few laps to go giving a dig over the slight rise.}

I went to a 2 day race in Galicia two weeks after Cartegena; my legs felt terrible. I was more than happy to finish both days (and strangely enough performing better on the 2^nd day.) I struggled immensely throughout the weekend but passion to do well drove me on. I think the 14 hour long journey to the race and the state of ‘overtraining’ amounted to the toughness of the weekend. I had rested for a good chunk of the week before. The goal was the nationals which I took part in after the weekend of racing and even for the week leading into the nationals I struggled to feel ‘normal.’

{Just checking out the competition @ nationals, knew I should have set a wager!}

I learnt a lesson I will never forget; I managed to learn something about myself only trial and error could teach me. I had a great 3 weeks before I hit great form, had I taken a period of rest after my good result, and then trained hard for the following two weeks; I couldn’t imagine what benefits that would have given me. The word ‘Peak’ means so much more than just being at your best; everything you do to ‘peak’ takes you to a place only you can understand and play with. From eating to recovering, training to resting; all factors are key and takes understanding. There is nothing to blame, there were just things I should have done differently and now I know. However difficult and frustrating, the past month has had it’s positives.

I did put pressure on myself to perform at a time when I simply couldn’t and I also learnt that this pressure didn’t do me any good what so ever. You have to take the ups and use them; and you have to expect at some point you will drop off that peak, you just have to hope it is AFTER the race you are putting your life on hold for!! J You have to ignore pressure and get on with what you yourself can deal with.

{Crowds were huge at the finishing line, as well as the rest of the circuit!}

In the week before the nationals I took part in two criteriums, both an hour long. I raced them both with my head as I didn’t quite have the legs. I came 2^nd in the first and placed somewhere in the top 15 in the second criterium. The second criterium was at leazes park and just to name a few of the participants (and you can see in the photo) Alex Dowsett (Team Sky) , Roger Hammond (Garmin-Cervelo) , Adam Blythe (Omega-Pharma Lotto) and many other top UK riders. It was great fun and although I didn’t feel great I managed to stick it to the end and race hard, even got a bit of on-the-front ‘show boating’ done J.

At the nationals I finished 51^st. All day I was in contention for the U23 classification however in the final 25 mile (of the 125 mile race!) I missed the crucial move; which was a counter to an attack I was involved in. I was happy to get round the 200KM race and ride with the Pros! The crowds were superb. And thanks for those that cheered me on, from family to friends / supporters!! My Dad did a great job in keeping me topped up with liquid and gels!

{Myself and my Dad taking a moment to capture the pre-race happiness! (No comments on dress sense please ! ) }

I am off to Portugal next week for a 4 day race. I am looking forward to getting stuck in to my first stage race of the year, bring it on!

Result of the Year!

2011-06-05T16:24:00.007+02:00

{My new team's Logo.}

Since moving to Spain and my last post about the Trofeo San Isidro a few weeks ago; I have had my head down and have been putting in some big training weeks. Working closely with Garry Palmer (my Coach) over at Sportstest we have built and built.

This week from Monday to Friday I covered over 20 hours, with a mixture of training days. The training hasn’t been easy but all eyes are on the goals.

The weather has been up and down, with some very rainy days and some warm sweaty days!! On Friday morning I finished off a 5 day block of training in the rain with a 2 hour ride. When I got back from the ride and checked my mail I had an email from my new team. I can now say I am riding for Inverse KTM Murcia Elite team.

The email had info of a race for me to take part in on Saturday, a 160 KM Elite/Sub-23 Interclub race. After speaking to Garry we decided it would be the perfect way to round the week off irrespective of how tired I felt, and I was tired! I sent a reply to the team saying ‘see you there; but I may be a little tired from the week’s efforts.’

{On the podium collecting my trophy for 3rd.}

Yesterday (Saturday 04/06/2011) I set off at 12:30 PM for Cartagena city. I was very unsure of what the day was to hold. It took me a while to find the team and longer to sign on. I was rushed to get my picture taken to be added to the team profile. We had a quick team meeting before the race.

I told the team I was tired and was happy to work for the team, giving it all I could and probably would finish my job around 100KM; they were happy for this. I don’t speak much Spanish and the team spoke little English so I said if you need my help just shout ‘Go, go, go!’ all quite funny!

The race started and attacks were flying, there was a strong cross wind. Immediately a group went up the road containing a rider from the KTM team. Soon after I followed a move that brought 3 more KTM riders into a chase group. The wind was strong enough to discourage people wanting to take up the chase. I took it upon myself to give a huge 3 minute effort to catch the break. We caught the break and the KTM team riders showed me their gratitude.

For the next 2 hours we went over 2 mountains and I was taking more turns in order to save the riders in the team legs for the finish. I went back to the car to get water and such.

{The podium photo! Flying 2 kits is unstylish but soon I will be in the KTM kit.}

2 hours 15 minutes into the race a team mate from my new KTM team gave me the ‘GO’ signal. I wasn’t sure how or what he meant but on instinct I attacked out of the next corner. I found myself off the front with 60KM of the race to go! I never thought I would find myself in this position, not today anyhow!! Within 10KM I built a lead of 1 minute 10 seconds and the gap was only growing. I felt good, I knew what power I was capable of, so I rode harder J !

After the 3^rd mountain, at around 40KM to go, I descended back to the coast. On my way along the coast I was caught by a rider from Seguros Bilbao team. I only rode with him for a few minutes before we hit a huge mountain! The final mountain was called the Puerto Calaracas; 7 KM in length with many steep ramps. After the climb was over there would only be 15KM to the finish. I just couldn’t keep the pace of the rider who caught me and I had to let him go up the climb. The KTM team and all the people in the car were shouting words of encouragement ‘Venga, venga!’ It was fantastic to have that support and definitely encouraging. I got a time check for a rider chasing behind. He was 1 minute 40 seconds behind. Although it was a head wind for the final 15 KM I was almost sure he couldn’t catch me, I was in my 53 X 12 giving it everything! With just over 5 KM to go I saw the shadow of a rider. The rider was from Caja Rural Continental pro team. He sat on for a few seconds then pounced! I was already on my limit and couldn’t respond but the KTM Team’s Directeur put in an official complaint for holding onto his car..

{Collecting team prize! Good feeling being on stage with the whole team getting a team prize.}

The final 5 KM DRAGGED! But I kept the pace up, there were crowds lining the streets all the way into the finish in the centre of Cartagena city which was a huge help in getting me to the finish.

The team car was screaming, and loving every pedal stroke I made. I came in 3^rd! For a day I didn’t expect much I couldn’t have asked for more.

The team was so happy. I got a wash down and rushed to the podium for a mass of photos, a big trophy and flowers (for the lady in my life obviously!) We ended up with team prize by a comfortable 6 minutes which was also fantastic for the team!

I am starting to love racing here, yet again a race and course that was just fantastic!! The mountains, the views, the people all make for some great racing. Everyone was happy; all my team mates shook my hand and said many nice things. It was great to be with the team and share a good moment.

I certainly put on a good show for my first race with the KTM team, and they did nothing but help me, a big thanks to them, both the team and the management. I can’t forget to say thanks to Garry Palmer for coaching me to this success, he gets it right for me each time!

What a day! I can only look forward to the future with the well known KTM team, as soon as I receive my new license from BC I will be on my way!!

There has been some growing interest and some news articles been published on the web, here is an example of what is said: (use Google translate on the toolbar or copy and paste into Google translate..)

http://www.biciciclismo.com/cas/site/noticias-ficha.asp?id=39620

Always do your homework.

2011-05-23T18:37:00.005+02:00

I don't have any photos this week. But what I do have is a small life lesson, of sorts.

On arriving in Spain about a week ago now, I checked the Spanish Cycling Federation website for a race not too far away. I found a race named 'Trofeo San Isidro.' I looked quickly to see if I could find a website or something with a bit of info, I didn't find much but emailed ahead to get into the race.

On Saturday 21st I woke up at 6 AM, getting things ready, eating breakfast, all the usual. The 2 hour drive to Val D'Uixo (where the race was held) was no problem; I kept an eye on the temperature and the sun was heating things up.

I arrived at 9:10Am, I signed on with relative ease and was handed my race numbers along with a map of the race. From what was drawn (a figure of '8' map) I assumed we had a few larger laps and the smaller loop was a finishing circuit. I got prepared and was oiling my legs, as you do.

One of the organisers came over to talk, he had a smile on his face and continued to walk towards the car. When he got to me he pointed at the map and spoke to Beth in Spanish. He walked off and Beth told me, the was very dificult and that the map was basically an out and back loop with 5 mountains. It was a Spanish Classic and one of the hardest amateur races in Spain! It didn't bother me but I was a bit apprehensive as I assumed it was a small town race, not different to a kermesse.

I sat on the start line, many trying to talk to me, yet again with smiles on their faces. Another Belgian (on a Spanish team) came to tell me how difficult the race was and said 'good luck.'

The race set off; I had no clue what the next 120KM had in store and I was a bit apprehensive to what was about to take place. Teams such as 'Caja Rural' and the Russian national team made it a quick start.

The first 15KM was fine. Undulating with a few drags. A large break went up the road up a climb that seemed to last. I attacked after 2 KM of climbing. It took me 4 KM to get across. When I got onto the back of the break, I was in some pain. I really wanted the climb to end, finally after 10 KM of going up we reached the top. It may not have been so bad if I knew what was coming!!

From then on we proceeded to move further from the coast and onto more Valleys! I cracked from the break over the top of the 2nd climb. I joined the peloton and it was really getting tough. The 4th main climb was 15KM (start to finish) averaging close to 7% (with a sharp decent in the middle just to tease me!) After gaps between riders opened that I couldn't close, with 2KM of this climb to go I joined groupetto. The last climb of 7 KM was very hard. The team I was with (Valencia - Terra i Mar) had their team leader up the road and kindly toed me to the finish. I came in somewhere around 35th, and the Terra i Mar squad had taken the win.

Now, the life lessons here were thick; 1: have someone to give you bottles, at 30 degrees + you will run out , just like I did. Trust me 30KM at the end of a hard climbing race without water in that heat is testing. 2: do your homework on the race if you have no clue; just so at least you can prepare, both mentally and with people to help along the way!

All in all it was easily the most amazing race. Tough as anything but absolutely fantastic. The race only reaffirmed why I have come to Spain to race. I never felt as though any climb was too difficult, I just wasn't prepared, a few races here and I know things will fall into place.. I can't wait to get stuck in to racing here.

From one place to another.

2011-05-13T19:44:00.008+02:00

There are moments in life when opportunities face you, and just like a bike race, you act on instinct and how you feel will get you to your goal. There is no doubt my goal is and has always been to prove myself as a great athlete in cycling; from the start I set myself a goal in life to be a fully fledged professional cyclist. Granted this is a challenge, but nonetheless it is my goal.

After a bit of deliberation with family, friends, my coach and many others who are taking a great interest and are supporting me with my chosen life-path (as I call it!) I have managed to secure an opportunity to race in Spain. Although I cannot at this moment give full details of when where and how, what I will say is; EXCITING TIMES!

I have achieved, I feel, all I can in Belgium. I have learnt so much that, given a week of writing a book, and I am confident I would need my ownlibrary to store all of it! Without a doubt Asfra Flanders Racing Team has provided me with the opportunities and I do appreciate what Luc Assez has done for me over the year I have known him.

Not one person that I have spoke to (even those without a hint of what racing in Belgium is like) has told me that I look like I am suited to prove myself against the Belgian scene; my weight at 59KG hints at my enjoyment of hills.It doesn't take anyone special to see that earlier in the year, in just training through some Spanish races, I showed solid performances. Although I have had some solid performances in Belgium for 2011 already; the time has come to move on.

Although I am taking a big leap, and I will have to learn a whole new scene from start to finish. I can't wait to get onto terrain that will provide me with the starting ramp to what I hope will be a fruitful move.

I have spent currently over a week traveling from country to country (hence the little amount Blogging!) but I have time now to share what is going on with my life at the moment.

On the racing front, I have done 2 races while on the move, one before I left for a quick visit to the UK. The race took place in Ardooie, Belgium and was what I can only describe as the hardest race of 2011. 18 laps of a 6 km circuit, and wind like you can't even imagine made for a hell of a race. In one lap the field was whittled down to 4 riders. With one rider up the road I moved to the rear of the chase group before forming what would be group 3 on the road. Taking 2nd in the sprint (and 27th in the finish) I was more than pleased to get that result on the EXACT opposite of what race courses I can go well on!

The second race I did was in the UK. Although it was all last minute rush to get into the race; it was a nice change to have a crack with some Elites in the UK. I raced in Edenbridge at the BEC CC Road race. (The photos in the blog are form the race.) I am used to attacking from the gun and so I did just that! After the lap board and the 80 mile race was de-neutralised I found myself in a 7 man break up the road!

It was a shame that the rider who took 1st place was the only one to sit on the whole day in our break and when he went up the road on his own, the group of 4 of us left were caught by a large chase group. As we were away the whole day it was frustrating to be found in the situation of being caught and on the final steep hill I put in a hard effort to break down this group. Although it worked; myself and one rider from Sigma were the only ones from the front group left and we were met with some much fresher legs.

Instead of sitting on, the two of us carried on chasing. As we had been away all day, we might as well carry on! After some mad cramps, in the sprint I took 6th. Not a shabby result considering I was in the break for 80 Miles on an extremely tough course.

{Just before we were caught we took a bit of well earned 'stretch time!'}

To finish off; here comes season 2 in 2011!

Good to feel good!

2011-05-02T18:41:00.006+02:00

{Here I am up the road from the start of the race, hiding out of the cross wind! All the pictures are from the Kruishoutem race.}

I haven’t forgot about my blog; I have just been all over the place trying to get some good races in and have been quite tired in doing so. Although I was disappointed to miss out on last weekends Tour Doonhame, there were some great races to get my teeth into back here in the heartland that is Belgium.

The week of kermesse racing started with the Bever kermesse. The course was lumpy with a long drag before a fast downhill, the course was quite sketchy to race on as cars (usually) not allowed on the circuit were on it. After a couple of big crashes into cars the field of 250 riders learnt to be more cautious. I felt really good, did a lot of attacking stayed at the front most of the day. A 3KM solo effort before the finish failed and I did try again straight away but I was left to filter back into the middle of the peloton and finish 61^st.

{This is still the first lap as we were caught on the downhill, it is strung out and people are trying their best to move up, I ket to the front and attacked on the next corner to start what was to be the break.}

Next in line to race was the Kruishoutem Kermesse, this race was 13 laps, 120KM and very lumpy. I wanted to race Friday and Monday but Kruishoutem is almost local and it was my first ever race in Belgium last year. I know the course well and I want a result. The course consists of 3 main drags; it is the type of course that just seems to go up or down the whole way, very wearing down and a race I enjoy. From KM 1 I was up the road. I followed first attack, stayed at the front even after it was brought back then I attacked with my fellow team member, Daniel Patten, to start forming what was to be the all-day break!

We had Belgium’s top riders in the break, Mario Willems being the most well known (with 39 wins under his belt from 2010!!!) It was a tough day. Throughout the whole 120km race there were attacks flying, the group worked well but the course lent itself to what would be a very attacking race. With 4 laps to go the main breaks started. Myself and Dan communicated well, we marked the riders we needed to and made sure we communicated what we could see happening. With 2 laps to go Dan followed the right move up one of the long drags, there were 4 riders in that group. I stayed up front of the chase blocking and seemingly annoying everyone. Mario Willems got across to the break. With the ‘Latste Ronde’ (last lap) another 3 clipped of from the chase group. I was left to race for 9^th. Unfortunately Dan crashed on the last lap after rolling his tub, an unfortunate twist for him. I felt as though the cards were back on the table to race hard but we were not going to catch the class breaks up the road.

I attacked very hard for the last lap, sprinting after all is not my best strength, not to say it is bad, but against some of the Belgies it proves tougher!! I failed to slip away from the group and it was down to the sprint. I fought for 2^nd wheel into the final corner but could only achieved 4^th in the sprint. I placed 12^th in the end which I was pleased with. I felt good for more but it can’t all go your way, all the time. It was tough day, but a very positive start.

{Pictured on the left is Mario Willems; he is kicking out of the corner and I am just coming around the corner making sure he is marked!}

The last 2 races have gone well; I did all I could and felt great after each race. The last race of the week was yesterday in Herzele. The wind was strong and it was a course that had long sections of differing winds. In the first lap a break went. I was in the chase move for a few KMs but it wasn’t meant to be. As I filtered back into the peloton, I stuck up near the front just following wheels. At Km 61 I unfortunately punctured which ended my day. I rode slowly rode back to the start on a flat, anded in my numbers and watched as the race came in.

It has been a good week, already appositive start. With 3 very different courses it reinstated what type of course I need to race on, LUMPY!

Racing in Belgium is quite different to many races around the world. The courses themselves aren’t made to break a race; they are made for riders to do the breaking.

In the next blog I will use a another recent race as an example of what wind can do to a race here in Belgium, and talk a bit about life outside racing.

The year's first big race.

2011-04-21T18:56:00.009+02:00

{Having a quick chat as we wait to get on the Sign on stand.}

{Here Scott is taking on the interview as the team is presented, the picture was taken by my Dad}

Last Saturday I headed to the UKfrom Belgium with 5 of my team mates from Asfra Racing Team, to take part in the Rutland Cicle Classic. The journey itself was fine, despite me having to do most of the navigation; we got there at four in the afternoon, plenty of time to spare.

We got our rooms, got changed and went out for an easy hour.

After getting lost and ending up riding round an estate for a large chunk of

the ride; we headed back for a buffet dinner and a quick team chat about Sunday

before going to bed at 10 PM.

This year’s edition of the Rutland was to see the most continental pro

teams take part; only to add to the excitement.

As part of most big UCI races there is a sign-on stage. At

sign on we left the quick interview from Hugh Porter to the ‘team’s Australian’

hoping for an exciting few comments, but he kept it very formal and to the

point!

Before lining up for the start I went back to the team car

to get 2 cool bottles and a large handful of energy gels and bars etc, anything

full of sugar!

{I will admit I look quite strange here; just heading to team car to get bottles etc.}

The start was quite tense; with such a competitive field the

fight for the front (being so vital in this race) was, well, too exciting!

Crashes were happening everywhere and some of the foreign teams were caught out

by cars on the road. The race starts with 2 laps around the reservoir near

Oakham; it is here where the race is like a criterium, trying constant attacks

to get away.

No attack stuck, and coming around for the Hot Spot sprint

in Oakham, I seized the chance to take the bunch sprint for 2^nd(a rider from

Denmark

attacked to take the

sprint!) All was going well, I was at the front. As the course takes a turn and

onto the farm track sections I made sure I stayed at the front. Not 80 KM into

the race and the field split into bits! I was in the front group of 50.

On such exciting and ever changing roads the race soon blew

past, crowds were lining the sections adding to some great racing! It was tense

at times and very full on. I felt very comfortable, responding to moves and

moving around the bunch with relative ease. As I came into the section before

the sommerberg I placed middle bunch, not fighting for positions. I took the

gravel corner just off centre (where a pile of dirt and gravel was.) For some

reason a rider obviously not accustomed to such intense changes in terrain etc

decided to use me as his barrier, after surfing on the dirt pile, and sent me

flying off-road into a bush and hitting a tree trunk.

I had a front puncture and the team car was no where to be

seen. Although I got the wheel changed it was game over to catch the front, I

joined groupetto. The groupetto contained Magnus Backstedt and Malcolm Elliott!

As I came to the Sommerberg again, I punctured, ending my race completely. The

man who gave me a front wheel when I crashed earlier was waiting on the section

too and holding my last flat wheel, we swapped punctured wheels.

{First across the line for 2nd in the Hot spot sprint, I was in the right place so why not!}

Understandably there was no one willing to give me spare

wheels on the sommerberg section as it was too rough to risk not having enough

wheels for the teams.

All in all, I had a good day, I felt comfortable up front

and was up for racing. Things happen in racing you can’t control, until those

points you just have to do your best. My team didn’t have the best of luck

either with 2 riders early on being caught in a crash and puncturing, with it

being an AVG of 47Km/h for the first hour, they had great fun getting back on!

Then 2 more team mates punctured at pivotal moments, finishing most of the team

off for the front group.

We travelled back from the race that night and didn’t get to

bed until 3AM!

It took a couple of days to get back to normal. I raced

yesterday; Wednesday 21^st april. I had a great race, I will let

everyone know how it went after I have given people a chance to read this long

post!

Life in a new house.

2011-04-11T20:44:00.010+02:00

{A great picture taken by one of my team mates, Al Murison! This is the back of our house where we get the sun all day; where else better to hang out!? I am on the end, reading for the first time for years, literally. (Shane Leadley is on the right!) }

Since last week’s crash in the Anzegem Kermesse, I have had a week filled with as many ups and downs as the Alps!

The crash did take it out of me; not so much surface wounds but I had some terrible muscle bruising and muscle pulls. It took me almost a week of massaging and gentle stretching to get my legs back to a normal-ish state!

After the Tour of Flanders, Belgium didn’t really settle down. The second classics showdown at Paris Roubaix was almost as eagerly anticipated.

Belgium

is always showing signs of it’s love for cycling, but this week in particular is special. People are everywhere following Flanders routes and enjoying some of the world’s cycling monuments. You won’t and can’t forget that

Belgium is a cyclist’s home in one way or another.

I was meant to race mid-week on Wednesday but after waking up at 5 am very ill (a freak illness) I was in bed all day doing my best to recover. Once recovered; and with a view to a difficult couple of weeks ahead (with the Rutland and The Tour Doonhame) I have made sure over the past 10 days that I have done a lot of big rides; using my local Tour of Flanders routes and Bergs to have a real good work out!

{The DS took the picture here as I unsuccessfully trying to fix the TV (from the dark ages) in the lounge}

I took a rest day before my most recent race. The race was a Kermesse, lasting 118KM held in a town called Zonnegem which I did on Saturday 9^th April. I wasn’t sure what to expect for this race; there has been much talk on how all the Kermesse’s have had over 250 riders and how you were more likely to crash than not. Afterall (due to crashes) the last race I did had 270 starters and 35 finishers. All the races between the first Kermesse and the most recent race in Zonnegem included a reported 100+ people crashed per race.

Luckily there were only 190 starters for this race. A more normal sized peloton relieved me and everyone I think. The course was actually quite exciting; from the start line it was a short and steady downhill section before taking a series of turns to the left. On the back-side of the course was a short climb, creating an interesting twist to the usual flat-out style! After the uphill there was another slight left onto a much smaller farm track type road, here it was strung out for the next 3/4km into a headwind/crosswind. It was downhill again before throwing a final left and undulating to the finish.

Kermesse races in their nature include a variety of roads. The thing that always strikes me is the traffic furniture! And the fact they are generally unmarked; to top things off the peloton for whatever reason rarely sees any obstacle until the last second. It is key to be alert at all times, always be ready to jump curbs, onto pavements, dodge a car and rejoin the speeding bunch.

I spent the first 3 laps moving up the group slowly, I felt good, I tucked and hid well. When I got to the front I almost timed my first attack in

Belgium

perfectly! Unfortunately I was one attack too early and a group of Omega-Pharma Lotto/ Davo Lotto and PWC riders pulled away with little I could do after attacking between surges.

The next lap saw a split in the field. An integral part of racing includes team work. Myself along with 3 other team mates got to the front and pulled some big turns. Within 5 KM our effort paid off and we caught the second very large group back. Although the pressure in that respect was off; I pulled the last hard turn, doing so just before the hill. I had to dig in so so deep to hold on to the peloton, as riders slowly went past I tried to rest and speed up at the same time. As the road narrows at the top of the climb it forces everyone to slow down slightly before the headwind/crosswind section. Luckily my endurance pulled through and I held on!

{Moving in and packing, my bed is below. It is quite close to the floor without a bed frame!}

I gave a lot of effort to keep in the race. Also one of the muscles I pulled in the crash earlier that week started cramping (cramping is something I never get!) I almost had to pull out at times because cramp really does paralyse you from pedalling !! J

The 190Km round trip from home to the race and back was all worth it. I had a go in my first Kermesse; the team worked well and most importantly I got to the finish. A positive start.

I am looking forward to what lays ahead over the next couple of weeks, I have finished riding Kermesses until I return to

Belgium

as I want to stay in one piece! I am sure I will have some GREAT stories to tell about our short trip to the

for some big races. I will make sure to update my twitter as regularly as possible to keep updates going. Thanks for now!

2011 Calendar...

2011-04-10T16:21:00.004+02:00

I will be posting tomorow about the HECTIC time I have had here in Belgium since arriving here! It has been great to say the least and I will surely update as soon as I get a chance. (Dificult to jiggle everything here without having internet at the new team house!)

In the meantime, for those of you who have asked and are interested, here is a link to the team Calendar: http://beloftenasfra.webs.com/kalender.htm

Yes that is right the team is going to be doing the Rutland Cicle Classic AND The Tour Doonhame in Scotland! I am not sure how our Team Directeur Sportif has got these races but it is always nice!

If you get a chance to come and watch these race feel free to pop over to meet me and/or the team, who will happily say hello, you won't mistake the team colours!

The year has just begun!

2011-04-02T19:49:00.008+02:00

Yesterday was an interesting start to my 2011 racing year.

The day started great; irregularly sunny and temperatures in the 20's, almost summer for here in Belgium!

The race was a Kermesse race; which in it's own words describes a race that is laps through a town where you sign on. Each Kermesse is of differing lap sizes but all come in around the 120km length. Kermesse (I believe and many agree) are some of the most dificult races. The field is 90% of people who could win with the opportunity; and 100% that want to win. The mental approach in these races makes for some extremely hard racing, and in all fairness some very scary racing, everyone wants to win. The roads chosen to race on are chosen purely for the spectacle and doesn't take into account the coniditions of the roads; usually extremely sketchy and very narrow!

My first kermesse yesterday marked the start of the year. 270 riders on the start line. I was ready. As we set off, immediately we were into the 50km/h range of speed. As riders jostled for a the front, the race went into a series of turns, a very technical course. I managed to keep in the top 30% near the front, and I felt good. Lap 1 was down, the field was still quite large and the pressure was still on.

At around the 15km marker there was a straight section, slightly downhill and for whatever reason a rider about 4 rows in front of me turned his head to look back and his front wheel went from under him. At 65 km/h I could only hope for the best. You always hope nobody falls directly in front of you. For the first time I missed the first 4 riders running over a wheel or two however my luck wasn't to last and I went straight into a rider, sending me over my handlebars. The rider I hit grabbed my wheel and stopped me dead. I am not sure how he manage to stop me that fast but he did me a favour and I only got small grazes, a buckled wheel and a knackered head set.

All in all, a relatively positive start. I felt good, placed well and got home in one piece! Bring on wednesday.

Today I had the luxury to see the Tour of Flanders classic first hand. I watched the riders come past me at the Koppenberg before heading to the Flanders museum to see the end of the race on a big screen. The Tour of Flanders carries even more excitement (I think) than a footbal World Cup; from the build up to the atmosphere itself. People in Belgium breathe cycling, it is a way of life that so many love. What a great way to start my time in Belgium.

(Again I have failed on the photo front, something I am going to work hard on.)

A quick update from Belgium!

2011-04-01T21:38:00.006+02:00

I arrived in Belgium on Tuesday after a 17 hour drive. I was told upon arrival that the keys for the house would be in my hand on Friday. In the mean time some team mates of mine (Daniel Patten and Paddy Clarke) let me join them in their house in the 'Hof Ter Kamen.'

On Thursday evening my team manager told me the owner of my new house wasn't able to rent the house out to the team. With little time to sort a new place out, I was left a bit stuck. Luckily I have some friends and team mates, kind enough to let me sleep on a make do bed in their lounge in the mean time. I have been promised a place by early next, so fingers crossed that comes through.

Although it has been slightly stressful (and my hay fever has hit me hard since leaving Spain) I am still feeling strong and ready to get started. Should I feel better tomorow I will be racing. In the evening I will be meeting up with most of the team to say hello!

This is a big weekend here in Belgium; with the Tour of Flanders taking place on Sunday. Where I am in Oudenaarde is buzzing with the sound of thousands and thousands of enthusiastic fans of the cycling world. It will be a great weekend and I will get as many photos I can before I share the experience..

From one country to another!

2011-03-27T23:36:00.002+02:00

(No Pictures this time !)

Well, beginning with the end is a strange place to start but that is what is happening. The Costa Blanca here in Spain was and will be my winter home for many years to come. I have had a great start to my 2011 season; attaining 7^th overall and winning the U23 jersey.

My concentration over the winter has been improving my endurance. I can say I have done that. I took two Ramp tests with my coach Garry Palmer while I was guiding the Train In Spain – Sportest camps. Without going into too much detail of the results of the test and what the test can indicate (which I will do in due course) I have achieved what I have aimed for this winter (and much more); thanks to the guidance from my coach Garry Palmer (Sportstest.) I will post some of the results along with what they mean when I get a chance.

So, I achieved my goals and more already in first quarter of 2011. I have to end my time here in Spain and move onto my next ‘home away from home,’ Belgium.

I would like to say thanks to John Fegan from Train In Spain who, as always, helps me as much as he can, and supports me as much as the next person. Also obviously, Garry Palmer from Sportstest who has managed to point me in the right direction and encouraged well into 2011 already. I can’t forget to mention how kind Beth’s family (and Beth of course!) who have let me stay in their home, amongst many other things!

I will finish with Thanks to the Dave Rayner Fund and everybody over at Fred Whitton, it is because of them I will get the necessary support I need for the 2011 racing season.

Those of you that know Beth, know how supportive she has been of my cycling. We are spending most of 2011 apart but all in the name of the future, thanks to Beth for being such a gem!

I am rushing to write this, it is 11 PM and I still need to pack. Tomorrow I start a two day drive to Belgium, when I arrive I will make sure I let all who want to know what everything is like

Be sure to follow me throughout 2011, as I am sure there will be some amazing stories to tell, not just racing ones!!!

Is It All About The Numbers..?

2011-03-22T19:47:00.008+01:00

{Just thought I would add a few pictures in from recent riding with the camps. Riding next to me is a good friend and long supporter 'John Snead!'}

This week is all about recovering for me, I haven’t been this tired for a long time but I am sure after a week in recovery I will come out of it stronger ready for the long season ahead.

I am taking this brief opportunity this month to write about my thoughts on power training over this winter and what I have taken from it. Hopefully you will get something from it or just an interesting read.

{Here I am heading up a steep climb, Good advertising for my team :) }

Thanks to a friend of mine named Billy McCord I have been using power to train with since November 2010; it has taken me a fair while to get used to the system. At first it was difficult, the power reading comes at you with a different number too many times to calculate and at times it is as up and down as the mountains over here. It takes almost a week just to be able to keep the power number consistent-ish!

The first thing I was told in relation to what power adds to my training is that; up, down, left and right power is constant.

For example; if I was prescribed 260 watts for a 5 hour long endurance ride. I would hold that power for the duration of the ride no matter whether I was riding up hill, down hill, on the flat into a head wind or being pushed by a tail wind (I think you get the picture.) In essence; you then end up with a constant and consistent training figure that discounts the terrain you ride on, the weather you experience and most importantly it allows you to be completely specific in building your endurance base. You then get to put quality ‘Miles in the Bank!’

{Pictured here in the middle is Billy McCord; who kindly provided me with the equipment to train with power.}

I also find it great when I am doing intervals. It makes it simple, when you find the power you are meant to be in for that interval, you simply stay there. If my coach prescribed me some 3 X 8 minutes at 340 watts then for those 8 minutes all I have to concentrate on is getting to that number and staying there. Even if I was given a heart rate zone to stick to I can relate to my power at that heart rate zone and make sure I stick there. So again all factors are taken out and I can train to that particular zone and achieve exactly what I need to achieve out of the session.

The next major use of the power is the relation I can see in terms of the power to heart rate relation. It is simple: if my heart is up and my power is down I am fatigued (like I am now!) and/or ill. If the power is up and the heart rate is down I am improving. It is basic yet so useful in that I can train absolutely to my limit and also know when I have been doing too much. I can then never over or under train; 2 things that if you can control will allow boundless improvements in my ability as a rider.

{Pictured here is the actual SRM Power meter; the head unit was unfortunately run over as I explained and I don't have the picture of it at the moment.}

I don’t want this to be a review; but in summary I think it has been a great tool and I would like to share this experience. I enjoyed training on feel for most of my last 3 years since I started riding and still got great results out of that. Yes I used heart rate but I never used to feel as though I was analysing my performance as much as I need to now. As long as you DON’T let the numbers get you down there are no draw backs. It is a tool I will use in conjunction with old methods and hopefully get even better performance out of that. There is no doubt I feel stronger and much less breakable on the bike, lets hope for a great year!

A long and wet block of riding!

2011-03-17T23:07:00.004+01:00

(Here is the group on the first day of the camp, I am to the right and this is the first sunny day.)

I don´t remember the last time I cleaned my bike almost every day for 2 weeks!!! I won´t lie and say all I have done is ride in rain, but out of the 10 days in-a- row of riding, only two of those days have been in sun. Yes it is relatively warm hence why I am informing you about the tribulations and not complaining (to most the word tribulation would be too strong but it is tough doing 6 hours alone in mountains with rain!J). The way I see it is I have just over 10 days until Belgium and I feel ready to ride; this weather is lending itself to helping me prepare for the terrible weather!

So far I have clocked up 36 hours of riding over the 10 days. I am helping John Fegan (who runs ´Train In Spain´ organising training camps for cyclists of all abilities.) I make sure the front group is always in the right direction and at the same time I do my training.

(Today we did 3.5 hours and I did 6 X 30 second intervals in my biggest gear, was worth it for the view!!)

The camps force me to get out for all the hours and then getting in my intervals I get the ´work´ done. I feel strong and riding day after day (being guided by my coach – Garry Palmer of Sportstest ) I feel more confident every day. Tomorrow (18^th March) I will do my final day of 180km before I get a day to recover. On Sunday 20^th March I will get a power test done which will hopefully yield good results and I will post soon after.

I look forward to a run of sun and warm weather now. It is heating up here in Javea, Spain and I will keep trying for the tan lines before I get to Belgium!! Only 10 days to go…

The year has only just begun!

2011-03-07T18:56:00.009+01:00

{Most cycling teams had their own tents and turbo trainer areas for a warm-up. This is Bici-Benirdorm's area.}

Those of you that have read my recent blogs will know that on Sunday I took part in the final race of the Volta La Marina race here in Spain; which is a 12km Time Trial up the Jalon mountain.

It was a good day, blue sky and the wind was relatively calm.

I signed on at 9:30 AM and the field was limited to 82 riders (for time purposes.)

I was the 61^st rider and I was to leave the starting block at 11:15 AM. At 10:15 I started my warm up on my static trainer, with my Ipod on and a bottle of water to keep me hydrated.

{This is a picture of me last year, I wore almost the same, just without armwarmers!}

When I set off from the block, I went hard. The first bit of the Time Trial was relatively flat. I made sure my pace was high. When I hit the first slope, the gears I could have done with were jumping; I chose a gear 2 higher than I would have liked taking me out of my usual rhythm. It meant I had to dig deep.

{This was a picture of the first man to go off from the strating block!}

{Again no pictures of me going uphill, but this is my minute man just ahead of me at this point.}

At the 5km mark I nearly caught my 1 minute man. I knew I was going too hard and had to back off a little. This broke my rhythm. By the time I got myself together, I passed my 2 minute man first (the person who went off 2 minutes in front of me) ! Then I past my 3 minute man second! When I finally passed my 1 minute man he sat on my wheel. The last 2 km are undulating, and although there was a headwind I had time to make up. I cracked the whip, hit 50km/h and held it until the finish line. As I crossed the line many seemed to think my time was good. I wasn’t pleased with how I felt, I would have liked choice of gears but nevertheless I was pleased with the time and the fact I caught 3 people that set off in front of me. I came in 10^th. 10^th wasn’t the top 4 placing I wanted but it was a satisfactory result (after all I have been training hard all week J.)

{The series leader here is crossing the line, the last rider to cross for 2011.}

I have finished the series of races here in Spain. I came 7^th in the General/Overall classification (completing 6 of the 8 races was enough to be part of that classification) and I also came away with the Under-23 Jersey which was one of my goals for the series this year.

The winter training this year has been great, my results so far have been consistent and I have put some good time in on the bike. The end of this race series marks the start of my year now. I am looking to get to Belgium at the end of this month and start 6 months of intense Belgian racing (with a bit of English and some French races thrown in!) It is going to be tough, and I will post all about it, all you need to do is keep reading!

The final road stage of the year.

2011-02-28T18:28:00.007+01:00

On Sunday 27^th February I took part in the final Road stage of the Spanish series; Etapa number 7: Pedreguer. The start and finish was in Pedreguer town.

Although 170 racers started, only 108 finished. The race started out very windy, dry and 13 degrees but half way through cold rain came and made things significantly sketchier and a lot colder.

{Here the mountain jersey (Red) is attacking for the first of the point, if you can be bothered counting I am 10 back in red, watching and hiding!}

The race consists of 3 local laps and a larger / very hilly lap to finish. On the local laps it was obvious things would stay together due to the fact it was very windy and there were Sprint Jersey points available. I sat in and hid.

The rain came down as we entered the larger lap; people were jostling for the front and strung out as we were riding into a head wind. The peloton hit the first of three major climbs I attacked immediately. With wind behind I was up the road, although not for long as a train of riders came up behind me. I got into the front group going over the top of the first hill. Not long after came the second and third climb. On each of the climbs I went over the top near or at the front, but the groups just didn’t want to work, and with the wind I wasn’t able to go solo like last year, and we ended up having a 30 man front group.

{A piture taken half way up the 2nd climb, again the mountains jersey is moving up to take some more points. I am disguised behind him perfectly but I am moving up on his wheel.}

I felt strong, and as we descended into Pedreguer town I felt as though I would be in with a good chance. An up hill finish suits me well! I came into the final deciding corner in a great position near the front; from there it is just over 1 km to the finish. On the corner was a painted speed bump 4 foot long, and for some reason the riders at the front broke way too hard. I thought I was safe taking a wide line, but a person from the peloton flew out in front of me, way out of control. He looked to be skiing, losing and gaining grip left and right. He went down, and I thought I was too; I put my left foot out and gave him a dig in the back to try and straighten myself up. Although I stayed up right I was 15 men back and almost last man to hit the final part of the race. I was determined to finish well; I hit the final climb hard and past many riders. As you can see in the photo I made up a lot of ground. I was pleased with a 6^th place finish considering the position I was in 1km down the road.

{After being so far back I was happy to be 6th. I am pictured over the winner's right shoulder.}

I have had a tough time with my cold and allergies over the past 2 weeks. I am glad to say (after 5.5 hours in the mountains) that I feel much better. Next week is the last stage of the series in Spain. I missed 2 races, one to a puncture and one to an illness; but the series only puts six of your best races into the GC/Overall. I have been very consistent and placed highly in all my races. This weekend sees my 6th race, if I can achieve a top result in this weekend's Mountain Time Trial I will place highly overall. I will enter the Time Trial, do my best and if I come away with a top result I will be pleased. (It would have been much easier had I not missed 2 races though! :) )

Long week ending in a 5th place finish!

2011-02-22T11:50:00.004+01:00

After the last post, I had quick 4 days rest with little riding I felt much better. Although not 100% I carried on guiding at John’s Traininspain.net camp. In 4 days guiding I did just over 550 Km of riding. I took it easy just to give my body a chance to recover from the cold hoping I would be ready to race on Sunday.

{I am third man from the left, head on hand feeling a bit tired!}

I woke up Sunday morning to a warm and bright day, which helped me get over the sluggish feeling after so much riding during the week. The picture above is clear in showing how I felt, tired!

{Here I am just before I got in the break 'cracking the whip' to get away.}

The first half of the race I spent in a 3 man break, and after getting past the first 5 minutes feeling pretty BAD I got into a rhythm. I couldn’t understand why we were caught, with an average of 44km/h there must have been a bunch full of people feeling good behind! After getting brought back, it was a case of recovering and making sure no group got away. The dead-stop corners at either end of the course made for a difficult but interesting twist in Criterium style race.

{Harry Wickham (fellow english rider) and myself behind, heading round a very shiny roundabout!{

After nothing got away the whole race (and was one of the only moves I didn’t cover) a 4 man break got 10 seconds up the road with 2 laps to go.

I attacked a lap to go, with a crash taking place behind I think it gave the small break of 10 I was in a few seconds to get a gap up the road. With the lack of sprint in mind I took an opportunity with 1 Km to go and went for a ‘long’ sprint. The group was caught by the peloton by the finish but I gave a big enough ‘dig’ to stay away and sweep up 5^th place.

{Here I sat up realising I had sealed 5th}

Considering the week passed I was pleased with this result. On such a technical and difficult course I managed to get a chance to test my legs and get a good sprint workout ending with a good result. The form is coming, the ‘miles in the bank’ are already paying off and I am feeling stronger every week. Bring on 2011!

{The guy behind was coming fast and I wasn't going to let him steal 5th in the push for the line.}

The first and last..

2011-02-14T20:32:00.006+01:00

This weekend sees the first (and hopefully the last) time when I have to sit on a couch due to a cold.

As frustrating as it is that I have to do nothing (and miss a race) 20 degree weather makes it easier to relax!

I have had a cold since Friday and although I feel considerably better today; I made the decision to err on the side of caution, keeping in mind the long and difficult season ahead. Instead today I am helping John (being van man) on his www.traininspain.net camp.

The racing season is looming, it isn’t long until I get a chance to take on the continent and once again return to Belgium. I am looking forward to taking part in Belgium’s most prestigious amateur races, Pro Kermesse races along with the few National championships I plan on racing in the UK.

{This pictureis of myself and a cyclist whois also out here training (Harry Wickham.) Having a quick chat befre the race a few weeks ago now..}

I would like to take this opportunity to thank two great organisations; The Fred Whitton Organisation (http://www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk) and the Dave Rayner Fund (http://www.daveraynerfund.com.) Each organisation is backed by people who are helping cyclists for a reason; and with great passion / commitment are making a difference to myself and other cyclists.

I met up earlier this year with Lyn Whitton and Paul Loftus from the Fred Whitton Organisation, along with some fellow cyclists from the Lakes Road Club (in fact my Dad’s first club he was involved in many years ago!) All of the people I met were interested in what I had to say and were interested in my progress, I look forward to seeing you through out the year!

This year is my 2^nd full season, coming off the back of my first uninterrupted winter. I expect and believe I will have a great year and with many people already supporting me (most of them reading this!) I look forward to sharing a good year with you. From those of you that send encouraging emails to people who are providing funding and support this year, thank-you.

After the cold is gone I will be back on my bike ready to finish this week off helping John Fegan with his camp before finishing the last three races in the Spanish series.

{Above is the training camp I am currently helping John Fegan at..}

Benidorm

2011-02-08T21:22:00.010+01:00

{This is the very start of the race, half the peloton went the wrong way. With me in it!}

Last Sunday (6^th February) I took part in my 4^th race of the Spanish series and 2011!

The race took part in south Benidorm. It is a misconception that the race here is flat; in fact it is one of the most difficult circuits to race on. The distance is only 69 Kilometres; however, there are 14 hills (7 laps.) Each hill is hit hard and raced like each one is the last. Like last week a large field of 160 riders, the sunniest / warmest day so far.

{The race is regrouped and heading off.}

The first lap saw the winner and second place slowly drift off the front. From then on the race that was going to see the peloton ripped apart up each hill. From the first lap the peloton was halved. I was able to attack and be part of breaking the race up. The teams worked well together to stop many getting ‘away.’

By half way it was clear that 1^st and 2^nd place was dealt with and they were going to stay up the road but anyone else to attack would be chased down.

Coming into the finish it was mostly downhill. The usual jostle for the front was taking place and at 80km/h it was risk. About 5 Kilometres from the end I saw a rider move up to lead out his team mate. I took his wheel, in the next moment my bike juddered hard. The team mate of rider in front of me (for some stupid reason) decided he wanted to grind my cable and ruin my rear mech by riding his front wheel into it! Apart from scaring myself and the whole field; he put me into my biggest gear. After a moment of me making my point to him it was back to concentrating on the finish.

{I am hard to spot here but i am 2nd cyclist from the right hunched down and attacking at the start.}

The approach to the line is fast and twitchy; a constant battle. Being in the biggest gear ruined my kick out of the corner. Despite this, no rider passed me and I finished in a pleasing 9^th place. Another top 10.

Next week we race on a new course, and from what I have heard it will be an epic race..!

Training is going very well. The base miles have been fun, long hours at a constant pace. Power has been a great tool during this phase and I will post up why very soon. At the moment I am starting building some 'top end' although not working too hard as I am not needing to be race ready until I head to Belgium in March..

(For those wondering, I am having difficulties with the video and still trying to upload it, sorry!)

Race 3 - A result in the sun!

2011-02-02T22:53:00.008+01:00

Last Sunday was the 3^rd round of the Spanish races – Volta la Marina. It took place in Denia. As usual; it was a 9am sign on for a 10pm start.

The sun was finally shining, no more rain or cold like the last two races! It also meant the field was back up to 172 racers.

The race is only short at 64km. It starts with two local laps around Denia before heading on a larger lap going around the back of the Montgo (a mountain situated next to Denia town.) The race then goes over the Montgo before finishing up the Marques de Campo (the high street) in Denia.

{This picture was taken on the local circuits, it is a headwind section stretching the peloton out.}

My plan was to sit in until the Montgo where usually the race is decided. I held my own up the Montgo taking a turn to drop riders before filtering back to the lead group. You can see in the video I am on the front trying to break riders before the top. (I am waiting for a video of me leading over the mountain, I will put the video up as soon as I get it.)

At the bottom of the mountain many had regrouped forming a larger peloton than usual after the mountain. (Although the winner was ahead and held it to the finish.)

Coming into the finish, there was a head wind. For much of the race there are many moments where you feel as though you are going to be taken down, it is a very tense bunch, there are any riders that know they are capable of taking the chance to win and I think that contributes hugely to making it difficult to move up the bunch swiftly.

{The picture of the sprint finish hides me, however I am behind 3rd wheel and about to 'push' the bike in front of the yellow jersey!}

I made it my mission to come into the last corner near the front. I made to the front in one move, I let the first ride pass before snatching his wheel. The finish is around 500m and every year you have to take it on as a long sprint! It is cobbled which makes a difficult sprint also. I was happy to finish in 6^th. Every week is an improvement so I look forward for the races coming in the future weekends.

{The picture was taken today on top of the Col de Rates, this is new kit for Traininspain.net. A great 6 hours of sun in the saddle today!}

Race 2 - Javea!

2011-01-25T14:23:00.016+01:00

{Although there is sun that was the first and last time all day, wet cold and miserable was on order!}

This home round race in Javea started, well, extremely cold!

I got up at 7am, and I had to be at sign on at 9am for a 10am start. The temperature was 5 degrees and, for the first time ever, when I stepped outside it hailed!

These races are a bit of fun for me; I don’t take them too seriously. Obviously a race is a race and I go into the race to win it however throughout the race I don’t hesitate in attempting new tactics etc.

I had a decent size cheering crowd who I met before the race begun. With 10 minutes to go I got out of the car and did a few quick hill sprints to get some kind of warmth into my system. My hands were frozen. (As you can see in the picture) I wore more than enough clothes to cover me from head to toe.

There are 4-5 strong local teams with 6-10 riders in each. The race is open category – so a mixture of elites and masters as well as everything in between take part. It is a series of 8 races; the next one is in Denia.

The peloton knew I wanted to get away and weren’t prepared to let me go. I attacked many times throughout the race, an attack in an unusual place gave me the best gap. Straight away I knew the peloton weren’t ready to get in pursuit and a couple of riders came across. By the tail wind section there was a group of 5 of us.

{This is the beginning of the break, we are travelling pretty fast but the peloton are close behind. I am sitting 4th wheel.}

We all knew it would take some serious work to get away. For the first half lap we sat at 60 Km/h; the peloton chased very hard. We passed Team Astana who was pushed to the side of the road as we came past. The break was only to last until the next lap. Like I had done all day, I followed move after move in a final attempt to get in the right break but obviously it was not meant to be. In the end the winner crept off the front at the right time when the peloton backed off. It was a hard uphill drag to the finish and when it came to the sprint I wasn’t well placed.

The race lasted two hours at an average speed of 41 km/h. There were 100 riders, less than half the number from the previous week due to the weather; riders in Spain aren’t used to such conditions. I finished in 19^th but I felt very strong throughout the race, better luck next week I hope. The next race includes its first mountain. I look forward to seeing how I go.

Having not placed in the first race, I will be going all out for a top 10 to get up amongst the points and defend my title from last year as Sub-23 winner.

{Got a good picture here of me! In the background is the Montgo Mountain next to where I live, next week's race goes over that! Should be good.}

The first race of 2011!

2011-01-17T15:53:00.003+01:00

{Unfortunately this was one of very few pictures taken but you can see me in red armwarmers on the right. Also notice the mist in the background!}

As I woke up at 06:55 AM I took a quick squinted look outside at the weather. I could only just see the petrol station which is situated no less than 10 metres from my house. The sea mist today was heavy; this does happen and usually clears within an hour or two.

I had my normal plain pasta breakfast, a percolated coffee and checked over my bike to make sure all was working well. At 07:45 I went down and packed the car ready to leave at 8. I had to be at headquarters to sign-on early as I wasn’t sure I would be able to get a start in this week’s race.

The Valencia Cycling federation seem to go out of their way each year to make it difficult for myself and other foreign riders to enter the race series. After 2 years however they have finally started being much more friendly and gave me a start in the race..

After two and a half hours the heavy mist hadn’t cleared. The sun was outlined in the clouds but there was no warmth. The race was scheduled to start at 10 AM and I did my usual couple of sprints and 10 minute warm up before hand. I also waited until well after everyone had got to the start line so I could join right at the front!

As I waited at the front of the peloton a few of the Spanish riders were talking and I can understand a little of what they were saying. The field had 220 riders. So I knew, especially on the course we were on, if you weren’t at the front for the whole race you probably won’t be anywhere but on the floor in a crash. The roads were polished with water from the mist; in Spain it is very well known that you were very likely to get skidding even in a straight line as the roads are not heavy duty and don’t grip well in wet conditions.

The race started, I did stay within the first 20 riders and almost immediately I was in a quite handy break, with at least one rider from each team. But as you find in some breaks the people in them just don’t want to do any of the work; so inevitably we were caught within 5 or 6 km. After that I did notice some of the bigger teams were trying to control things. I decided to sit in and just watch that none of the ‘big guns’ were allowed off the front. After two and a half laps the race was neutralised after a crash had covered one section of the road. The wait of 30 minutes did mount up and I, along with people in the peloton, we were starting to get cold. Anyhow when the ambulance returned behind the peloton the race was restarted.

Again we were off! This time the peloton seemed to have relaxed into the race but at the same time the riders sprung to life. Attacks were coming fast, few of which stuck. After a lap of warming up I noticed the time it took for people to react to attacks was slowing and so I chose my moment to start the ‘counter’ moves. After my fourth or fifth counter attack I managed to get myself a decent gap and there were three riders in front. After a minute or so in fast pursuit I was within reach of this group.

I got up to make the one final push up an incline, I felt the weird and annoying sensation you get with a puncture, which is exactly what I had! I was a bit gutted and none of the cars (not even the neutralised car) stopped to help me despite standing in front of it. As usual I wasn’t given any help from the Spanish teams; nothing out of the ordinary for these races though!

A slow ride back to HQ gave me chance to think about things. I raced well, I chose the right move but I didn’t get a chance to finish the race.

I went back and watched the race finish before I did a loop back home with a couple of friends who are also out training in Spain.

I was pleased with the first race and I look forward to the race on Sunday 23^rd January. With it being the Home Town race (Javea) I will be looking for a result!

Celebration times.. In Spain!!

2011-01-11T15:26:00.011+01:00

{Squinting in the sun after my Christmas morning ride and before my Irish coffee!}

I had a great Christmas and New Year. The sun shone every day, and I managed to ride every day as well. I do love riding on both Christmas day and New Year; there is a great sense of freedom thanks to the empty roads and a sense of satisfaction as though you are doing yourself some real good!

After an early two-hour ride, I spent Christmas day with my Mum and Beth’s family. After exchanging presents, we headed for an Irish coffee down at the Port which is just five minutes walk from the house. We then spent the rest of the day piling on the calories - eating a great Turkey dinner at the family restaurant before heading home to have a few glasses of wine (I promise just a few! J )

{The photo below in a picture of the town where I live, Javea. The mountain between Javea and Denia is called the ‘Montgo’ and is where I took the photo.}

On boxing day I had my first race of the year for a turkey! The Pavo race is a big tradition here with all the local racing cyclists and club cyclists taking to the road to do a 60km steady loop before battling it out up one of the local great climbs, the Col de Rates. I have done no high intensity work so was pleased to gain a trophy for 4^th place (it did take a little while to get shaken off!) Although it was extremely cold at seven in the morning the sun shone all day and made for a real nice Boxing Day ride! I am used to the Boxing Day ride / 10 mile Time Trial in minus temperatures so I couldn’t complain!

{In the photo above I am wearing Train in Spain kit. This is a friend’s company that organises cycling holidays and camps on the Costa Blanca. www.traininspain.net).

Then came New Year (or Año Nuevo in Spanish and before I forget Happy New year to all reading this!) After a night working in the restaurant making sure all went smoothly (I was the bar man), I celebrated for a couple of hours with family and friends in a local club. Although it was a late night I was out again for a New Year ride on a glorious day, getting on with the job at hand!

{The photo below is me before getting to the tough part of the mountain! The red and white kit is obvious amongst the other 10 man team! }

With the New Year also comes a new way of training for me; POWER training. I will go into more detail in my next Blog Post but I am very happy with the results so far. I started using it a few weeks ago and even in a short space of time it is making me train very differently. I have never before trained at Peloton pace while still only riding at my endurance level!

It has been a very interesting few weeks. I have celebrated every occasion as usual just in a very different way. The start of my racing season is very soon; the first proper race in Spain for me is on 16^th January. I am looking forward to it and I am sure 2011 is going to be a great year – here’s hoping it is for you too!

{Heading back down the Montgo mountain, a very nice descent and climb!}

The First Post - 'Miles in the Bank'

2010-12-07T21:37:00.012+01:00

I’ve just turned 20, I race for Asfra Flanders Racing Team in

Belgium

. Currently I am spending five months of the year in Spain, my winter base for the last three years. My ambition is to turn pro and I’m going to provide you with an insight via this blog as to how I am going about it…

At first the idea of a Blog is great. You can let people know what you are doing, people can read stories of everyday encounters as well as longer features. Blogging is a personal insight into a situation that the readers/followers have their own association with, from knowing the blogger personally or just enjoying knowing more about the blogger’s life.

As we enter December, you find me in the second season in a cyclists year; the Winter season. And although there isn’t any racing for me, it doesn’t distract from the fact it is as important as the rest of my year. Both for mental and physical reasons.

I am taking the time to reflect on my last season and the winter leading into it. I have identified some things that need working on, things that I can do differently to ensure I improve in 2011. That has included setting a structured plan with my new coach and ensuring I use the off-season to build up a bigger endurance base.

Currently I am living in Javea, on the Spanish Costa Blanca, with Beth (my girlfriend) and her family. They are providing me with everything I need to allow me to concentrate on being a cyclist. They run a restaurant in Javea, named ‘La Cocina’ which translated means “The Kitchen”. The restaurant has become the hub of my life for the moment. I am in there to catch up with the family, use the internet and of course to eat. The food is fantastic thanks to Cliff! Left to my own devices I think a ship container full of Weetabix would be something I would look into ordering..!

I love the lifestyle here in Spain – people just seem more relaxed about things, less stressed out. It really does make things easy for me to get on with what is important, CYCLING!! Not to say that cycling is easy, far from it. But when there are over 300 days of sunshine a year you can almost get carried away with doing too much! It certainly beats turbo sessions in the garage and freezing cold rides in the rain dressed like Michelin Man.

The winter months are about ‘Miles in the Bank.’ Back in 2007 when I first started riding, my first road race was the Bath Junior Road Race. Being a national junior series race I am not sure it was a wise introduction to the sport. The memory of the race is a complete blur. 11 laps and I got past the 6^th one before I started cramping up on the main climb and I really had to dig deeper than ever before – especially since my number one fan (Dad) was watching from the side and giving me much needed support: from bottles and gels to excited encouragement when I succeeded in completing another lap. After crossing the finish line (coming in a respectable 24^th), I collapsed by my Dad into the grass at the side of the road. Dad asked with a smile “what did you learn there son?” It really didn’t take long to answer, as I had been thinking about it for the last 40 miles, I said “ I could do with putting a few more miles in the bank!”

Over this winter I am putting the miles in with a structured training plan; ensuring I go back to Belgium ready to race and have the miles in the bank ready to take out when I need them.