tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32817602600200480872024-03-05T20:14:50.584+01:00The Mountain Cycle DiariesWebsite of British Cross Triathlon Champion and Endurance Mountain Biker turned Pro Xterra Racer: IAN LEITCHUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-35142591983284989062013-03-24T13:00:00.003+01:002013-03-24T13:00:28.223+01:00Becoming a Marathon RacerAfter some neglect I thought I would pipe up on this blog again. <br />
<br />
From cycling to triathlon and now to running the pursuit of something fast continues to burn even as the years keep clicking on.<br />
<br />
Since the last post I gave the Marathon a whirl and pulled off a knock on the door performance with a 2.26. Lots of people gave me props for this but I was sure that despite the advancing years I could go a chunk quicker. London was actually a pretty bad race - I hadn't flowed properly at all and the average mileage in the six months leading up to the event was under 45.. hardly business time!<br />
<br />
So to 2013 and the London Marathon approaches again and this year I feel like I am becoming a real runner. The legs have slimmed away from the cycling pistons and more into thinly honed pins. I have moved my running style away from the heel strike clatter toward a forefoot patter and as such the miles have ticked up. Still not up to the level they could be the odd 70 mile week and even an 80 but small steps are best to keep the body going. <br />
<br />
From Kentish Town the pavements are pounded almost day in day out and often both morning and night. It can be a solitary toil but when the legs come on song and you're tempoing in light shoes around the park at under 5minutes a mile there is a great feeling of payback. <br />
<br />
So 4 weeks out from London things are looking good. There has been no performance which shows the shape I believe I am in but maybe that is no bad thing. The heart rate is as low as 32, 22 mile long runs with wind up seem doable and the body is bouncing back faster than ever.<br />
<br />
So London aim is sub 2.20 which I think is genuinely in range and then a summer of fast track work and core strength before higher mileage and maybe a whirl at getting toward the Commonwealth qualification mark of 2.17 at The Frankfurt Marathon.<br />
<br />
It feels like I am only just becoming a proper runner with a year and a half of training in the legs so who knows it could be possible?<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-30456446507066492132011-09-01T23:56:00.002+02:002011-09-01T23:59:18.712+02:00All Happening<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJjkA2HHzXypaLHh3O_vv73nyOLovZCMbu1Rn4ozvtG-oXMi_1XvxTS_SLx1AXLIE0xu6Qif0KWvDKQsbr5Hstnrff3rdyskcL4DNiK7MmflJNI2b-ltlUC1TuW6h1d-UCpMfkxLEDGYV/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJjkA2HHzXypaLHh3O_vv73nyOLovZCMbu1Rn4ozvtG-oXMi_1XvxTS_SLx1AXLIE0xu6Qif0KWvDKQsbr5Hstnrff3rdyskcL4DNiK7MmflJNI2b-ltlUC1TuW6h1d-UCpMfkxLEDGYV/s200/DSC_0256.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>It's all happening just not on this blog.. updates to follow:<br />
<br />
- Trained on Lundy Island and Tinos Greece.<br />
- Got 7th in XTERRA Sardinia with bike probs<br />
- Raced IRONMAN 70.3 as a Pro in Antwerp and Zurich - Did respectably..<br />
- Worked damn hard<br />
- Ran a sneeky 30.27 10km<br />
- Moved to London with Super Sooz.<br />
- Raced the Big Dog and regained the title..<br />
- Decided to chill and err.. go for Olympic B Standard qualifying time for the Marathon of 2.18.<br />
- Felt happy about life<br />
- Ate far too many cakes and chocolate bars.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-71343586235310837732011-05-23T17:54:00.000+02:002011-05-23T17:54:14.619+02:002nd at the Gorrick 100<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div --="" 72.0pt="" 792.0pt;="" 90.0pt;="" 90.0pt="" ;="" @page="" dir="ltr
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndYZSwlYO-2Wz1xIY418fTUDHMXYifx82AFuOzsgT3tccxvXc0lqaM5oymvv8W3oRJ8_a1ky6xXnQ6_3t7Hog6i2s_UvzBAytvgfBYHtRrd-EjWpZH1XYO3Hz38k-f5fiKqR2cJ5vTKLv/s1600/IanGorrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndYZSwlYO-2Wz1xIY418fTUDHMXYifx82AFuOzsgT3tccxvXc0lqaM5oymvv8W3oRJ8_a1ky6xXnQ6_3t7Hog6i2s_UvzBAytvgfBYHtRrd-EjWpZH1XYO3Hz38k-f5fiKqR2cJ5vTKLv/s320/IanGorrick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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... strong look<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">2009 was a good year for me. I had entered an early season 24 in the US with fellow Cannondale Racing rider Ant White and it had forced my hand – I trained through the winter for the first time. The 24 had proved to be my best ever and the Gorrick 100 acted as positive fall-out. About perfect time after Old Pueblo for recovery I had lined up and lucked out with a warmish field. About five and a half hours later I had my niece and nephew in my arms and I returned to Brighton armed with the big silver tray and a quality night out on the agenda. Cue 2010 and the field was stronger but so was I. On Lap 3 I took the lead and felt I had it in hand .. but the weather changed and so did my brakes… they died. The evening however turned out to be a belter. Legend Rory Hitchins had ridden out the storm to take home the tray.. come 10pm it was being used as an impromptu Tequila platter from which we were toasting his class. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So to now. The Gorrick 100 2011. It has been a funny winter. Big decisions, great times and about 6 hours of biking a week. Mmm. The Gorrick would act as a good long ride to bank in the legs and Swinley’s singletrack would be dry, fun and Scalpel suited. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The week leading in showed me where I was at. After patchy unstructured training I visited old coach Garry Palmer for a lab test: the result he was immediately re-hired! Fairly good FTP at over 5W per KG but shonky top end.. and 3KG over weight; he threw me straight into rough interval sets. Coupled with the physiological marker I took delivery of the new mountain bike for the season; A Scalpel 1…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After eight years on a hard tail and for the last rolling the big wheels – this was going to be different. I took it to Stanmer park for a hot lap and immediately scythed a minute off my fastest time. It’s lightweight and telepathic handling a revelation..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So finally to the Gorrick. A little warm up on the first climb and with interval hang-over the legs felt like they would be pushing squares from the outset. Next up a quick perusal of the starting line-up. Elite young gun Phil Lenney – that’ll be a good battle.. and Ben Thomas .. one of the UK’s hottest XC and Marathon riders… a shoeing was going to be the outcome. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Off the line and it was a group of five which shook out after ten minutes to Ben, Phil and me. The singletrack was great, the pace manageable and there was a bit of chit chat. Maybe I am just antisocial but I like a race to be just that and not a ride and come lap two my legs had freed up a little and I fancied a dig. The Scalpel got me carried away and I moved clear. Bad move! Last year I had week after week of 15 hours in the legs.. this year not so. The triathlon aims are a way off and as such a heart rate I can usually sustain for a long period was unrealistic. Ben caught and passed me and then systematically put in lap after class lap to show me who was boss. I came home 2<sup>nd</sup> – medium silver tray this year for me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I could have been demoralised but I was against real class in a long race; something I am not training for this year. With dedication in the next few months I really think I can get to where I want to be; doing that Scalpel justice. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The old tradition of the Gorrick night out continued however… cocktails and beers and me vowing to cut back as this year I really want a big win.</span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-85883511731182898732011-05-23T17:45:00.000+02:002011-05-23T17:45:27.143+02:003rd at the Exposure Night Marathon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span lang="EN-US">Exposure MAXX Night Marathon and CRC marathon Round 1.</span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">With the rather clement Spring that was served up I took a trip down to Wales to catch up with friends and also to race two marathons. Two weeks previously I would not have dreamt of racing as I felt I was way off target. But in a crash week before my return to work I got to smash it with UK24 Champion Matt Page and also Josh Ibbett; it transpired that I had a modicum of good form. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The Exposure Night Marathon saw around 300 riders in perfect conditions leave Builth Wells and after a 30 minute or so neutralized lead out the usual thing happened: all hell broke loose! The script was as expected; Nicky Craig multiple- time National Marathon champ, Olympian and all round top bloke kicked it off with local hero Jonny Pugh hot on his heels. I seemed to have good power and hung onto them for a few minutes before ceding around half a minute over the moors. An hour in and I had hauled them back and was absolutely loving the trails, the speed and the competition. I rolled in 3<sup>rd</sup> just under a minute down on Nick, absolutely rinsed but very happy to be well clear of those I would have struggled to hold a few years back. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A quick massage, a nights sleep and then 10am another 4 hours lay ahead. This time out about 1,000 riders with a number of fresh Elites in the mix. After a strong start being in the lead group of four my lack of endurance started to rear its head. I went backwards and rolled over the line in 9<sup>th</sup> place.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
A natty video was made and I am in it..<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5cB0hsPbMwE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-36618766097946815492011-02-24T16:04:00.002+01:002011-02-24T16:07:00.244+01:00Season Kick Off: 1.08.30 at the Brighton Half Marathon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">With a move toward IRONMAN 70.3 I decided to have a run out at the Brighton Half Marathon. I have been getting stronger through long runs and quicker through training under Malcolm Kemp's group at Phoenix AC. Despite a couple of bad miles I managed to hold it together and come 2nd out of a big 8,000 runner field. To get a 1.08 early season is great - that sub 1.07 I have my eye on looks to be in range! I really enjoyed putting it in the hurt locker and the great support I got from family and friends. Now mucho bike work before work begins.<br />
<br />
In the Hurt Locker, Running for Home:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwrxREPb5sXS7aIwxzblCgaYOyK42_aMdMf7jn4AWAvFaTW5zRxycUFnT1UFG6tePKDn5KHeagvvHOwP7E8ClRL23XWNurqmOo5zKM-uc0eMqJqLOth0T2hrRlw4DwvsWDnH9XLv750t1/s1600/IMG_7257+Ian%2527s+world+of+pain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwrxREPb5sXS7aIwxzblCgaYOyK42_aMdMf7jn4AWAvFaTW5zRxycUFnT1UFG6tePKDn5KHeagvvHOwP7E8ClRL23XWNurqmOo5zKM-uc0eMqJqLOth0T2hrRlw4DwvsWDnH9XLv750t1/s320/IMG_7257+Ian%2527s+world+of+pain.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstB_m60LcuODXiS7BBkOvzleFj0tjIoeGbSR-DdM3BfTEz9cyAeSVFpR0IPbatVQ1v2Gh31DXnGkT4rWbjSwhpUOobVnmMHpn6QtaF5j27e4p8CiJ3rfuhEHOfTAKNoN1vscWunHNuaHM/s1600/5461266856_8eff9c4eb5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstB_m60LcuODXiS7BBkOvzleFj0tjIoeGbSR-DdM3BfTEz9cyAeSVFpR0IPbatVQ1v2Gh31DXnGkT4rWbjSwhpUOobVnmMHpn6QtaF5j27e4p8CiJ3rfuhEHOfTAKNoN1vscWunHNuaHM/s320/5461266856_8eff9c4eb5_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> 7,998 out of sight but unfortunately one runner ahead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwt7g62w5ns45ZSYTPHT-55uwvf8pvnVBXHMjFVZi-deJVeiKpsobBxv53ptOuxl0v011yHfGbqBj0JGLiRUzcXY0KgBxrkWJvG2imd_UOp1IZ7RFc2g_8x309zWFlKAdOWbbcLcwn6Bm/s1600/P1040030+Ian+%2526+Family+fans+at+Bton+Half+Maraton+Finish+2nd+Place.+20.02.11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwt7g62w5ns45ZSYTPHT-55uwvf8pvnVBXHMjFVZi-deJVeiKpsobBxv53ptOuxl0v011yHfGbqBj0JGLiRUzcXY0KgBxrkWJvG2imd_UOp1IZ7RFc2g_8x309zWFlKAdOWbbcLcwn6Bm/s320/P1040030+Ian+%2526+Family+fans+at+Bton+Half+Maraton+Finish+2nd+Place.+20.02.11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Finish.. me looking like crap!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-32729723207582597612011-02-22T14:40:00.001+01:002011-02-22T15:52:40.003+01:00All Change for 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After directional changes akin to a headless chicken I finally got my mind and my life sorted for 2011. After dabbling with full time riding ideas and working in the outdoor sector something rather surprising happened. I started interviewing for jobs in my old sector and I realised just how much I had missed using my head. The result, I got a number of job offers and am due to head back into London to work for the best company I could hope for: EMC.<br />
<br />
I needed security again and after an ok winter I think 2011 will still be great from a sporting perspective. The plan is this: balance triathlon, running and bike racing this year and then next year an entirely different and more manageable aim - The London Marathon.<br />
<br />
So what are the big aims for 2011 now?!<br />
<br />
- Get on European Champ Franky Batelier's wheel at a European XTERRA race!<br />
- Podium at the XTERRA European Championship <br />
- Podium at IRONMAN 70.3 Antwerp<br />
- Qualify for and podium at the World Duathlon Championship <br />
- Run a 1.06 Half Marathon<br />
- Run a sub 30 minute 10KM <br />
*All races as a pro<br />
<br />
2012<br />
<br />
- Top 20 at London Marathon - sub 2.20<br />
<br />
So far things look good - despite quite light training I have clocked a 1.08.30 over Half Marathon distance in Brighton to finish 2nd out of 8,000 - schwing! and my swim is getting quicker.<br />
<br />
In addition some sponsorship changes: It is goodbye to Indy Fab after 5 years. Those that supported me have moved on and the company seems to be in a state of flux and race programme defunct. As such I am signed to race for Cannondale Racing. I will be competing and training on the following bikes:<br />
<br />
- Cannondale FLASH Hi-Mod 29er<br />
- Cannondale SLICE Time Trial Bike<br />
- Cannondale CAAD 10 Road bike<br />
<br />
Nice!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-60970071155587256432010-11-27T13:27:00.000+01:002010-11-27T13:27:10.995+01:003rd at Barns Green Half Marathon 1.10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew6XSlPQ6NGxfNhMLoG-7tVy7mVtdvCySCMXOj45KueNGduk2DiyvE2G5P74jsrL_G7E0_V313MF8ACEZT6BU3mjwkoh_Ef6aD0U9NNDLNkZm9QvrlR66w5irYkwQMw5AXOSBkIJpEuTb/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew6XSlPQ6NGxfNhMLoG-7tVy7mVtdvCySCMXOj45KueNGduk2DiyvE2G5P74jsrL_G7E0_V313MF8ACEZT6BU3mjwkoh_Ef6aD0U9NNDLNkZm9QvrlR66w5irYkwQMw5AXOSBkIJpEuTb/s200/DSC_0010.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbxWrfW41gOsNJlsI5jyApaEw4rymGkxdP0mGDf4N6a8hlHj0OLsu-qe-boRy5d3slSFrKsOFHKIrlIfsxVvVF7Cj_4FZyG0srIc8vwDcs7l-ExiTneHaw0pP1uNR_5Vk8BDTbKWCMz8c/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbxWrfW41gOsNJlsI5jyApaEw4rymGkxdP0mGDf4N6a8hlHj0OLsu-qe-boRy5d3slSFrKsOFHKIrlIfsxVvVF7Cj_4FZyG0srIc8vwDcs7l-ExiTneHaw0pP1uNR_5Vk8BDTbKWCMz8c/s200/DSC_0011.JPG" width="200" /></a>Jetlagged off the plane from Hawaii I lined up for The Barns Green Half Marathon. I have only run the distance once before and was not ready at all! When Kenyan Edwin Kipyego showed up on the start line to lead out the 1,750 runners I knew we were in trouble. He went through mile 1 on world record pace and then slacked it off over the tough course to win by a stretch. I got carried away at the start going through mile 1 in second in 4.43 - woops! I soon tempered it and tucked in behind three-time winner James Baker. On mile 6 I went clear into second before having major quad issues that forced me to make a little stop on mile 9! - moral: do not run in ultralightweight shoes over that distance! I then got involved in a battle for 2nd with Neil Boniface who duely run the finish out of me to pip me. 3rd at Barns Green - 1.10 on a very tough course. I am now training over longer distances with as I am targeting the podium on the Ford IRONMAN 70.3 circuit in 2011. Phoenix AC reckon I can get a sub 1.06 on the right course which would be the run more than dialled.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-82042736867060109812010-11-24T19:36:00.000+01:002010-11-24T19:36:01.273+01:00XTERRA World Championship: 19th Pro</link> <style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYZhleenHnRIBkE4ZyP71_y6ufHomtXtdot-hgzU2fc9KTCcbkhS6G5U0lMbv4BDUBrWOS-UJ2Wt6-QIYMw76vJyBIJQuTAf1i2Yjqz9fpb-lpaC_4EJwFxLJiOo7zAdFGVrP6i5ks9Ju/s1600/DSC_6516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYZhleenHnRIBkE4ZyP71_y6ufHomtXtdot-hgzU2fc9KTCcbkhS6G5U0lMbv4BDUBrWOS-UJ2Wt6-QIYMw76vJyBIJQuTAf1i2Yjqz9fpb-lpaC_4EJwFxLJiOo7zAdFGVrP6i5ks9Ju/s200/DSC_6516.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Maui, Hawaii, the home of Jaw’s, the world’s largest and most dangerous surf break. But Maui is also home one of the toughest races in triathlon; The World XTERRA Championship. For me this was the culmination of my season and a true chance to go in against a racked field of the world’s best triathletes. After a season well ahead of expectation I was previewed in the race programme as a contender and I was looking to really take it up a notch and have a standout performance. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBNIsoRZQbcPusSaVFQIDuakgZcBGqp7jEFJTEp-0sElA3BmF-6axfq-rtramgB70rvxweD9JZoybkZqV6WdiXAC74GPS6Yu_dspQ3UpE4d8aMbDmKV7ilPUWslMfnezUE3pnJvsKjPMh/s1600/XTERRA_Swim.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBNIsoRZQbcPusSaVFQIDuakgZcBGqp7jEFJTEp-0sElA3BmF-6axfq-rtramgB70rvxweD9JZoybkZqV6WdiXAC74GPS6Yu_dspQ3UpE4d8aMbDmKV7ilPUWslMfnezUE3pnJvsKjPMh/s200/XTERRA_Swim.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Sam Gardner, the most experienced and classiest triathlete in the UK had used his armory of contacts to equip us with a diverse training camp utilizing the whole of Hawaii’s Big Island and then Maui. It kicked off with a homestay at Tonda’s, a 67 year old ex-peace-corp worker and then it moved across the Big Island to swim coach supremos Bill and Jean Sakovic in Hilo. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Training with someone of a similar standard was fantastic; it was disciplined yet fun, fast but measured and all the while had a real sense of purpose. Our arms smashed through ocean waves, muscles turned circles against Caldera backdrops and our legs pounded the beaches. Yet despite this serious edge it would transpire that Sam “broadsword” Gardner was about as much of a hoon as myself. Teenage antics and pranks took centre stage as we blagged our way around the island hitching lifts and calling favours. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuZRJK19IaBlPXVh_vGHnT2S6n9cC74h-blRLm70lMw92ZRR6uhJecxpNIz81rxTvEeHmql5oamoNiANn9WEYhyphenhyphen8ZfyzUSNexQqOOdF4SFbHPLaM5JPYjsApsmB2STpC23sXsxs5mwTvX/s1600/DSC_6541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuZRJK19IaBlPXVh_vGHnT2S6n9cC74h-blRLm70lMw92ZRR6uhJecxpNIz81rxTvEeHmql5oamoNiANn9WEYhyphenhyphen8ZfyzUSNexQqOOdF4SFbHPLaM5JPYjsApsmB2STpC23sXsxs5mwTvX/s200/DSC_6541.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">After a week of happy toil our stay culminated with a visit to the Ironman World Championship, to get fired up for the future. What an event – 2,000 athletes putting themselves through the absolute ringer in the name of pleasure – it struck a chord. The race also saw our rendezvous with legendary Australian swimmer, Shane Meadows and a few well earnt beers with Patty; Tonda’s incredibly hospitable neighbour. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So to Maui and we were locked into what appeared to be a tropical paradise directed and managed by a group of religious fruitcakes straight out of a beat novel. Packed in liked Sardines it was a very intimate setting in which to hone ourselves and finally prep. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdvJ94uTdu44P1Yjlg3TWLlnpECe1k0wfz-F-dEhVBtVQv26KthnUhU7Vtspr52UN1oX_s4Z1OJI4rs5-NRMM-fOGI9B8vD6Z_1DEw9o1nlJrxoX-IWZUxiSPk5ZwNWI0pr-FiThtR27c/s1600/DSC_6530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdvJ94uTdu44P1Yjlg3TWLlnpECe1k0wfz-F-dEhVBtVQv26KthnUhU7Vtspr52UN1oX_s4Z1OJI4rs5-NRMM-fOGI9B8vD6Z_1DEw9o1nlJrxoX-IWZUxiSPk5ZwNWI0pr-FiThtR27c/s200/DSC_6530.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Physically the run in had been perfect and with a week to go all looked great – my swim times had tumbled, a small duathlon win showed I had killer bike and run speed and I really felt that this would be as planned: a breakthrough. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Yet as the race got closer a few gremlins began to rear their head. Bad sleep, a terrible spider bite and a concern about a lack of leg zip. Allied to this was a feeling of being surrounded, my usual preparation is to be alone and not in company. The field itself was also on my mind, a white hot who's who of pro triathletes and olympians.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PxC7TV_gv5frAVsx7HIqNRq3ZgoRB6xw9BY5ne2jnhMPa1hioq51DXSJSZSvmnTb88CxRkWrAAA1hjmdL3gopFvUfjc47MDmeXzLi803JrVXk2ubjUJhnRXSSqnqQmExFY6IDxuFodKv/s1600/DSC_6456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PxC7TV_gv5frAVsx7HIqNRq3ZgoRB6xw9BY5ne2jnhMPa1hioq51DXSJSZSvmnTb88CxRkWrAAA1hjmdL3gopFvUfjc47MDmeXzLi803JrVXk2ubjUJhnRXSSqnqQmExFY6IDxuFodKv/s200/DSC_6456.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p>So to race day and the Makena beach resort Maui; a stunning beach and 550 athletes all charged up having qualified for the big one. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The race course is legendary. Unchanged for 15 years it takes in two laps of a beautiful blue sea where you have to contend not just with the arms and legs of other athletes but also turtles from beneath. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After a hotel-side transition it is onto the bike. Climbing all the way up the side of the Haleakula Volcano I was relishing the climb-fest. Yet once the climb was done the infamous “plunge” would begin. This is a one-mile boulder strewn crash fest that take you to yet more rocky rollers before the run. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-US"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8gJqWNySA-NQfmh-ynrYT4-ItLSLyfTfJpRPXEvVSkQ4UJIzwE1zz06sJqHhKEckSZXCR-64R_UAkP9rS2A5QVaS_j1t0N0o3ccZtNAAONFjBmXmAM5aArZB1aOT-bR_KEJ752gfjxvv/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8gJqWNySA-NQfmh-ynrYT4-ItLSLyfTfJpRPXEvVSkQ4UJIzwE1zz06sJqHhKEckSZXCR-64R_UAkP9rS2A5QVaS_j1t0N0o3ccZtNAAONFjBmXmAM5aArZB1aOT-bR_KEJ752gfjxvv/s1600/images.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-US">The run was a cracker, taking in two fabulous beaches between which lay “spooky woods.” By far the most difficult thing about the course was that you could not pre-ride the bike section as it was on private land; having never raced the Worlds this was not ideal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">With helicopters swooping overhead and camera laden frogmen laying in wait you knew that this one would be a major affair.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I got out of the traps well and swam on the far right of the bunch. I had clear water and then moved into the mêlée to try and get on some fast legs. The thing with swimming is that you feel you could go faster but as soon as you move out of the slipstream you have to work disproportionately hard for the gains you make; as such I tucked in. The swim was two laps with a small beach run. I made a few places on the beach and heard my friend Will shout at me “1.30 back,” this was exactly where I had hoped to be. A second beautiful lap and on some quick legs I came into T1 ready to unleash the bike speed after my best ever swim. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31xrTl4kQ7hm4j6_NJSgDjrqZ7P4AMxZIMip-_gwP7wrJ6Pj4OSrh_xvvMpLcF_5mt2gpUZQoqEW6IfCKtSrXUoOfusKWI9zAbzy9r9Pwho4qTRk5uKxGx__oCArwMECuFH-ujx-WCWbw/s1600/images-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31xrTl4kQ7hm4j6_NJSgDjrqZ7P4AMxZIMip-_gwP7wrJ6Pj4OSrh_xvvMpLcF_5mt2gpUZQoqEW6IfCKtSrXUoOfusKWI9zAbzy9r9Pwho4qTRk5uKxGx__oCArwMECuFH-ujx-WCWbw/s320/images-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I had the 37 plate, the same as my best race of the year in the Czech republic and I was hoping the big wheels would roll as well half way across the world. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">As a rider you know when it is game on or game off and this felt distinctly like a bad day. All that taper, all that training and now on the slopes of the Volcano a leg no show. I could see riders ahead who I had been torching past all year but I just could not make the ground. Had I swum too fast? Was my head not right? Was I overtrained? Was I a big game choker? These are questions that have been running through my head ever since. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXBxrik-7ufI02-ctz0oG5KO3ulC_qgu0XKjFZcJOHRyi0Qzior1R9PtIQ1Y3zhAWKcB1mGzsqoqk4Xlu3fP5taMo7Wd9_9qbjrZThOxGohYlM7jCUbVsHzpk_6sEamJwfsdlFax74I9s/s1600/DSC_6488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXBxrik-7ufI02-ctz0oG5KO3ulC_qgu0XKjFZcJOHRyi0Qzior1R9PtIQ1Y3zhAWKcB1mGzsqoqk4Xlu3fP5taMo7Wd9_9qbjrZThOxGohYlM7jCUbVsHzpk_6sEamJwfsdlFax74I9s/s200/DSC_6488.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Half way around the lap it was clear my legs would not return. When I made it to T2 my friends were certain I had experienced a mechanical. I had in fact biked ten minutes slower than all those I have been outbiking since I broke through in mid-summer. The run was a contemplative affair. I knew I hadn’t got anywhere near what I wanted so kind of ran at a fast sustainable pace – if I had been in the mix a lot more speed would have been found. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So that was that, 19<sup>th</sup> pro. On paper a good first effort but I could see the potential for much higher. Jim Thys from Belgium in 10<sup>th</sup> summed it up for me; “where the hell were you? I was waiting for you to come smoking by on the bike!” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FRz5B5B8DQhmhB5CgVk7G7f5KyWeNm0vsoS0hNDvMQVVgVjr-MZVlx9aBlSGiX9niJJh8caSYWQfMpzRFuVGM4gTMaI4Cj_agBJCq4FyzjE_r5EYihLVHvSXbj_38FKIaJ675jJdzs4o/s1600/images-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FRz5B5B8DQhmhB5CgVk7G7f5KyWeNm0vsoS0hNDvMQVVgVjr-MZVlx9aBlSGiX9niJJh8caSYWQfMpzRFuVGM4gTMaI4Cj_agBJCq4FyzjE_r5EYihLVHvSXbj_38FKIaJ675jJdzs4o/s1600/images-2.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-US">In the immediate aftermath I was measured in my reflection. So it was a bad day, the year had been great in so many ways; I was National Champion, I had won the XTERRA World Tour in Japan, I had podiumed in Europe; success beyond expectation. Yet time and reflection has made me realise that I could be more committed, more intelligent and better prepared. As such I will go forward and give it everything in 2011 as I return to XTERRA and also to Ironman 70.3. But for the new season I am going all out to be truly the best I can be. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-57882877788994436382010-09-27T20:32:00.001+02:002010-09-27T20:32:55.885+02:00That's a Record! Maxx Exposure: 1st Place and Course Record<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmYkGjD_TSb8LIvcpz0zH1ZZjREhC8A7EWwN949LvWrCvArhX08zRozpUXKcBWuUrMJtrIACV1WrRUDgd-kvrmtFTCA7rmfy20ZjLLQhvaJxmzBDkAYQjqFUn3xwqo2oeLIVDACfM1zu8/s1600/5026994513_c38bec7068_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmYkGjD_TSb8LIvcpz0zH1ZZjREhC8A7EWwN949LvWrCvArhX08zRozpUXKcBWuUrMJtrIACV1WrRUDgd-kvrmtFTCA7rmfy20ZjLLQhvaJxmzBDkAYQjqFUn3xwqo2oeLIVDACfM1zu8/s320/5026994513_c38bec7068_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The MAXX Exposure is a classic. Running from Beachy Head at dusk it runs for 80 miles overnight along the South Down's Way to QE Park in Petersfield by dawn. It has always clashed with other things but this year I decided after a hard week training to do it as a big long ride. In fact it was the longest ride for me in months as all my riding has either been short intensity or racing.<br />
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There was an additional incentive to do it. Firstly Exposure Lights and Quest Adventure who support the event brilliantly also support me brilliantly so it was a payback. Secondly Rob Dean who has been laying down some strong rides of late was in the mix and I fancied laying down a marker!<br />
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Setting out from Eastbourne we rode into a chill wind. On my left magnificent vistas of the downs, to my right an incredible view off Beachy Head and right in front of me big Rob Dean unleashing the fury. Rob's a big guy so I knew the climbs would be a little tough so I edged up the pace a little up the first rise and found myself clear. Mmmm.. this might be a long lonely ride. Yet to me this didn't matter .. before my big trip to Hawaii this was the perfect way to say to see one of my favourite places in a beautiful season.. a goodbye for now if you will.<br />
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Come the first downhill and catastrophe was the order of the day. I had broken my front gear mech .. again! I stopped for a few minutes and adjusted it/bent it so I had the middle ring only - with my smallest gear of 34/32 some of those downland climbs were going to be 29er tough!<br />
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I pushed on and caught Rob coming into Alfriston and then on the big climb out wound up the speed - the gearing I had on offer left me no choice.<br />
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Last year the Maxx had been an ultra competitive affair with two of the best marathon riders in the UK, Matt Page and Ant White going head to head in perfect conditions. This was going to be a solo effort and into a nasty headwind.. I decided to get my race head on!<br />
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After a quick hello to Jon at the Woodingdean turn I passed checkpoint 1 in the same time as Ant had in 2009... got me thinking! I then found my rhythm and that old favourite position was in the offing once again - spinning a gear and forward on the saddle driving forward. Around me an amazing Harvest Moon (The Neil Young song spinning in my head) and back in the distance little lights all across the downs of fellow riders.<br />
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By now the lights were on and what lights! Rory had loaned me the killer combo of killer combos.. The Exposure SIX Pack and Diablo. Sometimes when a new product arrives you see a mild improvement .. an evolution if you will. Not so the SIX Pack! Cue the Revolution! The brightness was simply amazing.<br />
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The little red lights of Truleigh Hill signalled the arrival of Checkpoint Two and the boys from Quest. I came in quick and left quick - but with a nice BBQ and sound set up on any other night I would have stayed... By now I was almost 30 minutes up on Rob and inside record time. It was just me, my bike, owls, bats and badgers.<br />
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At 11.30 I came down to Cocking and the last checkpoint. Rory was there and I thanked him for a great trail, a great event and some great lights. The last hour was an enjoyable push with some stinging climbs! Come 12.23 and I was home. 6 hours and 8 minutes a new record despite the headwind and by 13 minutes. A beer and two burgers followed. I had 54 minutes from Rob D in second.<br />
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What a great ride. Doing what I love most; riding my bike over long distance quickly. Now for the intensity as I lead into the biggest race of my life.<br />
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Thanks to Quest, USE/Exposure and Clif for the fantastic energy boosters!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-61461678978568999682010-09-25T02:13:00.002+02:002010-09-25T02:14:57.594+02:00Course Record at The Hove Prom 10KM - 1st Place 31.29Despite what I can only describe as "nigh on a gale" I managed to break the course record at the Sussex Grand Prix Event in my backyard. The Hove Prom 10km is flat and I hoped to get very close perhaps even under 30 minutes. The wind scuppered that, but I came in 35 seconds quicker than the old record and about 2 minutes clear. Signs are good!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-77261716845209501192010-09-14T14:53:00.003+02:002010-09-25T02:23:42.951+02:004th Pro at XTERRA European Final Switzerland - Fastest Bike and Run Split ahead of ex - World Triathlon Champion Olivier Marceau<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3-JgPGxIh4rOmcxUJkE87AT7QIAmaJAGZpD5Te8TLMphv4r3qLug0AtlVKdsgIqrhlakwWqp9jq_AUajvqM7hKLsNn3pezfmQny9OD_m9i4FzbLQb7J3Wjd2GZeEW-zIkbNf8zRVYe9e/s1600/61588_439945143569_695078569_5116581_5743110_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3-JgPGxIh4rOmcxUJkE87AT7QIAmaJAGZpD5Te8TLMphv4r3qLug0AtlVKdsgIqrhlakwWqp9jq_AUajvqM7hKLsNn3pezfmQny9OD_m9i4FzbLQb7J3Wjd2GZeEW-zIkbNf8zRVYe9e/s1600/61588_439945143569_695078569_5116581_5743110_n.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', fantasy;">XTERRA Switzerland - Course way too flat for me and I lost almost 5 minutes on the swim. I then posted the fastest Bike and run splits ahead of ex-ITU World Champion Olivier Marceau to go from 41st out of the water to 4th. With an average of 2.5KM swimming a week for the last 40 weeks it's pretty obvious what I need to be doing... 10 times that for a start. Bring on Maui.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Report from XTERRA website: </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', fantasy;">The race for third was as tight as one could ask. Ian Leitch came out of the water about 3 minutes back from the leaders (NO 5!!!!!) in 38th place. He rode like a demon posting the fastest bike and came into T2 in 7th. This Brit can run. At the end of the first 5K lap he had pulled himself up to 3rd place about 1 meter in front of Ronny Dietz. Ronny has had bad luck this season and it was great to see this German Champion having a trouble free race. At the start of the 2nd run lap Ronny passed back in front of Leitch but the Englishman would not give up or give in. They stayed together the entire lap, but Ian’s efforts on the bike and the first run lap finally caught up to him and he had to settle in 30 seconds behind Ronny for a fabulous 4th overall but with the fastest bike and run times.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWwzYnmWokGz48EiIR39T1RMZn3AhdpUOP7Upg4BlET61jW8ik00ZbdvKHzlft2P7K7g_-hiKzpbncSMtL9dDQ4DKtwwzqejoOorTo9smmM9A60AQoutVc3GuT-53KJmWiO5i470vtlxi/s1600/60334_433640819469_680399469_4817944_4637481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWwzYnmWokGz48EiIR39T1RMZn3AhdpUOP7Upg4BlET61jW8ik00ZbdvKHzlft2P7K7g_-hiKzpbncSMtL9dDQ4DKtwwzqejoOorTo9smmM9A60AQoutVc3GuT-53KJmWiO5i470vtlxi/s200/60334_433640819469_680399469_4817944_4637481_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQw9bq6Ms2r-boXtlnjq7HKv7YycY2FEsL3pgPsrrkz8flNYnxAJjZBQvcY5EhyphenhyphenPi3zq9W1HHWJa8Wfny-wpoYvpC-ACD0QKJ43O-uBUxNY-tpkw9iznQktJ7MSYqgJH4acxohwMQfeFn/s1600/60519_1611992540652_1261436879_1755645_5593555_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQw9bq6Ms2r-boXtlnjq7HKv7YycY2FEsL3pgPsrrkz8flNYnxAJjZBQvcY5EhyphenhyphenPi3zq9W1HHWJa8Wfny-wpoYvpC-ACD0QKJ43O-uBUxNY-tpkw9iznQktJ7MSYqgJH4acxohwMQfeFn/s200/60519_1611992540652_1261436879_1755645_5593555_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWwzYnmWokGz48EiIR39T1RMZn3AhdpUOP7Upg4BlET61jW8ik00ZbdvKHzlft2P7K7g_-hiKzpbncSMtL9dDQ4DKtwwzqejoOorTo9smmM9A60AQoutVc3GuT-53KJmWiO5i470vtlxi/s1600/60334_433640819469_680399469_4817944_4637481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', fantasy;"><br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-10198229086654091092010-09-02T00:40:00.138+02:002010-09-02T10:36:22.047+02:00Big In Japan: World Tour Victory<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPt4_myxfRyShoIX2kjj5o8m-XG6CzLzXxFcGc8F048fJiVsHBOxdvUlj_un7UGn-fvyrn7Tgb889sOP-zZ93So_tYpeLIzPYxkbSEg2EvcjMeLItbX-7GnqkGxOq7j3th99GeiqbB0rP/s1600/DSC_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPt4_myxfRyShoIX2kjj5o8m-XG6CzLzXxFcGc8F048fJiVsHBOxdvUlj_un7UGn-fvyrn7Tgb889sOP-zZ93So_tYpeLIzPYxkbSEg2EvcjMeLItbX-7GnqkGxOq7j3th99GeiqbB0rP/s320/DSC_0374.JPG" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Show your pants!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On my right cars rush by, on my left an endless stream of vending machines stretch into the distance against a neon surround. Meanwhile a bullet train flys overhead and all around me there is a bing bang bong from technology that has been seemingly integrated into the thousands of passing citizens.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">THIS IS JAPAN!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I am here for the Japanese round of the XTERRA World Tour and I have come early in order to immerse myself in Tokyo culture, eat Sushi and take in a country that has fascinated me for years. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It was touch and go whether I would go to Japan but after a fantastic week it was unquestionably the right decision – I loved the visual feast that was served up and also loved the fact that I won the XTERRA World Tour race! – now that is truly worthy of a “Get In!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh700t_6VVKT5weih3AVMA1eAsE6YgOvm1o6bV_M1AckPiH0sI6PGrirdTcn0DAgpdRP2V1mhaEBEuNSdUlId6RgJORsft9DAX-ZWrNiufDtajZulWmG8fvv37aHkN9vdmbZMe0r98HwIU6/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh700t_6VVKT5weih3AVMA1eAsE6YgOvm1o6bV_M1AckPiH0sI6PGrirdTcn0DAgpdRP2V1mhaEBEuNSdUlId6RgJORsft9DAX-ZWrNiufDtajZulWmG8fvv37aHkN9vdmbZMe0r98HwIU6/s200/DSC_0281.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">I left the humidity and rush of Ueno station by Toyota Crown; an inordinate amount of baggage in tow and armed with only one method of communication; sign language. My destination a traditional Ryokan stay near Suidobashi.<o:p> </o:p>The plan; mix three days of light training and jet lag loss with some of my trademark city mincing – most prominently around the more obscure and better Sushi joints…</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">So with my shoes firmly off, my head bowed and prior to my naked butt being firmly shown (in the Japanese communal baths) I built up the Indy and set about planning a Tokyo Raid!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5ZR1fVmpsrUwqPH6Kx0ZhftigohC2fZaZVPw_S2TO714fXLD0n_lf-RBUnnUaZTQkFEZA-rdXNo1AOBTYA5qgvu4GjLr3T3uK0vcQ8FWn84lmb0nruqDd4MCnsPFPBvfuguBcAb-CUXJ/s1600/DSC_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5ZR1fVmpsrUwqPH6Kx0ZhftigohC2fZaZVPw_S2TO714fXLD0n_lf-RBUnnUaZTQkFEZA-rdXNo1AOBTYA5qgvu4GjLr3T3uK0vcQ8FWn84lmb0nruqDd4MCnsPFPBvfuguBcAb-CUXJ/s200/DSC_0227.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US">I packed a small rucksack and headed out into a navigational nightmare. From the quiet ordered backstreets of Homeikan it was south amongst the Nissan community and into Shinjuku where the neon came on in waves. Japan immediately met my expectation and to be in the midst of it and on my bike was perfect time. I took in the crazed super consumption of Ginza, the world's busiest pedestrian crossing in Shibuya, I late lunched in fashionable Daikanyama then took in desert in a temple strewn park before a final sweaty roll back home for green tea. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">The rest of my time involved great backstreet food, city wandering and flat out running intervals amongst the water lillies and temples of the local park. But come Thursday it was time to head to Maranouma for the XTERRA.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRuLwJezEPi4qYyS2Zxl6qlru1fnZB1sH6GDE6tmhNnSyMGFoWWxSTQto86FtUdb7WUp7Snw8LF2Y6W8JDnXCnFQX79s0Nts0OeRSCVPFwCVP1psRKr4vq1VwE76ECk1QFsZWcZVtBBv/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRuLwJezEPi4qYyS2Zxl6qlru1fnZB1sH6GDE6tmhNnSyMGFoWWxSTQto86FtUdb7WUp7Snw8LF2Y6W8JDnXCnFQX79s0Nts0OeRSCVPFwCVP1psRKr4vq1VwE76ECk1QFsZWcZVtBBv/s200/DSC_0402.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>I had been told to meet at the Shin Maranouchi building by Tokyo Station. It turned out that this was home to Mitsubishi Securities, one of my favourite clients in my past life - but this time there were neither biscuits nor negotiation with Hywel Richards and John Doze! As I waited there for the bus to arrive I realised that I had very little contact information for anyone involved in the event! Visions ensued of being stranded - but lets face it there are worse places to be.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10vc44ldZykDGWgAETBHpXLt72bwH7E5tTnEwv_WtuwZW9Yp-L9MVK1Us7UoVA8JSknMkc8rzoA_FxKPQOG4G3D8WYVJV1Prj7R-m64OCNHdCCr4uIFGg9CDoWfWz-o1Qcq4QWyJeBgq7/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10vc44ldZykDGWgAETBHpXLt72bwH7E5tTnEwv_WtuwZW9Yp-L9MVK1Us7UoVA8JSknMkc8rzoA_FxKPQOG4G3D8WYVJV1Prj7R-m64OCNHdCCr4uIFGg9CDoWfWz-o1Qcq4QWyJeBgq7/s200/DSC_0302.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
In typically efficient Japanese fashion the bus did show and amongst its occupants were Ben and Seb, two very funny American's from Guam and Leuiwe Boonstra the 2009 XTERRA South Africa Champion.. cripes. Once the bus got going it became clear just what a Megaopolis Tokyo was as it was a good hour before real green was sited. When it did arrive that green was better than expected. The hills themselves were much larger hills than I had envisioned. Another hour and the bus begun to climb through beautiful woodland and then... it climbed some more.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbReQwNoa8DhyphenhyphenWy-1dCFzLFkLBz8fIseSCS_NKdYgQdXPvfZ9_dBk7H6k-fwNPixe65Lpsy7wREpAjCMFkThZqWUfmxDjooUcseX8vcxThsqN-E3KEMMruFfGLC2EtEzWed_BTP5b62bY/s1600/45959_152601691431945_100000463446896_430280_4484485_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbReQwNoa8DhyphenhyphenWy-1dCFzLFkLBz8fIseSCS_NKdYgQdXPvfZ9_dBk7H6k-fwNPixe65Lpsy7wREpAjCMFkThZqWUfmxDjooUcseX8vcxThsqN-E3KEMMruFfGLC2EtEzWed_BTP5b62bY/s200/45959_152601691431945_100000463446896_430280_4484485_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Maranuma was the beautiful race site, buried deep in the heart if the Gunma prefecture. For starters I hadn't counted on it being at altitude! Upon arrival I was shown to a beautiful Ryokan room overlooking the race start and also found the communal baths to be of a level up from those in my budget Tokyo set up. I was rooming with Singapore based Scot, Fraser who in the true tradition of bike type people was keen to talk about two wheels - it was fun. After brief discussions it was time to take on the food.<br />
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The Japanese welcome was second to none and the food - well extremely interesting. I didn't know what half of it was and also needed about twice as much!</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqt5s9hz4HYHHIKIQmz4-oQqcL8PjKX2yCD1lA51eJ-vioyuBRx8XTIYy2qNBtqERziDUpthTb3UQcxfcRXyGK9JpDSbaztIikrX1NtpE39H755Ccsi2resHvsktPFjETulina4fnrfPp/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqt5s9hz4HYHHIKIQmz4-oQqcL8PjKX2yCD1lA51eJ-vioyuBRx8XTIYy2qNBtqERziDUpthTb3UQcxfcRXyGK9JpDSbaztIikrX1NtpE39H755Ccsi2resHvsktPFjETulina4fnrfPp/s200/DSC_0295.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">So to the race or should I say first up, the course. Japan has a reputation for being the most technical XTERRA on the circuit and I could see why. After a still lake swim it was onto the fantastically difficult if a little staccato bike. A Canadian settled in Japan, Paul had designed the route and his North Shore roots were there for all to see. Perilous switchbacks, narrow bridges and rock steps were all evident within the first few kilometers of trail! After a lake section with a sheer drop of about 20 feet to the left the trail hit some unrideable sections before skirting through a small village and up a long climb. From there back to the start; a bamboo lined singletrack descent and then a sheer mudface which only the world's best riders would take on .. I scrambled. The run was technical also with a long off camber rock section around the lake and then a rope climb up a slippery bank. It all represented a big challenge but if I am honest did not play to my strengths.. the bike was a little too technical for me (I prefer technical flow) and it was also very difficult to unleash my true run speed.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So to the race. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvZIGNmuP9HAjzoXBLwRc9-S0FyJwkzsI0U3Y9HAWcp47ZnEi3wPzvYInIN8htwqMwPSBrni-jXqfUHbWvoGmmJfKybresjWkHExf6FbQNeEOXM-X9bdpUjGE3pFAanN6VDAqzaDPsI7h/s1600/swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvZIGNmuP9HAjzoXBLwRc9-S0FyJwkzsI0U3Y9HAWcp47ZnEi3wPzvYInIN8htwqMwPSBrni-jXqfUHbWvoGmmJfKybresjWkHExf6FbQNeEOXM-X9bdpUjGE3pFAanN6VDAqzaDPsI7h/s200/swim.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GO!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN-US">12.10 Kick off and it was into the swim of around 1400M. Even before my least favourite discipline had begun I was in tricky waters. The Japanese had invoked the unusual rule that pros could not wear wetsuits - BIG disadvantage! By way of a consolation Fraser was kind enough to lend me a speed suit. When the gun went I was in big trouble. Swimming at altitude is an experience which I shall not look forward to again.. within about a minute I was swimming the doggy paddle rasping for air. Ahead I could see Lieuwe a sensational swimmer burn off into the distance and I was stuck just off the key group and in no mans land. Yet as is increasingly the way with the swim I was no where near as far back as I thought and I came out about two and half minutes behind Lieuwe but ahead of the Japanese pros. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt2OZKIIo9Wu4TzsWmuWmzRP1cUWx8kX2rZ8Jyi0KnLjKjfPLSKuqiPo1FTKUP2t_6uE4NtyzyTIiAuWrAMRuGJSFDRF8HWNUl9W2VIXD5r6pwQ0KlkM8KS5zSWjxgLrwgEZgtx83D5qC/s1600/Ian+Leitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt2OZKIIo9Wu4TzsWmuWmzRP1cUWx8kX2rZ8Jyi0KnLjKjfPLSKuqiPo1FTKUP2t_6uE4NtyzyTIiAuWrAMRuGJSFDRF8HWNUl9W2VIXD5r6pwQ0KlkM8KS5zSWjxgLrwgEZgtx83D5qC/s320/Ian+Leitch.jpg" width="212" /></a>On reaching my bike I had what can only be described as the worst transition in history - my front tire was flat. For some reason I used my mini pump to frantically try and raise the pressure - hoping it was a valve issue and that Stan's would seal. After over nigh on three minutes and being passed by the Japanese pros I finally was on my way - Angry! Needless to say I hammered out of transition like a lunatic.. but the language issues meant I simply could not get by on the singletrack.. luckily the course opened out and I caught Yu Yumoto and then after ten minutes was on Tokura Ogasawara's wheel, the Japanese Mountain Bike Champion. What then ensued was a technical lesson from Oga. I was clearly stronger but his skillset and knowledge of the course had him pull away or pull me back on the drops. After dropping him on the long climb he reappeared on that unrideable downhill with a breathtaking sense of control.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The last five minutes of the bike saw me get away from Oga and then there ahead was Lieuwe - excellent I had pulled back around five minutes. I got to his wheel and it was into transition. Lieuwe was super sharp and had 30 seconds on me but I was sure I could take it on the run. Yet on the rocks he was super quick and I was merely holding him. Come the climbs though and I was onto him. I attacked quickly and after holding him at 20 seconds I moved away to a minute or so to take the Win. Just as I did so the heaven's opened meaning an empty finishing chute! If someone had told me that I would win in 2010 I would have laughed. I now know the previous results are not lucky and I head toward Hawaii thinking seriously about how to get right up there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_B6sCV6R4FuasbICo2Am5OYSgy-FoW16XEznMBywLKxfw99Tgipyyd60fnyoTuKBtrK_ocjyWFMezsJ9_Ovn8B9C13ipNo_RMaJrsKszCRi673hkba2lSTpj8KEvdi5pVFacoMQ5rdnB/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_B6sCV6R4FuasbICo2Am5OYSgy-FoW16XEznMBywLKxfw99Tgipyyd60fnyoTuKBtrK_ocjyWFMezsJ9_Ovn8B9C13ipNo_RMaJrsKszCRi673hkba2lSTpj8KEvdi5pVFacoMQ5rdnB/s320/DSC_0343.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Lessons were learnt though - there was unacceptable carelessness that led to delay - this cannot happen in Switzerland, The US or Maui where every second will count.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
After a long Japanese bath it was time for the evening festivities and what festivities they were - live drumming and dancing, massive barbeque, being sung Happy Birthday by hundreds of Japanese and then making a tool of myself on the stage by having my jeans too low slung and hence showing off my pants at the prize giving (in front of the Japanese politician). Good prizes too with a four figure payout, great trophy and a top of the range Suunto training system. Best of all Ben, Seb, Fraser and Lieuwe were excellent company enjoying a drink and a lot of laughter.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzXgN7jsTUIGC-dx6vPznXfuxZDEQaSrHNa79Glg9J-yKE3a6a91CsBafxE0cEfiC4QnuVedxhyphenhyphen6bx4j3Bp0Qmk0MXU3Ot0KLXQOvUM6hXMf4-YQn6BgYIvYVWX9yVgLVslcBFIy8bdwI/s1600/DSC_0259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzXgN7jsTUIGC-dx6vPznXfuxZDEQaSrHNa79Glg9J-yKE3a6a91CsBafxE0cEfiC4QnuVedxhyphenhyphen6bx4j3Bp0Qmk0MXU3Ot0KLXQOvUM6hXMf4-YQn6BgYIvYVWX9yVgLVslcBFIy8bdwI/s320/DSC_0259.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had a day back in Tokyo to savour the whole experience. I walked, shopped a bit , ate more Sushi and looked up and around me at the visual feast whilst all the time I had a great birthday soundtrack made up for me by my friend Susie. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Music – recommendations – Well that birthday mix included The Leisure Society, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Julian Casblancas, The Shins and The Album Leaf - so all nice and mainstream then!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Thank you – Sam Gardner for the 2XU V1 in the right size, Fraser for the speedsuit.. the Brighton guys for constant help.. Quest and Mr Palmer and most of all to Taro for putting on a great event and treating me so well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Roll on Switzerland.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-79470013383187890862010-08-29T07:36:00.004+02:002010-08-31T02:56:02.483+02:00XTERRA World Tour Japan: Birthday Victory: 1st ProProper update later - but I won the XTERRA World Tour race in Japan. I thought I could but it was not a good course for me and I punctured.. so to win.. well that sure is a nice way to turn 35!<br />
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I rode around town on day 1 and took a few photos:<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6NArSbdokGOVEiFXCHcvhq6J70x2Do0jF2HjFbZ6mpn3yukLZ8YTaGoKC2p04Xxx-TnhM8oJh6sfYHbBB0B88Wp0UdXFK9AFgx-vaVRvVDTR_0GDHfkwaY_ave6na5Cpg566sVIMpB3P/s1600/DSC_0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6NArSbdokGOVEiFXCHcvhq6J70x2Do0jF2HjFbZ6mpn3yukLZ8YTaGoKC2p04Xxx-TnhM8oJh6sfYHbBB0B88Wp0UdXFK9AFgx-vaVRvVDTR_0GDHfkwaY_ave6na5Cpg566sVIMpB3P/s400/DSC_0249.jpg" width="273" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-70574652194125085472010-08-21T13:51:00.002+02:002010-08-21T13:52:31.320+02:00Hove Park 5KM Record: 15.07After an 8.38 at the Brighton and Hove 3,000M track Meet I hit up the Park Run in Hove. Plan was to go for the year old record post XTERRA Japan. However in terrible conditions I got it two weeks early with a nice 15.07. 4th September will see me give it a proper attack and go for 14.50 as a lead in to Switzerland and then Utah!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-51404408763276302202010-08-20T12:30:00.000+02:002010-08-20T12:30:56.944+02:00Brighton Big Dog: Solo Champion and Fastest Lap.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHT6j8E2qMLdjB8ZRiAvnsQVdzopQHRkfBpm0mVufW5AG6p2fri4ZpCX1kYZ9N0KFe3bGQCbIJqwpBmqm2U-m0BzZKOO9n0JiRbHl7DkL7ZQWUQyLT5kAfAGa5SQVC2GpjVL5qmFvtfLSt/s1600/Brighton_BigDog8211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHT6j8E2qMLdjB8ZRiAvnsQVdzopQHRkfBpm0mVufW5AG6p2fri4ZpCX1kYZ9N0KFe3bGQCbIJqwpBmqm2U-m0BzZKOO9n0JiRbHl7DkL7ZQWUQyLT5kAfAGa5SQVC2GpjVL5qmFvtfLSt/s400/Brighton_BigDog8211.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_n06PHrjxmj5dpSPYk9DWfPOMM7Oj-Xb5LF2nzH7i434D4UeDR9x79v_TMi-b7-dzm535rgFQzJ2A6aTcY1l2Ypeolj7mf5nGfioix3jEF5kwJrmeICYhwCoLk5VcEaHV4FaulZtgnEKO/s1600/DSC09032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_n06PHrjxmj5dpSPYk9DWfPOMM7Oj-Xb5LF2nzH7i434D4UeDR9x79v_TMi-b7-dzm535rgFQzJ2A6aTcY1l2Ypeolj7mf5nGfioix3jEF5kwJrmeICYhwCoLk5VcEaHV4FaulZtgnEKO/s320/DSC09032.JPG" /></a><br />
Brighton Big Dog: I Won! I Won Big!<br />
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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63u5cp9YeZ4hFf_WkHKVqdEH8OruukjQIP8FpXX90V9fm6Ge1P3Hhqxr8sodZh98tWGC82QcDB2Da5QsNPK3aF2j6dX9ugGY-tPDTvYpMLvIcD5dycAt-xjsBqTqn6CGyfjDMuFUOz0H3/s200/33536_457568022052_536492052_6394472_8052708_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbiSchbi4Y4AUMQXCgDDyrv5WSHtYxKo9GXtWX6D_o2B_AJVVDyA7b5HroVu8zCnWNbXgNSlT_eBQ-WXvjNRdWZwj3-nMW8R9mqwsr9IN4Qto_j99H6dJWIdHv9-YkVhherAtv7FC14Eu/s1600/40287_457569497052_536492052_6394547_2523733_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbiSchbi4Y4AUMQXCgDDyrv5WSHtYxKo9GXtWX6D_o2B_AJVVDyA7b5HroVu8zCnWNbXgNSlT_eBQ-WXvjNRdWZwj3-nMW8R9mqwsr9IN4Qto_j99H6dJWIdHv9-YkVhherAtv7FC14Eu/s200/40287_457569497052_536492052_6394547_2523733_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span id="goog_1146396860"></span><span id="goog_1146396861"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-67779721475980675892010-08-20T01:53:00.001+02:002010-08-20T01:55:39.255+02:00XTERRA World Tour: Czech Republic: 3rd Pro: Game Changer.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoCWRMFvrP1RngRgmbr5R9EwY3nuDHCDipBXzogYRkFL2UT_EJXzdBMYhZri_42D3oaVHDkrzcNWTchBlKoYJLE1or25QxPoUqsxAK0HZ6vwm9y4sQJ5ft4HKotetjsjS1uHHtIEamwO9/s1600/DSC_0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoCWRMFvrP1RngRgmbr5R9EwY3nuDHCDipBXzogYRkFL2UT_EJXzdBMYhZri_42D3oaVHDkrzcNWTchBlKoYJLE1or25QxPoUqsxAK0HZ6vwm9y4sQJ5ft4HKotetjsjS1uHHtIEamwO9/s200/DSC_0135.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1_r0dHWp717Ji7NGSpYzhY5yDtkS8ARJkzdxPp9Pp1YKOm4ZMW6EnJ9qmW7zqGecoXg5uYLZi2vJFazyY4t481pDBybsWiBNq5fxIKFso1hiy35iUrhPcsVdhQsDkCsUinFpzZn6Ruhf/s1600/1281246482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1_r0dHWp717Ji7NGSpYzhY5yDtkS8ARJkzdxPp9Pp1YKOm4ZMW6EnJ9qmW7zqGecoXg5uYLZi2vJFazyY4t481pDBybsWiBNq5fxIKFso1hiy35iUrhPcsVdhQsDkCsUinFpzZn6Ruhf/s200/1281246482.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So after the win that surprised a few people in Scotland I went to the Czech Republic gunning for it and this time pretty fresh! What I didn’t expect was to be coming home having equaled the best ever British performance at a European Xterra, beating Nico Lebrun and taking the fastest bike split – not to mention armed with lots and lots of Euros! Game changer!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3eF_SxU6o8OSrJWGd93Erz9LScBoFdCD0AQzfZqIkoqOCYCFB2GzbUZSLWxFHhANBVueDL0PfPUNTRIdSJ7tO7_qnkjNZW3_NBrXhoETdss0lxBbTh6MJO0A1YQTNGgQIjNEEuzX8-D4/s1600/39893_1168610032362_1741295234_334092_1211440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3eF_SxU6o8OSrJWGd93Erz9LScBoFdCD0AQzfZqIkoqOCYCFB2GzbUZSLWxFHhANBVueDL0PfPUNTRIdSJ7tO7_qnkjNZW3_NBrXhoETdss0lxBbTh6MJO0A1YQTNGgQIjNEEuzX8-D4/s320/39893_1168610032362_1741295234_334092_1211440_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I had been to the Czech Republic in the winter of 2001. I remember lots of beer, a badly selected hotel, ice everywhere and rattling trams. This time it was midsummer and as I drove along the banks of the River Vltava I was amazed that I had forgotten just what a beautiful city Prague was. I had an evening to quickly aquaint myself with just who put all this architecture together and to of course to take a trip to the Budvar Brewery at U Medviku for some unpasturised straight from the tap brewing loveliness.. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rvqXYMKdTXfSD21uZ5yjNIfZqM4bcMShVST-gObA96beNlw8OPmeyeQgRehXwUWXc5lCmYTTV9hmPKQsiMWt9E_5VKmJMbxv346DgQ3qpcIcVHInyCd4AWj3s1_JlyZiZy5bRJQCmbNi/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rvqXYMKdTXfSD21uZ5yjNIfZqM4bcMShVST-gObA96beNlw8OPmeyeQgRehXwUWXc5lCmYTTV9hmPKQsiMWt9E_5VKmJMbxv346DgQ3qpcIcVHInyCd4AWj3s1_JlyZiZy5bRJQCmbNi/s200/DSC_0128.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p>After blagging an upgrade from a dorm to an apartment I awoke on the Thursday ready to head to Spindleruv Mlyn, the mountainous ski venue for the big race. But despite the cossestted sleeping quarters I had picked up a slight stomach issue. I left Prague with all those Z's, Y's, K's and J's making me feel queasy and the flaky suburbs' cold war coloured schemes almost sending me over the edge. </o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRARJ9AkP9SNQU0G7oHG2vcOXs_2ea4zQ2u_jcUmeLzzs65vkVObrHjrJ2no9L21zD07SZfpWaX3pXsdC8XGyLZtJFeOCe0BGtqAQk3iF0hpGckHh_EqwkDL9d4iw0k1LNpLSaW2YmV0GP/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRARJ9AkP9SNQU0G7oHG2vcOXs_2ea4zQ2u_jcUmeLzzs65vkVObrHjrJ2no9L21zD07SZfpWaX3pXsdC8XGyLZtJFeOCe0BGtqAQk3iF0hpGckHh_EqwkDL9d4iw0k1LNpLSaW2YmV0GP/s200/DSC_0117.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Spinderluv Mlyn and the Xterra Czech Championship respresented my first real focus race of the year and I had an inadvertent taper in the week leading in. I was still swimming slowly but the knowledge that I was National Champion gave me a new extra impetus – I had been comfy to win in Scotland and wanted to back things up, honour the title and show that it was no fluke.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXCixRIkojQDnoE1IWSjXgy81by4gqHTIX9-Y_1EunZiwIfUMi6cRX5SNiskO9iJ9EWAE_Z6jxLTipAq_5SVgYOEXTPOVuH7QpqWzxldUylMuSvD21Tga9oRJzyMALrL5xOPgU_5PGnnS/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXCixRIkojQDnoE1IWSjXgy81by4gqHTIX9-Y_1EunZiwIfUMi6cRX5SNiskO9iJ9EWAE_Z6jxLTipAq_5SVgYOEXTPOVuH7QpqWzxldUylMuSvD21Tga9oRJzyMALrL5xOPgU_5PGnnS/s200/DSC_0165.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After rancid service station sandwiches the road climbed steadily through lush forests toward the ski station and village... things were looking pretty promising. Unloading the Indy I rode over to race HQ to be greeted by a raft of big downhill bikes.. my excitement turned to trepadation as the race seemed to be based around a world cup downhill course... </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Despite this initial impression the course except for two or three key sections was in fact pretty dull.. too much fireroad and a heck of a lot of climbing which considering the options was a shame.. that said, come Sunday the weather would turn the XTERRA Czech into an epic. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeXf-uq6WFInWcCNa-maKGERibp7nt9XJyfRTABzcMZNqhJQ3a9kfknekCstjxH3MDUFZi14FCKGo0MAhR9wscFX1hwmcpIwdCMW2HpsUokXRsI5H09xHwgIS2_t58TAk87fKayQT8mVr/s1600/DSC08228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeXf-uq6WFInWcCNa-maKGERibp7nt9XJyfRTABzcMZNqhJQ3a9kfknekCstjxH3MDUFZi14FCKGo0MAhR9wscFX1hwmcpIwdCMW2HpsUokXRsI5H09xHwgIS2_t58TAk87fKayQT8mVr/s200/DSC08228.JPG" width="200" /></a><o:p>I am beginning to get to know the British contingent at the XTERRA's. It is unusual to come from a mountain bike race where I know all there to something where I know no one! Thankfully I met Sam Gardner at sign on and post chit chat we headed into town for coffee. Once there we were greeted by the full Charlie Eustace "Podium Kiss" experience. Charlie is a one of a kind and was in the area. Within seconds of seeing me it was top off and pecs out ... the body of.. well I don't quite know what .. on full display. With the type of look which goes down well out East he had decided to drop in and try XTERRA - the weekend was going to be interesting..</o:p></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After checking the run course and a coops worth of chicken it was back to my budget hotel for final checks and a bit of focus. It took me a while to settle .. my sleep was more restless than my tent time in Scotland and France.. I felt some pressure to deliver for the first time in a triathlon. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When I awoke the view from the window had changed.. all the mountains had disappeared in the mist and the main street had become a river as a little slice of Pakistan had moved into town. On reflection it was pretty lucky that a race happeneed at all as it would later transpire that 4 people had died in Poland from the subsequent flooding....<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOZoBMWR6z8jvY6yMrZTS0RuIZ-LS0u8egNp8eTtSMAz-WzTdRq0Q76ImKo4Kv8SQt997hFirxk1V6aNXZMeOrahKvnBdH7a5mH8C_TJnGkJyh6xH_fhcBPrBRtgQZPp2b-IiGi3BNFtt/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOZoBMWR6z8jvY6yMrZTS0RuIZ-LS0u8egNp8eTtSMAz-WzTdRq0Q76ImKo4Kv8SQt997hFirxk1V6aNXZMeOrahKvnBdH7a5mH8C_TJnGkJyh6xH_fhcBPrBRtgQZPp2b-IiGi3BNFtt/s200/DSC_0213.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The race was unusual in that it had transitions in different places. I set up my run transition taking care to put a very visible marker down and then headed for the lake. That lake was nothing like Xonrupt.. in fact it was a pretty cold and dank affair.. but luckily the swim was to be very short.. advantage Me! </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now I have quickly realised that it is imperative to be on guard before the start of a triathlon as the start can happen at any time and this is exactly what happened in Spindleruv Mlyn. With not a moments notice we were away and I was having a properly bad time of it! I felt unwell in my stomach and got boxed in - it was a flail fest! Lap 2 and it was much of the same - my aim had been to beat Sam out of the water but I was seemingly well behind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yet transition was once again improved and before I knew it the white Sidi's were whirring up the trail and I was rattling past the early leaders..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A couple of minutes in the white Sidi's were whirring up to speed and I caught South African young gun Ryan Redman .. then there ahead the noticeable kit of Sam at 30 seconds up and latched onto 2005 World Champion and winner in France and Colorado – Nico Lebrun. I was in no mans land but I had a carrot and to add to the drama the dull course had been transformed into a slidy funfest in light of the sheet rain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8nvoGiOOSxJZ-lYkmwmyVkLlt70Fy0wpy5dJgEDmC8udlPWCcgqIxURF0-HsYHhJUSreDfrlfaWHZVmfU6keXcwllO7BgTVr9l8JIh16OXQI2fKxEIRHhqce0DaqQGVFJqQsaCKMgnn9/s1600/40568_1168743915709_1741295234_334463_5092826_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8nvoGiOOSxJZ-lYkmwmyVkLlt70Fy0wpy5dJgEDmC8udlPWCcgqIxURF0-HsYHhJUSreDfrlfaWHZVmfU6keXcwllO7BgTVr9l8JIh16OXQI2fKxEIRHhqce0DaqQGVFJqQsaCKMgnn9/s320/40568_1168743915709_1741295234_334463_5092826_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After ten minutes of riding alone in wet conditions that I love I saw a group at 15 seconds all latched onto Lebrun’s wheel. I put in an effort and caught them just before the main climb. This technical rock section was like something transplanted from the Peaks and would last about seven minutes. I felt good and the 29er was in its absolute element. I decided to change up and make an immediate move. I rode by the 6 strong group including Gardner, Lebrun and Dietz and only Lebrun followed. What ensued was a sensational ding-dong battle in epic conditions. After lap 1 I had gone from 38<sup>th</sup> out of the water to 6<sup>th </sup>overall and I attacked Lebrun again. I got the gap but then he caught me coming to the main climb as we bridged to 4<sup>th</sup> and 5<sup>th</sup>. After ten minutes of riding as a group with Finn Mikko Vastaranta - I decided to attack just before the finish as I felt I was fastest on the tight last downhill. I got the gap with a big big effort.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaxNjxSyTgqThunjoIoo-fH4j-0hyphenhyphenIvq1ECaUGcXQvKFGSjl0H2cyAwmV2hjMVYU_NILeR1DZMOLY0Yk8207C52KrBI7Gabm41tNYDp1-gEC-HO2ParN5SEpA1WPQxfHEgDjLUoMeE1Yd/s1600/news_7378_medium_czech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaxNjxSyTgqThunjoIoo-fH4j-0hyphenhyphenIvq1ECaUGcXQvKFGSjl0H2cyAwmV2hjMVYU_NILeR1DZMOLY0Yk8207C52KrBI7Gabm41tNYDp1-gEC-HO2ParN5SEpA1WPQxfHEgDjLUoMeE1Yd/s320/news_7378_medium_czech.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This was a pressure moment – Lebrun is the fastest runner in XTERRA and my transitions are pretty amateur. Somehow I managed the 8<sup>th</sup> fastest transition split and went onto my favoured run ready for a duel. Within a kilometre I had caught the Czech number 1 and had moved into a podium position. Looking behind I was holding Lebrun. Where Scotland had been a comfy run this one was in a different league – 100% Hurt Business. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My mind was raging 4th? but a podium would give me the impetus to go for big things... The rain lashed down and I gritted in to beat Nico by 10 seconds. I had the fastest bike split</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and second fastest running split It was great to be the surprise package and within a few moments it was a Czech TV interview and a realisation that I was pretty good at this! One thing's for certain; </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I don't think they'll rank me as the lowest pro again! </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQR9d2CXeg0s2PxV91LX0m6_oDdUeQdEd6SfTfapus-hAtsVtzLeSoU9dbdAHSQaV4X80ZSmyMC1NuLhe19MrF0xysDH2oOr86Ijr8-wxs37gngGCoef2vT8-q1JGd445SsmKXYnFBblj/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQR9d2CXeg0s2PxV91LX0m6_oDdUeQdEd6SfTfapus-hAtsVtzLeSoU9dbdAHSQaV4X80ZSmyMC1NuLhe19MrF0xysDH2oOr86Ijr8-wxs37gngGCoef2vT8-q1JGd445SsmKXYnFBblj/s200/DSC_0146.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The result has had quite a big impact on my thinking. I am new to this and really do very little swimming – if I can get that sorted perhaps I can get right in there both in this discpline and also Ironman and have a late doors career! Post Japan I will decide whether I can be a full professional for 2011.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uSR84HVYbrMbKbCJ-ncgMnInGo0J4xqz6jWwtR_a2GtPILegw0qcfTQpMaX0WfHfYpqxur11K-r9idCMVWgNZ3ByYuWqjdlk1y5IEml3W4Bbd1ud55GSrLkEllFXlk6lnh42kC6Ao3U3/s1600/DSC_0187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uSR84HVYbrMbKbCJ-ncgMnInGo0J4xqz6jWwtR_a2GtPILegw0qcfTQpMaX0WfHfYpqxur11K-r9idCMVWgNZ3ByYuWqjdlk1y5IEml3W4Bbd1ud55GSrLkEllFXlk6lnh42kC6Ao3U3/s200/DSC_0187.jpg" width="133" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That night was a good one; a podium, a good pay out, lots of beer and then some robotic dance moves from Sammy G! The next day was a washout but South African pro Justin Porteous gave great company on the drive back into Prague. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Big thanks to Quest Adventure (JP, Jim and Darren).. they have stepped up and are making my bike run perfectly for the big events - my Indy had me smiling even in the heat of battle.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Music and books a little light at the moment - but am enjoying The Ride Journal and The Human League's "Hard Times."</span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-7389521526034900472010-08-18T02:19:00.001+02:002010-08-18T02:20:47.659+02:00XTERRA World Tour France - 12th Place PRO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGk9ccF5ESdj8AkMChYcb8ZHniRFSDqBF3OclVd9B_7eWxBGeRz5GrTUvYizr9pIu_gagOzqU0sAfkd8gHs8CiMPc8ChyphenhyphenVmbN2ii7F9EY5UPzl9_lLxzYdvevPtHO2OCXAitwqMIlm7aK/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGk9ccF5ESdj8AkMChYcb8ZHniRFSDqBF3OclVd9B_7eWxBGeRz5GrTUvYizr9pIu_gagOzqU0sAfkd8gHs8CiMPc8ChyphenhyphenVmbN2ii7F9EY5UPzl9_lLxzYdvevPtHO2OCXAitwqMIlm7aK/s200/DSC_0127.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5VCItN3I7Y0J8KHCT8sBpyoS5iI85jF8a4Ha7h6akgIbBxFQX3j_-7B_kkFLtSonzzbWOA2A74d7il2nU_akNTPlxVJB_oR5rK1SWOBttuo1czn6cuZLFkQ_gDiegtiVn_OyFoV3HVhD/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5VCItN3I7Y0J8KHCT8sBpyoS5iI85jF8a4Ha7h6akgIbBxFQX3j_-7B_kkFLtSonzzbWOA2A74d7il2nU_akNTPlxVJB_oR5rK1SWOBttuo1czn6cuZLFkQ_gDiegtiVn_OyFoV3HVhD/s200/DSC_0147.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTrRJIHZpQWOZZ8hNLX8Tkgrh6vZ5wYTpB9f6tM7IOIk8XPmPBd6YHm6Psz7lKmxh190r9vNWi4Qezh093BAxy6FjAIaOjszcfkPxkRqfYoxSjtrkBdIx25yap_k5XFg7bWdCgdWEXaqX/s1600/34626_447728355588_557280588_6481491_6536518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTrRJIHZpQWOZZ8hNLX8Tkgrh6vZ5wYTpB9f6tM7IOIk8XPmPBd6YHm6Psz7lKmxh190r9vNWi4Qezh093BAxy6FjAIaOjszcfkPxkRqfYoxSjtrkBdIx25yap_k5XFg7bWdCgdWEXaqX/s320/34626_447728355588_557280588_6481491_6536518_n.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1kSfSjE_VjoOSPVRzhChwabXM7Lc717OyaNeUH5Pw5AV0R3hm7Wj7d1weDphXdcC3yqd2gDL21v56lO-6AneavQ29rbPTRZOJZMEkmMJaf6xhAJPaEKJ7_VXZZkxvzLJfi8v8iKTSPyz/s1600/38407_447726695588_557280588_6481434_7695876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1kSfSjE_VjoOSPVRzhChwabXM7Lc717OyaNeUH5Pw5AV0R3hm7Wj7d1weDphXdcC3yqd2gDL21v56lO-6AneavQ29rbPTRZOJZMEkmMJaf6xhAJPaEKJ7_VXZZkxvzLJfi8v8iKTSPyz/s200/38407_447726695588_557280588_6481434_7695876_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>My season up to now has been mixed to say the least with endless setbacks the most recent of which a small supinal fracture from a crash at the Bristol 12. So I was not really in perfect shape to take on a field of 17 nationailities in an event which I had also blagged my way into the pro field...<br />
<br />
I loaded up my shaky old Saab with camping gear, pasta, bike stuff, wet suit some French House to set the mood and an armery of Clif products to keep me going. I headed out of Brighton; destination Xonrupt. Rolling across Northern France a number of realisations happened these included a relief I'd had my heated seat disconnected, that driving on non-fee paying roads in France is extremely slow going and that packets of Shot Bloks are actually like taking two gels and should not be eaten as sweets.<br />
<br />
It was an unusual but peaceful experience going to a race alone and the lack of distraction meant less fooling and more focus something I am usually missing..<br />
<br />
After the two day drive I checked into the municipal campsite which was right next to the beautiful lake in which we were to swim. Not having camped in France for 15 years I was pleased to see nothing had changed - a babyfoot table, a bottle of ricard, poulet frites and French people playing boule.. Yet the campsite also was the base for the budget end of the Xterra scene with all European nationalities represented. That said the overall difference in outlook from the mountain bike one was quite marked... in a word "serious!" Lots of very buff people walking round in compression socks and skinsuits with their names across their behinds! By contrast my 14 year old physique described by some as the embodiment of "inverse buffness" and my stock indy Fab cycling kit looked somewhat out of place.. and that was before anyone has seen the race's only 29er!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaLg2EYgfPc2CstB86YPZGEZjKiyqns9VkQMQiaYKMWoIDYAKMhupPV0QOf6IGpwp3-1vDK-nGPayptvqeqXSdAixPgm2RwqOFQCWirySE03zLTPlbFjXbmo-gkOfw3TckhzZLPFVolc-/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaLg2EYgfPc2CstB86YPZGEZjKiyqns9VkQMQiaYKMWoIDYAKMhupPV0QOf6IGpwp3-1vDK-nGPayptvqeqXSdAixPgm2RwqOFQCWirySE03zLTPlbFjXbmo-gkOfw3TckhzZLPFVolc-/s200/DSC_0150.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97oI0rlRlft8WC2o0ufoMmuj62rQqgVdDOQcgCaGbfvKLDFAm4E671AzFUiuhU8tnCTdilW8-5TCBhuVJYq0dLT_wrTnopRVvOllAh-fatn-hrGg4ZqQS_gXGrkl3JEyoIHL_ddaUc3L3/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97oI0rlRlft8WC2o0ufoMmuj62rQqgVdDOQcgCaGbfvKLDFAm4E671AzFUiuhU8tnCTdilW8-5TCBhuVJYq0dLT_wrTnopRVvOllAh-fatn-hrGg4ZqQS_gXGrkl3JEyoIHL_ddaUc3L3/s200/DSC_0141.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v_nQyQZdU5MGdQ4YH7ImWQFlE__lzowxBPFYUIt0xOM9cCWYAzHrZErv8Vg1_iMnQmorPfNeCHZE7fQFePeduj2_-IGVRzNjwgS13DukjV-j-qeZ2p5s6nruhP1r4UKP3PNL8TVgLnM9/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v_nQyQZdU5MGdQ4YH7ImWQFlE__lzowxBPFYUIt0xOM9cCWYAzHrZErv8Vg1_iMnQmorPfNeCHZE7fQFePeduj2_-IGVRzNjwgS13DukjV-j-qeZ2p5s6nruhP1r4UKP3PNL8TVgLnM9/s200/DSC_0144.JPG" width="200" /></a> I was itching to check the mountain bike course. I must admit I wasn't expecting much as some previous conversation had told me that Xterra Mountain Bike courses can sometimes be a little tame... within seconds I was proved wrong with the opening gambit being a technical off camber singletrack climb which would have left those twin ring riders wishing they had a granny. The course continued through beautiful woods on incredibly steep trails... in fact it was akin to Newnham Park but with a lot more elevation - cue lots of smiling! The French certainly know how to lay on a good course and they had saved the best until last a super fast 3km twisty downhill with a few technical touches but nothing too out of hand.. just the way I like it!<br />
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A quick rest and it was on with the running shoes to check out the last discipline and to my relief there was quite a bit of flat!<br />
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Saturday evening saw a pasta party which in France involves a sit down meal.. nice! Here I bumped into a pretty large British contingent... Sam Gardner looked in shape and there were a number of others including expert xc racer Llewellyn Holmes also ready to race the pro class. I managed to stay off the beer.<br />
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For the first time ever I was actually ready ahead of time! I took in the excellent children's race and then set up my transition area surrounded by the largest collection of Cannondale Flash Ultimates this side of the factory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ibqr2CiQKHvOZPHrynqVgRIyZEMgn1pyaq7JNCL2XXGqpfx71SGWYqnmKfmeHEiz2Is5axMv0qYxP7KGHidYSlNvdyecJ5RDRXRAGbi_xF93IuGqaF6e4tawaPxQQP3w5G8nxIwnZGgC/s1600/DSC_0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ibqr2CiQKHvOZPHrynqVgRIyZEMgn1pyaq7JNCL2XXGqpfx71SGWYqnmKfmeHEiz2Is5axMv0qYxP7KGHidYSlNvdyecJ5RDRXRAGbi_xF93IuGqaF6e4tawaPxQQP3w5G8nxIwnZGgC/s200/DSC_0149.jpg" width="133" /></a>The start of a triathlon can be akin to a fist fight in the water. I have raced once previously at the South Africa Xterra and I had been totally unprepared. From the off 600 SAFA's had channeled all their aggression seemingly on me and I had wanted to swim in the opposite direction to the race and call it quits. This time I was much more measured having a nice outside line and a number of mental notes not to go too hard. The feeling of being in a shoal of human fish is a bit of a strange one but this time out I quite enjoyed it. The thing with swimming is that when you look ahead the end never seems to get any closer and there also seem to be about 1000 swimmers in front. When the end did come I was faced with hundreds of shouting supporters and surprisingly just 61 racers ahead of me. After looking at the splits I decided that maybe for a newbie I am not such a bad swimmer after all.<br />
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Transition in triathlon is key and my decision to put socks on "for comfort" was without doubt rank amateur - I lost a minute..! Heading out on the bike it was a case of immediately taking those big buff swimmers that couldn't climb whilst making sure not to get too carried away. Immediately I knew my legs weren't really playing out - I had trained into the race and they had no zip.. that said I was passing people at a rate and before long I passed a South African Ryan Redman who told me that Sam was just up ahead. I settled into a pace then had my usual crash before taking in that fantastic descent and heading through the baying throngs around a large jump into lap 2. A number of the Brits had support and as such I got some good info and support myself.. thank you! .. Despite the so so legs I was loving the event.<br />
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As I was climbing up the field it became increasingly hard to catch people and lap 2 was a head down and enjoy the ride affair.. Into transition 2 and I knew I was around the top 20.<br />
This year has shown me that my run is in fact my strongest card. However the back injury from Bristol meant I was super rusty.. having run twice in six weeks leading up to France. I took it conservatively in all but shoe choice, my ultralight numbers making time on the flat but causing a big fall as I headed down from the course high point. All the while the French provided great support, feed stations and atmosphere. Coming into the finish I was pretty happy even found myself doing that triathlete hand slap thing!... I'd taken 14th place just behind South African Liuewe Boonstra and was 2nd Brit in behind Sam Gardner in 8th. Graham Wadsworth came in 18th, Jim Mcconnell 36th and Llewellyn Holmes in 38th. The big dogs Franky Batelier and Nico Lebrun were around 15 minutes ahead after 3 hours of racing so still plenty to do but a good start!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-4358940933747053982010-08-17T21:56:00.006+02:002010-08-18T02:22:57.657+02:00National Cross Triathlon Champion 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8URKxWAyYScv1WYcva_zKPaRMDxrC4FriMGanoN_fvRk0g6gk6PMi-OTKrqDwXdsN2GzUlOTpF6drkVEFDTaGE9R3zZjNfTv0foOgzorXIbszgauIr469WdCY63Tk24mIP-cG_jgGwp9/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8URKxWAyYScv1WYcva_zKPaRMDxrC4FriMGanoN_fvRk0g6gk6PMi-OTKrqDwXdsN2GzUlOTpF6drkVEFDTaGE9R3zZjNfTv0foOgzorXIbszgauIr469WdCY63Tk24mIP-cG_jgGwp9/s200/DSC_0214.JPG" width="133" /></a>A surprise and a springboard to what has become something of a golden period. On July 14th I became the official British Cross Triathlon Champion.<br />
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After a period of absolute woe I had a stellar 4 weeks of training courtesy of that man with the plan: Sportstest's Dr Garry Palmer. He has turned some of my previous ideas on their head this year and now his methods are paying big dividends. June and July saw him put me through more interval sets in a month than the whole of last year. The net result was something of a comfortable win. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyNh4GJEGOW4rFYgOOsf5pcNGXtxJEo03R_1YYklwc5_NBzhXskbGJ0tRDgM0A69eHPn_zb6obq8yPJVKuo0i6qIBrW1dVxZ6cGfpriNcDRDMHGM7ETeDEbY4yojk90_2hxVf8b4BVpGh/s1600/36953_428751341808_583556808_5174775_1703365_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyNh4GJEGOW4rFYgOOsf5pcNGXtxJEo03R_1YYklwc5_NBzhXskbGJ0tRDgM0A69eHPn_zb6obq8yPJVKuo0i6qIBrW1dVxZ6cGfpriNcDRDMHGM7ETeDEbY4yojk90_2hxVf8b4BVpGh/s200/36953_428751341808_583556808_5174775_1703365_n.jpg" width="157" /></a>Cross Triathlon has been sanctioned by British Triathlon for 2010 as an official Championship event and the Durty Tri in the borders region of Scotland was the venue for the inaugral championship. I heard about it a few weeks before and decided that it would act as a good lead in event for the XTERRA World Tour Race in the Czech Republic a week later. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTe8M5iDz2E97gnehYgTxmw5fsJD9U7w1wmi_Ix0UafzmMfPTUv_7v71zdacHrlQnCryqe6mtUesytYkv5We4GWvhfIktWycjvudyzT48HNDP9dwR4aytcIZ0J68_WbdiaezO1yKsj3_C/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTe8M5iDz2E97gnehYgTxmw5fsJD9U7w1wmi_Ix0UafzmMfPTUv_7v71zdacHrlQnCryqe6mtUesytYkv5We4GWvhfIktWycjvudyzT48HNDP9dwR4aytcIZ0J68_WbdiaezO1yKsj3_C/s200/DSC_0086.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
The first issue as ever would be getting to the event as once again I would be subject to old school Swedish travel! Packed to the gunnels I have finally started to get this going to races thing dialled. In this instance though one extra thing was essential; with the Scottish propensity for deep fry it was mandatory that I go to town on the pre-made pasta. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WFyo9Ssg7GLooNgZYC18eU5jRs6bOhZeQVumNWBsDEarBtT8OQS2BPYm6mEYObQaXU15IUW0ltZXiZZZgv6Ka-uThCmiRoGojOWbkzjMnpj1dst23Yu4UxuE2Ee3oFxdI6cyqoOgJSid/s1600/Ladybower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WFyo9Ssg7GLooNgZYC18eU5jRs6bOhZeQVumNWBsDEarBtT8OQS2BPYm6mEYObQaXU15IUW0ltZXiZZZgv6Ka-uThCmiRoGojOWbkzjMnpj1dst23Yu4UxuE2Ee3oFxdI6cyqoOgJSid/s200/Ladybower.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I decided to cruise slowly north to both save energy and catch up with friends and family. First stop my Dad's in Peterborough and then onto my old friend and ace downhiller turned soundsystem junkie Robin Hoffmann in Manchester. After catching up with the old man and having our usual good natured political tete a tete I made my way to Rob's via the Peaks and a scheduled dip in the Ladybower Resevoir. <br />
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I haven't been swimming anywhere near enough and thought that the cold Northern water of Damnbusters fame would act as the perfect acclimatisation for the Championship Loch. But once there I stood shivering like an idiot acting out what can only be described as a Ladybower Cower... I got back in my car and made a beeline over the snake pass for warm Boddington's. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdBLGKWIT6v5Z3n5CJNUQMFkhlLFfssFVquGXhznhFZKYmR7UWD_OJ5xtdslJSesuLumyNIL29F_x3dmRe3Q_JhIyHwTyfYuhpKa-vh0EyzBAz2T6YtY5ONSfH38CO7_ZMWwygyGMhnha/s1600/DSC_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdBLGKWIT6v5Z3n5CJNUQMFkhlLFfssFVquGXhznhFZKYmR7UWD_OJ5xtdslJSesuLumyNIL29F_x3dmRe3Q_JhIyHwTyfYuhpKa-vh0EyzBAz2T6YtY5ONSfH38CO7_ZMWwygyGMhnha/s320/DSC_0081.jpg" /></a></div>Now when I say soundsystem junkie I really mean it - Robin's lounge set up looked like this.. and those are my big 29 inch wheels!<br />
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A nice catch up, more pasta cooking and a glass of red before bed and then come morning a break for the border. The North lived up to its billing - Preston looked a touch grim, Gretna grimmer and then I lost my indicators. These quick exchanges with the AA are a common theme in my life and in some ways I rather like them. I am learning more and more about the makings of my early 90's vehicle and this time I had a big hand in fixing the mechanism with zip ties and not a not inconsiderable amount of force. <br />
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By the time I turned for Selkirk and St Mary's Loch, July had turned into January and I wished the heated seat I had disconnected for France had been back in play - it was Lord of The Ring's eery outside - but inside anticipation was beginning to build as I was feeling sharp.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqH2lkaVI_nxNN-Xhh-E220WA7xKOyME-bQlYxukvzWYiaRJOvPIZJs6hyphenhyphen1XKiTYHq9UWCnn4ErvdsAxHIp5zkUUIS3KlGTEKcLsKeydShz2J8XbKrqJahwhFtPwA9crTDALkWVCPsfHAI/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqH2lkaVI_nxNN-Xhh-E220WA7xKOyME-bQlYxukvzWYiaRJOvPIZJs6hyphenhyphen1XKiTYHq9UWCnn4ErvdsAxHIp5zkUUIS3KlGTEKcLsKeydShz2J8XbKrqJahwhFtPwA9crTDALkWVCPsfHAI/s200/DSC_0099.JPG" width="200" /></a>When I finally reached the event the location was fantastic. A cold loch surrounded by the greenest of hills, heather and thistles. I set up a Lochside camp alongside other like minded people and then checked the bike course. the verdict; although a little short on technical stuff in places it was actually pretty good fun.<br />
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After a surprisingly good sleep the morning time was whiled away with last minute bike checks, shoe choice deliberations, rain dodging and err BBC Interviews. The BBC were there as part of the Outdoor Show to film the event and also to talk to the leading runners and riders. I was a little nervous at first but within a few moments I found myself reaching for painful cliches. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LDcG1HblZ60jk6pawdc7CdDmCsJISriTrWflIAmOIJDi5QqTKwEb18QQDTYdVLNIc0Bk7iHAiZQKagcRpaqooLuMXzFPsBavrLHPQsBk1Zfzdy_jmtiFgFbXAo0CCWoYZuBqQkvgc4RC/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LDcG1HblZ60jk6pawdc7CdDmCsJISriTrWflIAmOIJDi5QqTKwEb18QQDTYdVLNIc0Bk7iHAiZQKagcRpaqooLuMXzFPsBavrLHPQsBk1Zfzdy_jmtiFgFbXAo0CCWoYZuBqQkvgc4RC/s200/DSC_0107.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
So to the race. The water was cold but not freezing and the start was a deep water one. I noticed that all the main protagonists were waiting until the last moment to take to the cold and therefore I decided to follow suit. This actually almost caused me to miss the off but once it was go I found that I was swimming better than usual. After a few minutes I decided to look right as I hadn't in some time. I subsequently found that I had swum way off course - Idiot. Immediate annoyance and panic ensued and I cut back hoping I hadn't lost my chance in the first few minutes. The learning curve at the moment is a steep one and I am certainly finding that you can bring it back in a multi-eventer and when I rejoined the group I was next to hot favourite Sam Gardner. I shadowed him into transition and knowing he would be slicker than me in the change I sprinted out the water. <br />
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Transition was confused and my high heart rate coupled with too many white saddles caused me to lose my bike. Like an amateur I turned to the watching crowd and suggested that it had been stolen. I finally mounted and buried myself up climb one about 40 seconds down on Sam and in about tenth place. <br />
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The course was open, beautiful and on the outward leg extremely steep in places. Soon I realised I was actually pulling Sam back and within ten minutes it was a two horse race. I had ridden very badly in France and this was much closer to my best. I decided to mark Sam at 20 seconds and save myself for the run. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY207hPFJbTweu4__6cQ4QCRN-kpUzmVPHNdfDujKGZgDQIrh16PBciAs0ztEuXjln__ypfQ3X17AdJY0li8zltHhWZDjN4NdxPtOCebpH4HRLzJOegozkinwwUS47tMf61ET6t99tkWB/s1600/20-5336-WHI-TOP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY207hPFJbTweu4__6cQ4QCRN-kpUzmVPHNdfDujKGZgDQIrh16PBciAs0ztEuXjln__ypfQ3X17AdJY0li8zltHhWZDjN4NdxPtOCebpH4HRLzJOegozkinwwUS47tMf61ET6t99tkWB/s200/20-5336-WHI-TOP.JPG" width="200" /></a>Transition 2 or T2 was my slickest ever - my new Sidi Terra shoes resplendent in their patent white were off in seconds and my unique choice of track spikes with lock laces tightened up double quick. At last a proper change over!<br />
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The two weeks since France had seen me running properly again and I was way smoother. I was certain that I could win and before the climb I caught Sammy G and immediately dropped the hammer. I went away quickly and comfortably maintained a lead of two minutes to run in the surprise champion!<br />
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What a confidence builder. Sam is someone who has really taken the fight to the best for a long time and my aim for 2010 was to get close to him. To take the top step in my 4th event and 20 minutes inside the course record made all the bad stuff fade away. It didn't feel like a win at a big bike race does as my passion is only just developing but this and subsequent results have made me realise that I can really be one of the best on the big stage if I play my cards right.<br />
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Thanks this month go out to Simon for sorting my living arrangements.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-54568405730166607762010-08-10T00:38:00.001+02:002010-08-10T00:38:08.162+02:00British Champion and 3rd at The Czech World Cup - Showtime! - updates due soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-33897425027609224702010-05-05T16:36:00.000+02:002010-05-05T16:36:13.249+02:00When Will It End! ... lots of updates!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmvdWwz3VkmYD4KqmzxS9rUdC4ZRwxA3mJMyGCWLgIa6j6mEp8fdAaJYDt1wQ9eVjv3ELkbQ5VPGUPy2Zcq5W_Hi-6PuHsDuKohaH4g9Bo_XVzktRKMqrg_ZooCIX7n3Me_BKCBjza3xL/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmvdWwz3VkmYD4KqmzxS9rUdC4ZRwxA3mJMyGCWLgIa6j6mEp8fdAaJYDt1wQ9eVjv3ELkbQ5VPGUPy2Zcq5W_Hi-6PuHsDuKohaH4g9Bo_XVzktRKMqrg_ZooCIX7n3Me_BKCBjza3xL/s200/DSC_0054.JPG" width="200" /></a>Did I forget to salute at a magpie, did a black cat cross my path.... It seems like everything has been against me for the last two weeks... at first I rationalised things and thought that heh! life will improve but now from a position of strength I seem to be getting dragged back... here are a list of the negatives: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mountain Bike worth £6,000 stolen.. two pairs of sunglasses broken, car broken down 3 times, wallet full of cash lost/stolen, 2 fillings, Achilles problem leads to a week off the bike, pulled out of the Gorrick 100 just after making my move into the lead due to trashed brakes, major cold.... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">.....and so much had been going right - now with just two weeks to the big 24 I feel as if I have stepped back a little - time to re-group and get that pace back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the flipside the legend that is Rory Hitchins put in an 8 hour ride fueled by Jam Dodgers to win the Gorrick 100. That made my month!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZS3SE9nb0hT8cMyiubuuT8R-uq543q3TTveUM_M7RjafRfnvg1_AgnOBAwjRlXJW-6D2Xi6L0fbenDMlYAGcabd7acKRkonNhnpCTE7th8o3a9sjXZmcCujEcX7E1UydFZNRBLTqppQv/s1600/Rory2.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZS3SE9nb0hT8cMyiubuuT8R-uq543q3TTveUM_M7RjafRfnvg1_AgnOBAwjRlXJW-6D2Xi6L0fbenDMlYAGcabd7acKRkonNhnpCTE7th8o3a9sjXZmcCujEcX7E1UydFZNRBLTqppQv/s200/Rory2.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Anyhow here is a long Overdue Update of Races and things:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP9k5MYMdSyJB6BgiwpfwK6ZtD8GXavPM8TsX3dQkOX6QU5HPiPcWqt0bmI8WRcLFE2Ssn5qU2fKcM4NcTm96LsWA-qoTGfrgcXZC9Hhrzl1g_rYe2L64cHKajApj5sHYDwuJxZ2Kabtm/s1600/P1030064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP9k5MYMdSyJB6BgiwpfwK6ZtD8GXavPM8TsX3dQkOX6QU5HPiPcWqt0bmI8WRcLFE2Ssn5qU2fKcM4NcTm96LsWA-qoTGfrgcXZC9Hhrzl1g_rYe2L64cHKajApj5sHYDwuJxZ2Kabtm/s200/P1030064.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">So I am back in Blighty and have been for six weeks. Upon return the contrast to South Africa could not have been starker. Within minutes of exiting the airport I was shivering and within an hour I was quickly being inducted into a tremendous weather inspired lull.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOtaz5I3GvoGpdHcOo7r2Qj-cFIsFkJpnxWJ67fLYyhvFXXhC041UFEVHm4ZKNO7hSixev4nVg4er5MKRwzOTq3HiVSASviGiV9fHBCt2MZw9ZqsWUHceM_LwcVJDvf8QA8Kq-t4tOe_P/s1600/DSC03908_Go+get+him+Ian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOtaz5I3GvoGpdHcOo7r2Qj-cFIsFkJpnxWJ67fLYyhvFXXhC041UFEVHm4ZKNO7hSixev4nVg4er5MKRwzOTq3HiVSASviGiV9fHBCt2MZw9ZqsWUHceM_LwcVJDvf8QA8Kq-t4tOe_P/s200/DSC03908_Go+get+him+Ian.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Within a week there was some hope but I quickly realized that it was best not to take chances.. I was in Partridge Green about 15 miles from home, nothing but race kit covering my body and summer gloves for the hands. The weather turned without warning from 15 degrees to 5 degrees and the roads turned to rivers. Shivering I had no choice but to cast aside the all over numbness and put my head down - I got home a wreck. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKg5ioq3oJyk0TpzFRiFqy4wv84-PQO-8cgBhV2U35JHkG65nvUaxUR-2_ypm5se0DdKQgIRJ7Fpmlx1r8hQexAW1v2dQbGxTtZQeUwgcJyCHqRnKWztCwJ189jHZ79FZ8pnZDMtRRGEJ/s1600/P1000798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKg5ioq3oJyk0TpzFRiFqy4wv84-PQO-8cgBhV2U35JHkG65nvUaxUR-2_ypm5se0DdKQgIRJ7Fpmlx1r8hQexAW1v2dQbGxTtZQeUwgcJyCHqRnKWztCwJ189jHZ79FZ8pnZDMtRRGEJ/s200/P1000798.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">This theme continued for some weeks, yet now after six the green shoots of spring are here and the South is basking in glorious sunshine and baked trails. I love England (not in a Daily Mail way of course) and when spring is coming there is for me<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>no better place than Brighton and the Downs. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Brighton is: Nights out, ice cream, fish and chips, starling and seagulls, wrecked piers and seaside fun. Or as is the case for me these days; long rides, nights in, energy drink and about 100 Weetabix a week. That said the pints are still flowing albeit at a more controlled rate. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">My old Brighton abode was an uptown flat with lovely private gardens. Like Rocky on a camp things are different in 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a budget I am fighting out of Warren Road, Woodingdean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisW-_UgdKoyqOqIwT5O3PH4MhwptrjEai-ljw_Xxbti_4g3pl-UPRkfkx89KseMGdfqqwKVopi8ZsvYm8HIijk3DN01WNLMOlEoYHn5a6EZ80yR0z5URCnhNlKdh07lAHh4wocfW2m-li7/s1600/P1010545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisW-_UgdKoyqOqIwT5O3PH4MhwptrjEai-ljw_Xxbti_4g3pl-UPRkfkx89KseMGdfqqwKVopi8ZsvYm8HIijk3DN01WNLMOlEoYHn5a6EZ80yR0z5URCnhNlKdh07lAHh4wocfW2m-li7/s200/P1010545.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Warren Road is the home of the infamous Jonny Quality, good friend, Enigma frame builder, Independent Fabrication rider, biscuit commando and founder of FYI - Chickens Cycles; it’s good company. Furthermore Woodingdean is only accessible by a CAT 3 road climb meaning that every ride involves a mountain top finish. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRHVKUUuRL6SDZleZJFd6KpLhovPAfMkITxy-OescWH0-Qdmh5Eoxjp0O5q50KJoPX-PZZa9nmzUzIWK-CloW6Ljcd07qoJQKcRgPBfrMQPzI4DDm86rtFMWq0NKxFTy1bNCtLXPJoilA/s1600/P1010015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRHVKUUuRL6SDZleZJFd6KpLhovPAfMkITxy-OescWH0-Qdmh5Eoxjp0O5q50KJoPX-PZZa9nmzUzIWK-CloW6Ljcd07qoJQKcRgPBfrMQPzI4DDm86rtFMWq0NKxFTy1bNCtLXPJoilA/s200/P1010015.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">After dabbling in XTerra for experience the training has taken a lean toward the bike as I prepare for the first ever 24 Hour National Championships. I decided that although the XTerra’s of the summer are the focus I really want to give the right account of myself at the first ever National 24 Hour Championships. As such the swimming has eased (a little too much) and those favourite rides such as Leith Hill via the Downs Link and my favourite 84 mile Granny loop to Rye with the stop in the middle for tea and lots of chocolate biscuits have taken centre stage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Aside from this I have been up to Newcastle and ridden with fellow 24 specialist Rich Rothwell, been toasted in the Dales by Simon Rodgers and been hauling it with the mighty Will Jones. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><b>Silver Linings – Triple Slam!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Thursday 7<sup>th</sup> April was a dark day. After a nice meal with friends I did the unthinkable – I locked my £6,000 race bike outside of the Prince Albert Pub. When I came out after a quick pint the bike was gone. This beauty was in full race build; cool as a cucumber and light as a feather. What transpired was a frantic and stressful rush job – firstly to do everything in my power to find the bike and secondly to get another bike up and on the road.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Losing a bike is like losing a part of you. Especially when it is the machine on which you have had so many happy rides and classic adventures with. Indy 1 as it was known had hauled the South Downs Double, been to Switzerland, Spain, France and Arizona. The picture below might help anyone should they see her. In the meantime – RIP.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWUaqoX-XjNyzSRXT96MWG9Se80PgnX1sq-JmeIU-h32UUbD6LF-0yTtjq7onjT2GOjliapaOAeEhBk-Atg-z8y8S0duFsZKAkKCdBKDNia5BJhrj00KkA9GsZ2O9OsLV7YstDEY0dNhT/s1600/P1020953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWUaqoX-XjNyzSRXT96MWG9Se80PgnX1sq-JmeIU-h32UUbD6LF-0yTtjq7onjT2GOjliapaOAeEhBk-Atg-z8y8S0duFsZKAkKCdBKDNia5BJhrj00KkA9GsZ2O9OsLV7YstDEY0dNhT/s400/P1020953.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OjCHL-Uw4qZArsiVe7ANnkBBYOBxe3NHU2ih06SmRg3moeJYeIW8GlX2aRClazIGpSS2XPwl1r22e9DzSuWlIqXw-xwLAiqeIhoTtcqG4rTDKBzTMDHWK5LfWDhOMKTZt6xMBIRMCkNu/s1600/P1030051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OjCHL-Uw4qZArsiVe7ANnkBBYOBxe3NHU2ih06SmRg3moeJYeIW8GlX2aRClazIGpSS2XPwl1r22e9DzSuWlIqXw-xwLAiqeIhoTtcqG4rTDKBzTMDHWK5LfWDhOMKTZt6xMBIRMCkNu/s200/P1030051.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">With the bike gone Thursday a rush to make the big Muc-Off 8 hour race on the Sunday was on. Luckily those legendary guys at Independent Fabrication have equipped me for 2010 with two brand new frames: a custom Titanium Deluxe 29er and a custom Titanium Crown Jewel road frame. Life doesn’t get much better.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaQqaD2AIe7VOwtTGU1rMNOHw-Kqlm2JZJHKToRzMBcAJIOTTq6z8Kfvy1VVUlWF7MQSLlnabsOGMQ1KUY6Bm8Lq2crzuhyphenhyphenyjot5EvvRQ801bxGrusdeAsEB1puRGVjuz4gd72fS4t3ds/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaQqaD2AIe7VOwtTGU1rMNOHw-Kqlm2JZJHKToRzMBcAJIOTTq6z8Kfvy1VVUlWF7MQSLlnabsOGMQ1KUY6Bm8Lq2crzuhyphenhyphenyjot5EvvRQ801bxGrusdeAsEB1puRGVjuz4gd72fS4t3ds/s200/DSC_0002.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Those that don’t know Independent – your education starts now! Formed in 1995 from the remnants of the legendary Fat City Cycles they are the world’s best custom frame builder. Using steel, carbon and titanium they craft bicycles specific to the dimensions, riding style and handling preferences of their buyers. The net result is like that of a bespoke suit, perfect fitting and great looking; only the Indy’s also go very, very fast. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBieZx1tc3-L0rPh6YdLaGT4ZULMx4qFJ8pkgKqb6C7rRjz0F_hQo7S3AO0yht-x8ah39N8RUkl8MG0EwAWO2Hpr6ptLrKYqYt3uD1ZSkdkNferQWxKBVspyAnpb0mWBLtTW2Gh9M0KDqo/s1600/P1030059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBieZx1tc3-L0rPh6YdLaGT4ZULMx4qFJ8pkgKqb6C7rRjz0F_hQo7S3AO0yht-x8ah39N8RUkl8MG0EwAWO2Hpr6ptLrKYqYt3uD1ZSkdkNferQWxKBVspyAnpb0mWBLtTW2Gh9M0KDqo/s200/P1030059.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">My new mountain bike is built around a superlight and stiff Cannondale Lefty fork and superfly green and showtime white Industry Nine Ultralight Wheelset. When it is finally complete with its SLR saddle and R1 brakes it'll weigh a scant 21.5lbs. Massive thank you to those two companies for giving me such great gear for the year. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">But before the Muc-Off the new fork needed some last minute adaptation to 29er and wasn’t ready to roll. Luckily good friend and top rider Fraser Clifford stepped up and practically lent me a build kit. That was apart from my gears – 1996 edition Shimano XTR form my touring bike.. still going strong and never missing a shift.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><b>The Muc-Off 8 - 1st Place</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprhsX8ppPR-EQmXrvpGfEboPANJqSZljIovxcmsKHF_4bIeSEHS0kCJXGKxg_cF_hS8CrWzaNmynZlzhFIEbXkPrBLu9dhWC14M14M79h2uYPBqZkOeTsILKpbo8BvYumD-oQXDQAFlj8/s1600/25615_384104502370_719777370_4370093_128131_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprhsX8ppPR-EQmXrvpGfEboPANJqSZljIovxcmsKHF_4bIeSEHS0kCJXGKxg_cF_hS8CrWzaNmynZlzhFIEbXkPrBLu9dhWC14M14M79h2uYPBqZkOeTsILKpbo8BvYumD-oQXDQAFlj8/s320/25615_384104502370_719777370_4370093_128131_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Earmarked in the calender for April 10<sup>th</sup> was the Muc-Off 8. With the UK24 Hour Nationals approaching it made sense to get a big ride in and at pace. I also wanted to go up against one of the favourites for the 24; the legendary Ant White. As the event was low priority I trained hard into it and decided with coach Dr P to go reasonably hard for the first two hours and then back it off for the remaining six. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The event itself presented some intrigue. The most expensive event per hour ever put on in the UK the organizers from the world of triathlon were embarking <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on their first ever foray into the world of the Mountain Bike. A lot was expected as they had publically stated that they would be raising the bar. Yet before the event I had no idea on numbers, as there was no pre-entered list. Upon arrival however it transpired that it had the biggest solo field of the year with over 150 riders ready to go head to head over the course that will later in the year host the National Marathon Championships. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The practice lap revealed a debatable course at best but at least I didn’t have to pay an additional £10 to camp in a field devoid of showers as I lived nearby – so come morning I was reasonably fresh. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">To break up the start they had a run in place – perfect news for me! I ran nice and steadily to get onto my bike in second. Lap 1 and I was in a hot group with Stu Bowers, Steve Webb and the Norwegian Marathon Champion (all in the team relay event). I was going quick but not flat out and soon had Iain Payne also in the solo for company. Come lap 2 I gave it a bit of the turbo on one of the climbs and found myself clear and going away. The race was super comfy and by hour 6 I was 15 minutes ahead in the solo and running 2<sup>nd</sup> overall – beating all but one of the teams! Last lap I gave it a little extra and came in 18 minutes clear of Ant to take the victory. This was good news – Ant is fantastic over 24 hours and will be a big danger but to take a chunk of time out over a big distance gave me a great boost. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The event itself had some pretty major negatives… that for many left a bad taste. It had the great idea of a timed downhill section that was real fun but it appeared that a number of areas of the course had not been subject to a commissaire and were dangerous. Furthermore for the massive entry fees taken I would argue that less was offered than similar style events. On a personal note after beating 150 riders I came away with some Muc-off cleaning products and a bike cleaner as prizes (pre-event blurb described prizes as excellent and premium! – to me solo should and usually is cash!) - the £160 paying teams got even less. With some experience in running events and understanding cost models the whole scenario was to me absolutely unacceptable – this was also the consensus of riders I know. Worse still a lot of new people to the sport will have attended the event and will believe that this is the standard.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Gorrick Supermasters - 1st Place</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">No ease off after the Muc-Off led me to a big training week – well 15 hours of biking and as a finish a rare foray into Cross Country racing in the last round of the big Gorrick Spring Series. For non-bikers Cross Country or XC is the classic mountain biking format and is the only Olympic sanctioned discipline. As such the elbows are sharp and the quality high. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">As I wanted to ride again in the afternoon I skipped the Elite/Expert event and went for Supermasters in the morning. This is a special category for people over 30 who happen to be fast. Well I say happen to be fast – everyone is either sponsored or an exp-pro and as such it is a genuine high quality burn up! Again on tired legs I got a terrible start and coming off the first bend was in 15<sup>th</sup> place – woops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then something weird happened. I have noticed I have this power now. I don’t know where it has come from as no top end training has been done - it is being saved for the XTerra racing in the summer… it must be from consistant training. I decided to put down this power and went instantly from 15<sup>th</sup> to second. After 3 minutes the field was still bunched in the singletrack so I laid down the power again. The net result was a major selection and I found myself clear. Not knowing much about XC and tactics I backed off and by the end of lap 1 we were a two, a Stephen James riding for Moda alternating the lead with me. I wasn’t quite flat out which was good and then halfway through the fourth and last lap I made a move on the climb to win by a minute after cruising the last singletrack. Get in!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It has to be said that the Gorrick Course was excellent. Obviously designed by mountain bikers not organisers it had flow, difficulty and controlled danger. Next time I will race elite. Furthermore the big revelation is the new bike. It is hands down the best bike I have ever ridden – so smooth, comfortable and fast – Indy have nailed it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>South Downs One-Way - training ride leads to new record of 7.31</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwctFT3a5WJNsgoqmC8SXYxM1qAZhdxc19pUlE5KVDdKc89ez5L-yT3DW8Wc8-5Zmc20KepzjphWy2v4wdGpd9uGM18GEEf59pzLeHR9mwQPlKFp9VzSRTplZr-4Sf6Ssdu1uwn-dGj_o/s1600/P1030047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwctFT3a5WJNsgoqmC8SXYxM1qAZhdxc19pUlE5KVDdKc89ez5L-yT3DW8Wc8-5Zmc20KepzjphWy2v4wdGpd9uGM18GEEf59pzLeHR9mwQPlKFp9VzSRTplZr-4Sf6Ssdu1uwn-dGj_o/s200/P1030047.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxdd_wR_ZqsawCvy3NmoDaoqPUUe-KjNUMeki1e-S-RLA7suL3L9sH66IXNUDuEbCB0JNqgsnSa772ixeFaUMA94moi04pFBl8c6GhPuNA8kCOp-FP20wuCSUt_NMLB2WvSbjcHn91NbX/s1600/P1030057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxdd_wR_ZqsawCvy3NmoDaoqPUUe-KjNUMeki1e-S-RLA7suL3L9sH66IXNUDuEbCB0JNqgsnSa772ixeFaUMA94moi04pFBl8c6GhPuNA8kCOp-FP20wuCSUt_NMLB2WvSbjcHn91NbX/s200/P1030057.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">To seal the fitment of the Ultralight Lefty fork I decided to do a South Downs one-way. Last year I broke the two-way record and decided to see in the new bike and season with a one-way training ride. The fastest one way time is 7 hours 50 minutes for the 100 or so miles and I kind of had this in mind when I set out from Eastbourne. A slight headwind and legs not entirely fresh did not prove conducive to records but I rolled into Winchester in 7 hours 31 minutes and celebrated with a toffee crisp, fruit and nut, packet of Wheat crunchies and a smoothie. Perfect. Train home to Brighton and then to the pub for three pints.. happy days. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On reflection there is definitely a sub 7 hour one-way due and potentially a sub-16 double (15.45 I still reckon is the limit unless someone like Roel Paulisson steps up and goes sub-12!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lots of thanks on this post: Joe at Indy Fab, Rory at USE, Mike at Cannondale, Frazer at Morvelo and many others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Music - Well I must say that my latest Cut Copy mix is making me happy as is the Television Album "Marquee Moon," and of course Caribou.</div><!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-54799592872478481892010-03-08T13:33:00.000+01:002010-03-08T13:33:05.251+01:00Bouncing Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPqoWVGXCJtB8tkL_qoucp03zBBksZNo9tizI2yG_mrDvgSbIdYGEKbNTyUi6nvUmqP2oboUFVL_UnXYcZub3KQbICC-_bV-C0a1Q7Qu6OtE06AZEkIvREgo8xA3fhcWqfXOv8Zj3oh_X/s1600-h/DSC_6489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPqoWVGXCJtB8tkL_qoucp03zBBksZNo9tizI2yG_mrDvgSbIdYGEKbNTyUi6nvUmqP2oboUFVL_UnXYcZub3KQbICC-_bV-C0a1Q7Qu6OtE06AZEkIvREgo8xA3fhcWqfXOv8Zj3oh_X/s200/DSC_6489.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The Xterra was a big disappointment. Putting in all that time and performing like a rank amateur. It was one of those “who am I trying to kid” moments, one minute delusions of grandeur a few hours later a hefty ego bruising reality check … worst of all I hated the whole experience; the freneticness of the swim the pure intensity of the bike not to mention the heat – leaving my job to try something I had never done before… idiot!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbSOc5zK25-wA95pf1mZWzmbU4AlHGM4v0IvcgGE2_KqDwduG5yuCZPYAr4F3e43bhBA1a9_CU3j8kRrgASoSx24ga1aqpGMQnrd9_n3AzszvI7bZZSH6NsTYkV9S3eWiu6J6StrcdUrj/s1600-h/P1030007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbSOc5zK25-wA95pf1mZWzmbU4AlHGM4v0IvcgGE2_KqDwduG5yuCZPYAr4F3e43bhBA1a9_CU3j8kRrgASoSx24ga1aqpGMQnrd9_n3AzszvI7bZZSH6NsTYkV9S3eWiu6J6StrcdUrj/s200/P1030007.JPG" width="150" /></a><span lang="EN-US">I was however lucky on two counts. First up Simon and I had arranged a trip along South Africa’s Garden Route in our little white polo straight after the event and then as luck would have it there was a high standard road triathlon in Cape Town the following weekend – best way to exorcise demons – throw yourself straight back in. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The Garden Route was perfect. We drove (like hoons), walked, swam, canoed and drunk our way to Plettenberg. It was a boy’s own adventure with our actions quickly reduced to teenage pranking and general misdemeanor. The forests of the area were made nice and lush for us as the area was hit by heavy rain. Bizarrely it felt really good to be out of the sun in the rugged elements and on crashing shores. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMUwx6GYNJsZtpDq0BRfiGHbSkdHo-nqmau7UpkQz6AKHrhGnborPBigW3wHFF3gxM60b3y4cu3DxqWfnQEFO6s4n1Hw5M5vyhGlr6CMg_2-c08a6eedQnI1FiROPLlr6vwIGpXGeG_mj/s1600-h/DSC_6284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMUwx6GYNJsZtpDq0BRfiGHbSkdHo-nqmau7UpkQz6AKHrhGnborPBigW3wHFF3gxM60b3y4cu3DxqWfnQEFO6s4n1Hw5M5vyhGlr6CMg_2-c08a6eedQnI1FiROPLlr6vwIGpXGeG_mj/s200/DSC_6284.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Highlights of the trip included swimming in Wilderness, taxidermists and lighthouse museums at Cape Aguilas, massive dunescapes and tip top walking around Plettenberg and err.. intervals on the N2 followed by too many Caporinhas.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A big thank you has to go out to Grant and Jackie who lent us their swish parents home overlooking Lookout Beach… stellar!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW4cWvSfsWNFHltmJd6UdNFSJV1m0V91by-j_fKkGdqwrtjnKyomt4LolyJ_F03VaR1FpHA9aneb0F9-bTXF4NHvZUEw7QBDkfT1a3fIMhG1iqJiukNpoqC_yejZ-WMZutH5NqpFQu4FP/s1600-h/DSC_6248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW4cWvSfsWNFHltmJd6UdNFSJV1m0V91by-j_fKkGdqwrtjnKyomt4LolyJ_F03VaR1FpHA9aneb0F9-bTXF4NHvZUEw7QBDkfT1a3fIMhG1iqJiukNpoqC_yejZ-WMZutH5NqpFQu4FP/s200/DSC_6248.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Back to Cape Town and I felt more relaxed about things and ready to face that road triathlon. The event was the South African round of the 11Global Series and upon arrival I quickly realised that this was showtime. Astride his aero everything’d Cervelo P3 was last year’s winner Dann Brook fully decked out in his Great Britain strip. I asked him if he though he would win.. he then informed me that 2006 World Champion Tim Don was competing as was world number 8 Hendrik de Villiers… mmm .. maybe I shouldn’t have entered as an elite!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHuORAS5lzSdvzYKx-CU0J0PNKna9d3ll4zGOmj-0n2gWM4wdftri8-hy0-96duRcEyhJNKNxtz2JCqPCGmj6YLuWMuy6LP5RX8sKkZkPItcD6fnxroOXhWkYqd-bvcCAwWaQnLCQkKvi/s1600-h/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHuORAS5lzSdvzYKx-CU0J0PNKna9d3ll4zGOmj-0n2gWM4wdftri8-hy0-96duRcEyhJNKNxtz2JCqPCGmj6YLuWMuy6LP5RX8sKkZkPItcD6fnxroOXhWkYqd-bvcCAwWaQnLCQkKvi/s200/DSC_0065.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Olympic Distance Triathlon consists of a 1,500M swim, 40km bike and 10km run. In the ITU World Cups and Olympics riding in packs or drafting is allowed which makes things quicker, more tactical and favours skinnier people like current World Champ Alastair Brownlee. However this event followed the older format of being non-drafting, meaning that should you slip behind someone and take a break from the wind you would be disqualified. What this does mean is that bicycles become very specific with everything being super-aero – with my stock and very old traditional steel road bike without even a set of tri bars I would be at a 6 minute disadvantage from the off. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigF_lmros-qjvdqAM0Bh7a-KxEKJ6EIpn9FyM6xTr4w5RMYIJBmzRaukWmJM5xKV4U7kk7BotbPmTtJ93K9-e5W3tdbZ1Th1JEs9CJ6rcNb8ADLW1CTasMI-SW9XWnVrU4YzOtNz6E7z6/s1600-h/P1020982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigF_lmros-qjvdqAM0Bh7a-KxEKJ6EIpn9FyM6xTr4w5RMYIJBmzRaukWmJM5xKV4U7kk7BotbPmTtJ93K9-e5W3tdbZ1Th1JEs9CJ6rcNb8ADLW1CTasMI-SW9XWnVrU4YzOtNz6E7z6/s200/P1020982.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Come Saturday and I awoke at 4.45 to an empty flat, Simon Turner still out on the town! The moon was magnificently full and I drove quietly (except for some light drum and bass!) towards Big Bay.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I was much more relaxed than the XTerra – this meant nothing and was about pure experience. I had decided to keep it nice and controlled and to ensure that I remained within myself. However one thing I was a little scared of was the Sea. Although Cape Town seems to always sizzle, no one goes in the sea. Why? Because cold Atlantic currents mean it is a freezing 11degrees. Jees!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBvWJSIxFuDKDvfOGd3sFBKc_JNgJ_QlYhXgVD3q1EKbL2j70TAVltIGJqSDzAZD6zdWFji5Fw6_GoXs3srzZ2Eaac0aW2gseT9OqBvj0Wgv1Ij4CC4jTjW7NhvA4YV_tpIU5EQpXKFEa/s1600-h/DSC_6204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBvWJSIxFuDKDvfOGd3sFBKc_JNgJ_QlYhXgVD3q1EKbL2j70TAVltIGJqSDzAZD6zdWFji5Fw6_GoXs3srzZ2Eaac0aW2gseT9OqBvj0Wgv1Ij4CC4jTjW7NhvA4YV_tpIU5EQpXKFEa/s200/DSC_6204.jpg" width="133" /></a><span lang="EN-US">It was 7am and the backdrop of the sun coming up and Table Mountain on the left made for a perfect setting. Yet the sea as well as being cold looked pretty rough – what with Big Bay being a surf beach! Unlike Grabouw I have never seen a group of people start a race so gingerly!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2CQkI-nuH4coDHmzn9EJdvDi2kfamT3jy2JLA6w4m1_GJwy9BzZatO1wMwuAUzMqJsdf7y5RpErtcfmws2d1LuRAGqNPzCQomrpblkrvh3oOj174pSVzZHjgZFmUwbjUKOPbI8RcyrVO/s1600-h/P1020956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2CQkI-nuH4coDHmzn9EJdvDi2kfamT3jy2JLA6w4m1_GJwy9BzZatO1wMwuAUzMqJsdf7y5RpErtcfmws2d1LuRAGqNPzCQomrpblkrvh3oOj174pSVzZHjgZFmUwbjUKOPbI8RcyrVO/s200/P1020956.jpg" width="150" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Into the water and I went at an endurance pace so I could think! Within three minutes I was having to do a breaststroke switch just to get over the freezing incoming rollers. The first buoy went smoothly and we were then hit sideways by the tide – woooh! Sick feeling ensued but I kept it going. After about ten minutes we (unbeknown to me) turned to have a following tide, which sped things right up. Within a few minutes I was unexpectedly taken by the biggest wave of my life. It felt like minutes under there and at the point of what I thought would be drowning I thankfully popped up. I could already stand on the shallow bay’s sand and this was fortunate, as I had lost both my hat and goggles with the wave force. A quick glance around and I saw a lot of other terrified individuals looking back for the next wave… I did the same. After surviving two I caught a third and ran into transition. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CnKWttTpvuE2wMgrV0UFvzo6kzs5lvSSIGBleUOIInL3Z_AHltV_sd8yErlCAlKQjbrF4RlZQK5DfnQ_J0FhyVIO1QErsFpLNo6x0SxeEfwU4gLtalkLa4tWMNvzyfk8CBrWPZWo6Fyz/s1600-h/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CnKWttTpvuE2wMgrV0UFvzo6kzs5lvSSIGBleUOIInL3Z_AHltV_sd8yErlCAlKQjbrF4RlZQK5DfnQ_J0FhyVIO1QErsFpLNo6x0SxeEfwU4gLtalkLa4tWMNvzyfk8CBrWPZWo6Fyz/s200/DSC_0093.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">It turned out I was a bit less than five minutes down but I felt very fresh and most bikes were still racked. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Onto the bike and I decided to use my powertap to ride at an even intensity. The course was a 3-lap out and back on the flat – not best for me as I am fastest when climbing. However I quickly noticed that I was passing people with names across their behinds (always a good sign!) and that the leaders were not extending their lead – at least by much. On the old Bontrager I was getting some funny looks as I hunched over the bars - in fact a lot of the aero boys were hating it! Yet the return legs into the wind really showed the bike limitation, as those time trial set-ups would come right back at me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVFnxMqBMQtAUlGss91bBL5sp5bAEqB3UZb9KTU8Wj_FMakDqE-v1_jDs8IMDbgDF_m5KtSNxrSBy0PfWaMd2XgWbbXlfFgDJd0jwGQ1TWN4vZJbP2oOuq8nL8YNo-TnnkmSXJ29xogYJ/s1600-h/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVFnxMqBMQtAUlGss91bBL5sp5bAEqB3UZb9KTU8Wj_FMakDqE-v1_jDs8IMDbgDF_m5KtSNxrSBy0PfWaMd2XgWbbXlfFgDJd0jwGQ1TWN4vZJbP2oOuq8nL8YNo-TnnkmSXJ29xogYJ/s200/DSC_0090.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I came into transition pleased to be around 65 minutes for the 41km – as it would transpire about 6 minutes off the fastest time (the difference the bike would have made). I donned the Orange super shoes and headed out for the 10km run. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Immediately I was running quickly and catching people. I realised that a sub 2-hour time was on the table, which was at the top end of my expectations. I made 5 places on the run to come in 10<sup>th</sup> on 1.57.57 just three minutes down on Dann Brook and about ten on Tim Don. Best of all the people around me were all racing full-time. As a further bonus it transpired that with 33minutes and 28 seconds on the slow running course I had the fastest run of the day!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjepaJ8FVzhorFtB-P2QERO4Di-15RRqu6hyphenhyphenuQO4jRsx41_ZoFN0fwdcYCntzxaZuLjTNWM7SShW8bd1ihKMeIYEOBlxQqn1ndQnuR9M0SK1FFwZkTrK9Gx7qApcoqih6RxI5WP7XqPW3f/s1600-h/DSC_6471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjepaJ8FVzhorFtB-P2QERO4Di-15RRqu6hyphenhyphenuQO4jRsx41_ZoFN0fwdcYCntzxaZuLjTNWM7SShW8bd1ihKMeIYEOBlxQqn1ndQnuR9M0SK1FFwZkTrK9Gx7qApcoqih6RxI5WP7XqPW3f/s200/DSC_6471.jpg" width="133" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Life felt good again – not just for the performance but the whole experience was good.. the swim was actually fun, the bike was as it should be and the run felt free. So perhaps I can give a good account of myself after all. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">On returning back to Camps Bay I exited the lift in our apartment block to be greeted by the sound of grungy rock. An early cleaning moment? An Ellsworth convention? No! it transpired that Simon was still partying and had guests! I quickly joined the fray and got drunk before quickly being befriended by Simon’s harem! Quality!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWoo6i-RM8SU6y_6GJ1SgE4-FaTMSiQ_YHHID1mkbEKyeoB9Inca7a_PR6ypW-N7iXh2-k6LKO3dcPRs01M4bOBWkV1FtW-JyiQrzuG9fka9ITW5ZUJ33qHO2fzG7TAtZMfra_IIKXxlo/s1600-h/P1030002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWoo6i-RM8SU6y_6GJ1SgE4-FaTMSiQ_YHHID1mkbEKyeoB9Inca7a_PR6ypW-N7iXh2-k6LKO3dcPRs01M4bOBWkV1FtW-JyiQrzuG9fka9ITW5ZUJ33qHO2fzG7TAtZMfra_IIKXxlo/s200/P1030002.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Since then I realised that I was kind of lucky to have actually made the bike leg in light of the state of my rear tyre!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I also ran the big Men’s Health 10km albeit on tired legs in Cape Town. A first 5km split of 14.53 (woops), a little 30 second stop for a stomach cramp and a 5<sup>th</sup> place in about 31 and half minutes – and all on South African TV! Maybe I should just run! Especially when this happens on the bike:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7A_4RMacPVIsU9M3ZXBImmkXinb8dJrDA6ctQxv2IrNzNvjc-1-zteGg7JJ2czi-RhCL2VrCyieZvAPvd2ynTGNM3G0TX23MrxlAZQo4Da-AxfHX1VTY_iWsBYFRPVjRNRNlEhAxIPMUy/s1600-h/P1030008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7A_4RMacPVIsU9M3ZXBImmkXinb8dJrDA6ctQxv2IrNzNvjc-1-zteGg7JJ2czi-RhCL2VrCyieZvAPvd2ynTGNM3G0TX23MrxlAZQo4Da-AxfHX1VTY_iWsBYFRPVjRNRNlEhAxIPMUy/s200/P1030008.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Final shout – people in South Africa who have been cool and accommodating: Liz, Dan and Jackie and their crew, Ben and of course the Big T… and Tim Don, what a nice guy – like all Big Dogs he was the one to respond to my face making and shouts of “give it some pasty” on the bike course as he rinsed himself to the max!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-80366390622085718972010-02-27T09:31:00.000+01:002010-02-27T09:31:47.205+01:00Xterra South Africa - Sizzled on Debut<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After training like stink the 20<sup>th</sup> February signaled the early season test, the South African round of the XTerra World Tour.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I had thought about this race a lot and although I knew it was merely a tester I had started to think that I really might mix it up…. but in fact it was like three hours in hell! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Here are some snippets of what happened: Record temperatures of 46 degrees (115F) on course, absolute terror in the swim, panic on the bike with crashes aplenty, dehydrated run.. 14<sup>th</sup> place. Disappointment but lots to encourage. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">With record temperatures due the idea to run a race at 11am seemed foolhardy to say the least.. but upon arrival the village was packed so it looked like it was on! Cometh the hour and 500 competitors across various categories lined up on Grabouw Lake and started edging forward as a helicopter swooped in low… I stood there with trepidation. The gun fired and then all hell broke loose. I swam for dear life.. all my technique out the window… I was pushed, dragged, bumped and kicked despite my swimming right on the outside. It seemed to last forever…. I wanted it over… I really hadn’t expected it to be so physical and also for everyone to be so good! When dry land finally arrived I had been off course and all over the show… competitors seemed to stretch ahead forever. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I had known that this would happen and my best-case scenario was to lose 3-4 minutes in the swim. I had actually lost around 5 and got onto the bike in around 40<sup>th</sup>. By this time however I was shaken up, panicked and completely out of focus. I tore off on the bike, passing rider after rider as I hit the first big climb. But I simply wasn’t right; that lack of focus meant silly crashes and mistakes and the heat and nerves had sent my heart rate sky high.. it actually transpired that I was riding slower than my practice lap. Simon said he had never seen me riding so badly and that he could see that I had no focus at all.. he was right and this on a great technical course that suited me. Yet half way round the loop I had passed the lead woman Carina Wasle from Austria and then Jean Paul Van De Linde who’d been 7<sup>th</sup> in 2009.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Just as I was on the move I had a 25mile an hour crash from which I was extremely lucky to come out from unscathed. Not only did this shake me up even more but a few minutes later I realised that I had lost my water.. which in 40 degrees plus is an absolute no no. The last 15k involved stopping and getting water from bystanders, blundering and getting lost on the singletrack and generally feeling miserable. Great start.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Despite all the calamities I came into transition to find just a handful of bikes and it turned out I was still 9<sup>th</sup> quickest on the bike. I headed out on the run – Hot!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It was a furnace out there but I knew that this was my strong card. I quickly caught 4 competitors to move into the top 10. But with no shade, reflective rocks and endless climbing I was really struggling to stay sane. With just two kilometers to go I lost it and started weaving terribly. I was helped under a small bush for a tiny bit of shade and then I finally crawled to the finish. I lost 15minutes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The freak weather saw 3 people hospitalised and also meant big time gaps. I was so frustrated to have lost my head but will learn for next time so that I can really enjoy the whole experience. On reflection a 4<sup>th</sup> place was definitely on the table and Nico Pfitzenmeier in 3<sup>rd</sup> was 5<sup>th</sup> at last years European Championships. I have to remember that first 24-hour mountain bike race which shares the need for mental strength and logistics – things go wrong at first and you get better!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The swim however will have to be worked on – it represents everything I shy away from in life so to conquer it would be fantastic. Bring it on!</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-26687518849888807692010-02-10T12:05:00.001+01:002010-02-10T12:16:03.758+01:00Cape Town Head Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXJLB8Irnx-CevXTHkOAHRUt0oa9J0t8KJg8YlemYMfGSCAv8qc0rCCYThXno7jWVP2gy_KzrRNMjhB72IWd8LGyD0qpSC1J_m1gdzR13lxfHc7Q9TMrsbYqbNlFf0VJR3oyXH9WLZ6R3/s1600-h/P1020881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXJLB8Irnx-CevXTHkOAHRUt0oa9J0t8KJg8YlemYMfGSCAv8qc0rCCYThXno7jWVP2gy_KzrRNMjhB72IWd8LGyD0qpSC1J_m1gdzR13lxfHc7Q9TMrsbYqbNlFf0VJR3oyXH9WLZ6R3/s200/P1020881.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0q-220ga-NxhXHwOXVubM9B3VfDYKZt70kODfHwdWQinW9U7QsfbO0QW6VbRSWtobIXkKQqqmRMTfC5INQULVXK7YRjiU48-H7ObihUnTv5JI5WbUN3KM5wQpFI2Pk-4oMHhxKxRkB7-K/s1600-h/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0q-220ga-NxhXHwOXVubM9B3VfDYKZt70kODfHwdWQinW9U7QsfbO0QW6VbRSWtobIXkKQqqmRMTfC5INQULVXK7YRjiU48-H7ObihUnTv5JI5WbUN3KM5wQpFI2Pk-4oMHhxKxRkB7-K/s200/DSC_0040.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><div style="text-align: justify;">Cape Town is experiencing a beautiful summer and I am lucky enough to be right here in the midst of it. But whilst the holiday makers take to the beaches and restaurants along the strip, my days are full with session after session – but for this year at least I wouldn’t have it any other way and heh! it's sunny!</div></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><div style="text-align: justify;">My coach did his PHD in Cape Town and knows the place well. So when I told him of my plan for an endless summer in 2010 with two months scheduled here for “training” he gave me a Matrix type dilemma. He said that I could take one pill that would give me great times and experiences or I could take another which would involve properly getting my head down and training like a wannabe pro athlete. At the time I kind of took that initial conversation lightly; I had trained hard before, I knew what it was like. So I took that second pill. I now realize that I had absolutely no idea of just what training really was.</div></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF3e3s8YMdvzXmrA3IH68g3Y5dAKWuIGNFvFz8mBBPsEEAxlgyL8uV74Si5SpHjalzoRCe4FFy1VVJoLnjitneUrZtW74tRObzWhhwXpsm_4z7ohJ4w_MCoU3xOJxbJJge4LQyzhzyk_0/s1600-h/P1020868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF3e3s8YMdvzXmrA3IH68g3Y5dAKWuIGNFvFz8mBBPsEEAxlgyL8uV74Si5SpHjalzoRCe4FFy1VVJoLnjitneUrZtW74tRObzWhhwXpsm_4z7ohJ4w_MCoU3xOJxbJJge4LQyzhzyk_0/s200/P1020868.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h6QJEHKxjxc-E6Jz3XIEun6keUq1TV4cqqvKDc5DbonQ9oC-tCitZxyMigbgEzA7Q3d5qd9_EjmLa7CD0c6Nluazls4vbPmoeurBbAQvgc3OoYIPiMi_AqN61Wt0L5fLb1BDBwhEDlyl/s1600-h/P1020916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h6QJEHKxjxc-E6Jz3XIEun6keUq1TV4cqqvKDc5DbonQ9oC-tCitZxyMigbgEzA7Q3d5qd9_EjmLa7CD0c6Nluazls4vbPmoeurBbAQvgc3OoYIPiMi_AqN61Wt0L5fLb1BDBwhEDlyl/s200/P1020916.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">International party boy. Peter Andre looky likey. Former has been looking forward to his whole future behind him. These are just some of the phrases used to describe my host Simon Turner. Experiencing an endless life of leisure with a realtime facebook feed this newly appointed Grolsch ambassador is based out of a beautiful Camps Bay beachfront property. To the left of the balcony one sees the “Twelve Apostles” and to the right the strip, the sandy beach and the Atlantic… it’s a dream set up and Simon is an excellent host and good friend – letting me do my own thing, promoting my training, yet always knowing when the time is right to be a little (or a lot) social.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04z_AH_Zuk62to5qPxE1BsWWCfTxxKsUAMao2t82rR2tFVpKnwmYyz6goktc1I8m5DByEjyAFJpxQBF0MrhvQm8w7WfK4U4ixTsQrl8gBFmSciMKP6YIPs-WnwDft68H_AeEGP9O8Vna0/s1600-h/P1020898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04z_AH_Zuk62to5qPxE1BsWWCfTxxKsUAMao2t82rR2tFVpKnwmYyz6goktc1I8m5DByEjyAFJpxQBF0MrhvQm8w7WfK4U4ixTsQrl8gBFmSciMKP6YIPs-WnwDft68H_AeEGP9O8Vna0/s200/P1020898.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">I came to Cape Town back in 2000 and don’t remember things being quite like this. Some good news is that there is certainly increased integration between black and white but Camps Bay itself represents an uber wealth rarely seen outside of Mayfair or Beverley Hills. Go around or outside the city and the situation changes; amidst the beauty are ramshackle settlements in inaccessible spots, black people looking for lifts and to me a sense of general poverty. Despite the training being tough, there are definitely some confused emotions with what is going on around.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Cape Town itself is a fantastically picturesque city. For those not in the know it is dominated by the 1.000m Table Mountain, a flat topped beauty that heralds the end of a continent. To its East Lions Head and North the Twelve Apostles, all majestic pieces of rock that tower over great seascapes and change colour throughout the day. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2QQwYLvzbbxxYfRn2dG51dXlrJi1wuMnFP2o5U2Wkl1mIXgp__XvH-tvSsQEPt39vBey5AE9fM7bRM-oLRcXgou-N_yppXPnYMjHX0D2UTEbuv-RJvydaf1z_-AQWcQC9m1WVvn5BRye/s1600/DSC_5831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2QQwYLvzbbxxYfRn2dG51dXlrJi1wuMnFP2o5U2Wkl1mIXgp__XvH-tvSsQEPt39vBey5AE9fM7bRM-oLRcXgou-N_yppXPnYMjHX0D2UTEbuv-RJvydaf1z_-AQWcQC9m1WVvn5BRye/s200/DSC_5831.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US">Down in the city bowl you see much newness, big tower blocks, a waterfront shopping centre and the new world cup stadium at Greenpoint dominating affairs. For me it is just outside of the centre where the interest lies. The Dutch connection results not only in eye pleasing “Cape Dutch” architecture but also manifests in a general design sense. Taking a coffee a smoothie or a beer can be achieved with a consummate style akin to being in one of Amsterdam’s more fashionable districts.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1ak8LxKwgzCIOmGFfN_V41xTZsJxMncSKsbwdmerUoetoNrS3Y7j8dtlIzTwIs6CRznmkMmjkXrPxhG2j0d8eAab6ma9uYwNEMv2PpmRdVIfJmH6L-s1kYj4tJ7uj9rBcNK6msRC4l0w/s1600-h/P1020909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1ak8LxKwgzCIOmGFfN_V41xTZsJxMncSKsbwdmerUoetoNrS3Y7j8dtlIzTwIs6CRznmkMmjkXrPxhG2j0d8eAab6ma9uYwNEMv2PpmRdVIfJmH6L-s1kYj4tJ7uj9rBcNK6msRC4l0w/s200/P1020909.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">So back to that training pill I took… Neo style. I have spoken previously on this blog of this year being a kind of job albeit a bit of a dream one. What has ensued in South Africa has been a training regime which with the wrong outlook could turn that dream into a nightmare! It turned out that the level in Spain was merely an hors d’oeuvre for what now must be the main course (or at least I hope it is!). It reminds me of when I first started real work back in 1997 and found myself hitting the bar every night and the nightclubs all weekend long – it is one hell of a wake up call – though this time my inebriation level needs to be tempered. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TCmigeaT5VSqBflweuskafqLqbwXkbuvOJcnTKAPIH3cNZWCRHdtxKV8Pg7fP8ziy-uvYf3TJlgdN_MuELKe1HXovyzZboWlHqJc_PMxfCDyVTKkj98n6GHBMjDL9WkzLvlcZruqrDtH/s1600-h/P1020858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TCmigeaT5VSqBflweuskafqLqbwXkbuvOJcnTKAPIH3cNZWCRHdtxKV8Pg7fP8ziy-uvYf3TJlgdN_MuELKe1HXovyzZboWlHqJc_PMxfCDyVTKkj98n6GHBMjDL9WkzLvlcZruqrDtH/s200/P1020858.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">I am thinner yet with proper tone, I am mentally tired, I am eating toast and honey by the loafload and I have even downsized the size of my saddle to fit my even bonier behind. But the best bit is that I have found my focus and I am loving it. I never quite realized that the pros trained like this and to be honest it feels like I have never really been fit before.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMDpidU3P5n8Q5KvmOfPyjg4Eh5jhkPkTvcOZgs8qC9sALQgC7k_00kgxLdqec62t_hHbBAhAjKvN5b7lqNOdj2OQ7sBEZUyxDQQTFr4SZKIyKRUfIb89JrU4FSJAMySUIfi-eh_GfAAn/s1600-h/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMDpidU3P5n8Q5KvmOfPyjg4Eh5jhkPkTvcOZgs8qC9sALQgC7k_00kgxLdqec62t_hHbBAhAjKvN5b7lqNOdj2OQ7sBEZUyxDQQTFr4SZKIyKRUfIb89JrU4FSJAMySUIfi-eh_GfAAn/s200/DSC_0108.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">The surroundings certainly help representing a “no excuses “ situation. 80 degrees day in day out, backdrops such as Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak for the cycling, table mountain for trail runs and even the swimming pool is cool, cheap outdoor, 50metres long and local.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">So what’s so tough? Lets have a look at the menu for a tougher week: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><i>Monday:</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjy_W1CB-LDL_VcmL4syJUjn1cxUA8Di-nwUZ6sJ1wiS4bMCeTPRBuu12cvO4ktuDrlzYUt2mO8DPf8kx9lQYrgPN0xinbLgufxPTjimqdBTouyewRLWPdHIOejlt3_zHwd70pyKm84rk/s1600-h/P1020892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjy_W1CB-LDL_VcmL4syJUjn1cxUA8Di-nwUZ6sJ1wiS4bMCeTPRBuu12cvO4ktuDrlzYUt2mO8DPf8kx9lQYrgPN0xinbLgufxPTjimqdBTouyewRLWPdHIOejlt3_zHwd70pyKm84rk/s200/P1020892.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">10 mile run</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><i>Tuesday:</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQGso2tv0HzTaNByUuh_gV8rpAOtDh8OdF4AnJyVPomW3A8PeSEYD4qfinYctbbgRoF74tfDRF11BS47-Wy1-1xRoJ-xPM0LteIYutDYWTZMxHhAxDrEzkF1ce6TE-ImjCXLPYorMWxOa/s1600-h/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQGso2tv0HzTaNByUuh_gV8rpAOtDh8OdF4AnJyVPomW3A8PeSEYD4qfinYctbbgRoF74tfDRF11BS47-Wy1-1xRoJ-xPM0LteIYutDYWTZMxHhAxDrEzkF1ce6TE-ImjCXLPYorMWxOa/s200/DSC_0064.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">35 Mile Bike Ride</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ride to swimming pool, 80 lengths of Olympic size pool</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">25 Mile bike ride with intervals*</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><i>Wednesday: </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ride to swimming Pool, 100 lengths of Olympic swimming pool (maybe do this in two visits to alleviate quitting and boredom!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUu7Z9hOoz5cBIFdChSgxkq5YGmgSwScTZTVSjLIZpwkv2UTxsJI8a2YUL_hXuz7Yv5g18rvd5U4NBfFaR-R4SAWpcBYsgAlvFTC-oF9Y86CZ35T58HCrOhVuNQjV8ZIQha_vTfBurv1w/s1600-h/P1020911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUu7Z9hOoz5cBIFdChSgxkq5YGmgSwScTZTVSjLIZpwkv2UTxsJI8a2YUL_hXuz7Yv5g18rvd5U4NBfFaR-R4SAWpcBYsgAlvFTC-oF9Y86CZ35T58HCrOhVuNQjV8ZIQha_vTfBurv1w/s200/P1020911.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">10 mile run</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">5 mile evening off road “fun” run on sand</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><i>Thursday: </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">25 Mile bike ride with intervals</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ride to swimming pool; 50-60 lengths of Olympic size swimming pool</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">3 Hour mountain bike ride for fun with Simon on the excellent Tokai trails.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6J2hyCwZvazWJqE3J2hrrI8S6kE0lQvyOyBVhSmduJk5QrzR7MtHC8MYCQ-sFqFcmLmcAua_ih-D7xCEy9KJqvfukNydEepyIdqV7AE7dt7vkxLYb7VLBw7XQLmGfUedNOEvBiUI_rbc/s1600-h/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6J2hyCwZvazWJqE3J2hrrI8S6kE0lQvyOyBVhSmduJk5QrzR7MtHC8MYCQ-sFqFcmLmcAua_ih-D7xCEy9KJqvfukNydEepyIdqV7AE7dt7vkxLYb7VLBw7XQLmGfUedNOEvBiUI_rbc/s200/DSC_0062.JPG" width="200" /></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><i>Friday:</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">3 hours of Brick: a relentless interchange between bike and run</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Saturday:</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzxZGhzSmm3V0rs3nM3nmkRByY3QH5wWSVCKg5QcGgFqza_vr0REylATe37etmKF5PuFjOMQlKGt-meolwnKkG2Fe-hotZVcpr24xCxZ6YGM4UVQZ07CEoeiK3B0MKCHMQ25PLEZqe1P5/s1600-h/P1020903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzxZGhzSmm3V0rs3nM3nmkRByY3QH5wWSVCKg5QcGgFqza_vr0REylATe37etmKF5PuFjOMQlKGt-meolwnKkG2Fe-hotZVcpr24xCxZ6YGM4UVQZ07CEoeiK3B0MKCHMQ25PLEZqe1P5/s200/P1020903.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Easy swim before a day out horse racing and drinking (Get in!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><i>Sunday: </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">110-120 mile bike ride followed immediately by a 4 mile run. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">*for non bikers intervals are a dizzying session of intensity where you want to laugh, cry, shout out for joy or stop and drink beer until closing</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Get the picture! It is worth noting I keep going little short on the swims as it is tedium in the extreme!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">… and so with all this preparation the racing now approaches. The first test a run; The Cape Summer Trail Championships on Wednesday 10th February and then on the 20<sup>th</sup> February the baptism of fire: The South African XTerra Championship and first round of the 2010 World Tour. It is my first ever triathlon.. and I am in with pros and in the off season… cripes.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5l5E4E5TAFpteE435IeOzNXjOEgqjlu1VHIRAnf3u9cfKOTYiVbk-pAD4gPRpMRBp1LsBriO8h_OZ3rRtwIpjqxMPINNVs6CyssoOvo-7w575VVFlGxYtBF4LnJIVeryA0ukpdq-6EtDq/s1600-h/Xterra_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5l5E4E5TAFpteE435IeOzNXjOEgqjlu1VHIRAnf3u9cfKOTYiVbk-pAD4gPRpMRBp1LsBriO8h_OZ3rRtwIpjqxMPINNVs6CyssoOvo-7w575VVFlGxYtBF4LnJIVeryA0ukpdq-6EtDq/s200/Xterra_Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><b>So What is Xterra?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Xterra is the name given to off-road triathlon. Around for about 15 years the discipline involves a sea or lake swim of 1,500meters, followed by a mountain bike ride of around 30km and then a 12km off road trail run, often finishing on a sandy beach. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">There is a reasonably lucrative World, US and European Tour reaching destinations as far flung as Guam in Micronesia, South Africa and of course the Alps. The culmination of the season and indeed my season is the World Championships in Hawaii. I love being out there and under my own steam so I can’t wait. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The races are televised online at Xterra.tv and also live on ESPN. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_FTqmCsbrUYh7M4IDNZltyCZYEBW0_HtV7C1Mgpy7nEQtgmmzJrXOwbw3LWDayyOYMA-KEx2Z7w5MhC0EQ7hlslRDkJeThq7mKm0Wpgl3VlDvW-6wO-vDOyHF9SFnAVKrQPMPRQIybrx/s1600-h/NOV82244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_FTqmCsbrUYh7M4IDNZltyCZYEBW0_HtV7C1Mgpy7nEQtgmmzJrXOwbw3LWDayyOYMA-KEx2Z7w5MhC0EQ7hlslRDkJeThq7mKm0Wpgl3VlDvW-6wO-vDOyHF9SFnAVKrQPMPRQIybrx/s200/NOV82244.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The South African Championships is taking place at Grabouw near Cape Town. Last year it was won by the German Felix Schumann and I am sure I have seen him pounding the roads here in his German National strip. I have to be realistic though and use this very early season race as a pointer – I am new to this and the South African’s are in the middle of their summer so will be at the top of their game. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbRhK9yHqIeEduvU7jsNyEY1no9nR_chx3dsnEAa9J59KCAC69A2PAFEq6GXslt4UL9BdKKF5zyBmfc3rBcTastY7Em7lwcVR4k-_NA7ct0jCPibPAf1tWijH6gmYo57HzDmtmEFCCFF_/s1600-h/IMG_3642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbRhK9yHqIeEduvU7jsNyEY1no9nR_chx3dsnEAa9J59KCAC69A2PAFEq6GXslt4UL9BdKKF5zyBmfc3rBcTastY7Em7lwcVR4k-_NA7ct0jCPibPAf1tWijH6gmYo57HzDmtmEFCCFF_/s200/IMG_3642.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">The Big Dog of the World scene is South African Conrad Stoltz. Known as “The Caveman” Stoltz switched from road triathlon after narrowly missing out on winning the Athens Olympic Triathlon; he has been XTerra World Champion 3 Times. You can see just how buff he is in the picture below. In addition you have Dan Hugo here in South Africa. Based out of Stellenbosch and Bend, Oregon this behemoth has a heart rate range of 33-202 and is currently training with World Mountain Bike Champion, Nino Schurter… his “vices” include smoothies… oh sh*t!</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Uwb5AgRtrsHiI8kYegfFAmjWdGEDCyag4L6RUDSCibL5mMwnJOnp5j06CAoPSX2ZeDUnWgGYODky6WFt-XBlMTxNNa01UIhhZdmen4s7xXLggLQ_KwnGjeMnMsxYAw6779iaCpH8gRND/s1600-h/conrad-stoltz-awesome-680x544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Uwb5AgRtrsHiI8kYegfFAmjWdGEDCyag4L6RUDSCibL5mMwnJOnp5j06CAoPSX2ZeDUnWgGYODky6WFt-XBlMTxNNa01UIhhZdmen4s7xXLggLQ_KwnGjeMnMsxYAw6779iaCpH8gRND/s200/conrad-stoltz-awesome-680x544.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">For me the level of competition definitely represents a step up. So can a skinny 34 year old mix it up? Well my swimming is going to be my weak event as I have only been at it for a few months! However I hope to get the 1,500m down to about 22 minutes or maybe quicker? This will leave me a few minutes behind. Cycling over distance has always been my forte and this event is much shorter… but I have quickly realized with the advent of proper coaching that I have never sensibly trained as a cyclist before. As such I reckon I’ll almost hold my own here. And then onto the run – with a 10km time likely to get very close or perhaps as an outside chance even below the 30-minute mark this year I reckon this could be my trump card…. The question is will I be able to string it together? I’ll get an indication very soon. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Right some books, music and shouts:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Finally read the Lance Armstrong book: good! The Glass Room from Will almost an epic, just needed another 200 pages. Music has been back to beats because training is here: Crystal Method, Orbital, Acid Girls, Kosheen and other party flavours.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Shouts: Jon for putting me up in Brighton, Simon for Cape Town, Rory for being the best sponsor and also a good mate and mostly my Dad for climbing mountains.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281760260020048087.post-89147520360150440172010-01-20T12:51:00.002+01:002010-01-20T13:02:17.496+01:00Time to train<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPKxUsq540eVK3y3HPILPMVuHyxUqz4TywEk2tBZBWLn2OvbeY9VUkHKNde_WjHCYzfwmGe_6mnFXr7q0IVGP-CCqurTqxI2WZudE6cYeJg-lwggfDW1PrWjb42IiD07GrSUwvgJo7VBN/s1600-h/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPKxUsq540eVK3y3HPILPMVuHyxUqz4TywEk2tBZBWLn2OvbeY9VUkHKNde_WjHCYzfwmGe_6mnFXr7q0IVGP-CCqurTqxI2WZudE6cYeJg-lwggfDW1PrWjb42IiD07GrSUwvgJo7VBN/s200/DSC_0165.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Looking out of a steamy window I see the end of Newhaven harbour being battered by waves. I am one of three cars accompanying the hauliers on the late October ferry to Dieppe. It seems right that there is a storm going on as ahead of me the tough stuff now begins. The hard and long winter hours in foreign climates as I make the big push to become a proper athlete. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Until now it has been the realm of adventurous fun, but now comes discipline and focus, two things that are somewhat out of line with my natural character. But this is what I wanted and now it is time to work. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After seven weeks of this new world I feel pretty perky and positive, I am in sunny Cape Town away from the cold of the UK and I have put in more training than ever before… but it hasn’t all been easy and fun and being the impatient type I want to be further ahead than I am. Also removing myself from a normal living environment has been strange and as such I have decided to make a permanent base back in Brighton from March.</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkRQD7hZARITjdzCcK6TnMQMhWzrRktC1_n-ovh8Z8sao8YcFwZH8jlcFeVRP0X8axROPhAjGlmoUow4Vz4fhVdm59cVvpG7sUP_w7NGR6QQS3m2uqi6GOsEFEdiTXZPQ4xaPLIv_sXsV/s1600-h/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkRQD7hZARITjdzCcK6TnMQMhWzrRktC1_n-ovh8Z8sao8YcFwZH8jlcFeVRP0X8axROPhAjGlmoUow4Vz4fhVdm59cVvpG7sUP_w7NGR6QQS3m2uqi6GOsEFEdiTXZPQ4xaPLIv_sXsV/s200/DSC_0156.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">In the week leading up to my departure I needed to see where my fitness was at and decided to do this at a 10km road race and also by visiting the lab. Lining up with 3-4000 on the start at the Brighton 10km it quickly became apparent that this was a cut above the racing I had tried before. Team managers and very thin looking young men were in abundance and I felt a little out of place up there on row 2. From the gun I got carried away and found myself going through the first mile in under 4 and a half minutes and on the shoulder of an athlete from Burundi but by Mile 3 it was all change; my heart rate was over 190 and I packed it in – moral of the story – don’t ever take on Africans – I was coughing with the exertion for days.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs_Nk5n7uTcSbiLUb2m2Wyv77qy9tVHAHl0s1WQ3m5eyjeqRoFfvwZDxwAjcB1juWVVaVdcruhnfUc7olhWp1C2nrAehQ5Diz2WWVbVQAgyPp3ex8IoXuBn2EwD3DXRw-YoVnrMnlNYp1/s1600-h/P1020817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs_Nk5n7uTcSbiLUb2m2Wyv77qy9tVHAHl0s1WQ3m5eyjeqRoFfvwZDxwAjcB1juWVVaVdcruhnfUc7olhWp1C2nrAehQ5Diz2WWVbVQAgyPp3ex8IoXuBn2EwD3DXRw-YoVnrMnlNYp1/s200/P1020817.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Having made the decision to take things seriously I decided to employ the services of a coach and as such am equipped with all sorts of new, scientific aparatus so he can see just how much effort I am putting in and whether or not I am improving. But before one can take advantage of these new measures I was informed that it was necessary to establish a baseline. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So what followed was a sports test. Looking like a lab rat I was wired up to a computer and a big tube was fixed to my face. Over the next few hours I was hammered to my limits both on foot and on the bike. It reminded me for some reason of “Randall P McMurphey” in “One flew Over The Cuckoos Nest” in the warden’s office looking forward to getting to the bottom of his psychology; for me though it was physical. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Results from such a sufferfest detail both current fitness and latent ability and the beauty of a coach is that they wont caress your ego; they will tell it like it is. The results were very interesting. My running test was great and I nearly shot off the end of the treadmill at well over 20kph. Having not turned a pedal on the bike for over five weeks the cycling results were, shall we say, less than impressive. The real interest and perhaps even excitement came in what they call a VO2 max reading; this is your latent ability. I noticed in the debrief that the VO2 number had lots of circles around it. It transpires that had I visited a testing centre at 19 I might have been a big contender! My cycling performance suggested a VO2max of around 30% less than actually measured. What does this mean? It means that with some careful guidance I still have an outside chance. </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3RWCIBSlrk-epSzH1Qd0i2PQbep1G_RhXqBVwVN4o9AQ-X8SSPECJBFdmW8T4YJW4h3tMvcsp9bw5Y-FORqHPdKEkaBKXj2jGq8oyh8YpDJ6DFR-hv767x0ly79Gbu6IsvR8K4p2_l18/s1600-h/P1020734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3RWCIBSlrk-epSzH1Qd0i2PQbep1G_RhXqBVwVN4o9AQ-X8SSPECJBFdmW8T4YJW4h3tMvcsp9bw5Y-FORqHPdKEkaBKXj2jGq8oyh8YpDJ6DFR-hv767x0ly79Gbu6IsvR8K4p2_l18/s200/P1020734.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG-uvKXtQzv9ZAKnYRGhlG9oU0HsXQUaXG3d1mGlMk_F1njzDqEw9jfgnL16ldoXZ11M6keNhUg51VUtU1q6Y6wSXlRPnn8SaQhqBg8H6JKKdyDmZZvHU51Sjq_3y2sXItvEdXdccz24D/s1600-h/DSC_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG-uvKXtQzv9ZAKnYRGhlG9oU0HsXQUaXG3d1mGlMk_F1njzDqEw9jfgnL16ldoXZ11M6keNhUg51VUtU1q6Y6wSXlRPnn8SaQhqBg8H6JKKdyDmZZvHU51Sjq_3y2sXItvEdXdccz24D/s200/DSC_0163.JPG" /></a><span lang="EN-US">So to France. After a four-year relationship with my 1966 Volvo Amazon it was time for pastures new and instead of that practical Golf I had promised myself I rolled off the ferry in a cheesy old style red Saab 900i equipped with full turbo body kit. Comfy, slow, and with the handling of a barge this wolf in sheep’s took me south on the grey peages; first stop my mothers near Angouleme.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It was good to catch up and see my mother’s new life in France but I quickly learnt that the lakes there are far too cold to swim in and the climate of South West France in November is a grey cold one!</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLy3atzCiAnKT5MQYDKdSNnqTdzfaVrqMSW5lWt32wayWD0M56mqC1GXTj3bjY4L05CvEtWkUQJj05P5hazqHSggIgbPkmsvYOknFlAVxVNkpBmUoE64EZLWahhyGfOE4QF5GSFOJRF9BQ/s1600-h/fr+spain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLy3atzCiAnKT5MQYDKdSNnqTdzfaVrqMSW5lWt32wayWD0M56mqC1GXTj3bjY4L05CvEtWkUQJj05P5hazqHSggIgbPkmsvYOknFlAVxVNkpBmUoE64EZLWahhyGfOE4QF5GSFOJRF9BQ/s200/fr+spain2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">After 5 days and my first training complete it was south to Spain, the intention to get nearer to that 10 stone 8lb target and give myself some real base fitness. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Hugged by the heated velour of the old Saab the destination was one of my favourite hideouts; Lanjaron, entrance to the Alpujarra’s, home of Freeridespain and training camp location of riders from Iain Payne right through to the British Olympic team. I have now been out to Spain probably six times and the warmth and enthusiasm of Simon, Emma and now their son Max is second to none. It was the chance to really kick myself up a notch. With training coming in by email I was running, swimming and cycling a plenty. It felt as it was supposed to; a job.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj9ogewYndlAR5X1KxbVLA7mYtn8Rv6cZtlIxPv5jixwIE9UWYh4Lt6vZbu5gy18-ElTmAulRsX7oEzTH6NP4_Q8syNxIT6WqKu5UDlM3vNWXcHWIG8dVJYI9Zzqk_VNDSZz21ur6wAT9/s1600-h/DSC_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj9ogewYndlAR5X1KxbVLA7mYtn8Rv6cZtlIxPv5jixwIE9UWYh4Lt6vZbu5gy18-ElTmAulRsX7oEzTH6NP4_Q8syNxIT6WqKu5UDlM3vNWXcHWIG8dVJYI9Zzqk_VNDSZz21ur6wAT9/s200/DSC_0111.jpg" width="133" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Yet all wasn’t perfect. Despite some great views, long climbs, an emerging affinity with Salobrena pool, the lonely mountain roads and the life of discipline started to play with my head and my emotions. By week three disruption reigned with solitary confinement and a relationship dissolved - I was lonely, tired and I missed my friends. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The experience was key. It showed me that I need to lighten up and remain social otherwise I will go stir crazy. Since then I have ridden with friends and been a little more fancy free. My head is straighter and I feel privileged to be training in the Cape. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHRe408-yli5xlr_YesG9H_7qw3OTGR_4TPLEG2lo2OwrbwxXgFQS6q_EvRUFgJ3bYtIbWzMIQV7h-Y6oPJIFuQryuwMWQcqMX-b-mAoNUeBxB6XvUDOnAXR85H55nS8lnI2Xin8MgjMi/s1600-h/P1020819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHRe408-yli5xlr_YesG9H_7qw3OTGR_4TPLEG2lo2OwrbwxXgFQS6q_EvRUFgJ3bYtIbWzMIQV7h-Y6oPJIFuQryuwMWQcqMX-b-mAoNUeBxB6XvUDOnAXR85H55nS8lnI2Xin8MgjMi/s200/P1020819.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
</div><span lang="EN-US">So the signs are looking good – the swimming times have tumbled - my cycling legs are properly back and better than ever before and the run is fairly constant, perhaps inhibited by a light injury. Now the real fun begins; six weeks of proper warm weather training, leading up to the first real test an end of February showdown: The first round of the XTerra World Tour. </span><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0