A down under paradise

2016 well albeit 3 months in, excuse my late reporting !! with another season and a smoking fresh new team.
This year I'll be flying the colors for a Dutch-based team Restore Cycling another top competition team. So I will be privileged to try rub elbows with some of the pros for another season, hoping to make more of an impact.

So after the highs and lows of 2015. I spent a peaceful 6 weeks off the bike, extended a bit due to my crash out of last season. It was great downtime to get in touch with my social life and just kick back and think of something other than cycling. Amongst some weeks touring around Europe, I made a quick impulse decision to come back to my homeland Australia to spend my Winter training.

 It was quality time spent with family & friends whilst also being able to get a good solid training base in with no distractions of snow, rain and the whatever else the European winter throws at you.  Back down under I was usually found on the local group rides, down at the track, In the gym or just kicking it with friends.  Off the grind was usually spent working back  at Active Health clubs, for a little pocket change for the coming season.

Upon arriving back in Europe it was and still is a headspin, barely gathering the time to take a breath.

here's an example of what my schedule has been over the past weeks:

Arrived: Munich, Germany 3days
- Ludwigsburg, Stuttgart 4 days
- Holland 1 night, medical for cycling license
- Stuttgart 2 days
- Mallorca, Spain Team training camp. 7 days
- Stuttgart 4 days
- Belgium: Vollezele race. 2 days
- Holland - 3 week
- Germany - 1 week

So life on and off the bike has been, let us call it "turbulent".

Let's review:

Australia = 🚴🌞 🌴

Next stop Mallorca, Spain. Cyclist Heaven. 7 days spent with the team exploring the vast island from its rocky climbs to its coastal flats. It was a great block of training to feel out the legs and the new team. Although I was carrying a sickness over that period there was definitely some quality rides put in.

Spain: 🌄 ☕

LET IT ROLL>
12/03/16: Ronde van Zuid Holland 170k classic.74th/180 riders. The weather was bliss although a bit nippy, the sun made up for it. This would be my first introduction into Dutch racing best known for its winds, I was quite luckily though that it wasn't in full force. Besides a few rookie positioning errors and dodging crashes and road furniture, it was basically smooth sailing, coming down to a Bunch sprint which unfortunately the legs couldn't turn on the afterburners for. This was where the small positioning errors turn big and came to bite me in the ass. This happens when you have used all those little efforts making better positions or holding on in the echelons when you could be sheltered in the pack. Though all in all not a bad first Dutch race ;)

19/03/16 Rotterdam Championships Criterium. It was a frustrating 2nd. The legs were in fine form but once again the head was in the clouds. I missed the early break, then set sail trying to bridge solo, Realising too much energy was being spent I opted to go back to the peloton in which seemed to be working well.This was till I was caught and then, basically no one or less than I could count on one hand, were willing to do anything. With the break almost a half lap ahead, this was STUPID... It was just time to put the hammer down and drive the front not really the best way to save energy but there's no need to save energy if your not going for the podium. Eventually, as the gap shrunk the pack came to their senses and worked together to catch all but one of the breakaway members within 2 laps to go. The lone survivor managed to hold for the win, I came in 2nd with my team mate trailing behind for 3rd.

26/03/16: Ronde van Bruinisse. 33rd/120 riders.

short/tight/aggressive crit racing Dutch style. With a bustling field  of 120 fighting for position on the small cobbled town streets of Bruinisse, it was Hell stupid of me arriving at the start line late and starting dead at the back. On a 1500m short course, there wasn't much room for overtaking so  I basically used over half the race getting anywhere near the front again. Coming into 5 laps to go I had finally gotten back near the front but the candles were already burnt. The final gallop to the line saw me falling short in the middle of the peloton. So some good feelings in the legs but a lot of tactical work to be done.

Next race on the cards will see me racing back in Germany at schwarzbräupreis zusmarshausen. This was a race I competed in last year but was of no success, so ill be hoping to get some revenge. So till next time thanks for reading, hope everyone is enjoying the new year and are out on there bikes :). 

I wonder what its like to ride with one wheel...

This would have been the high of the season, but it soon turned into the lowest. I was in the breakaway group with 100 meters to the finish, I opened up my sprint coming off 5th wheel moving on the far left into first position with 20m to the line. Then suddenly BAM, another rider swoops from the right getting his bike caught in my  front wheel causing all my spokes to break and sending me over the handlebars superman style, landing head first.

Before the race getting ready with the roommates. who would of know a couple hours later I would be making friends with the ground.

And that was that, the official ending of my 2015 season. Although very disappointing it could have been a heck of a lot worse. For one I'm alive, I have no major injuries and I only walked away with a dislocated shoulder and a few cuts and bruises. That might sound a bit rough but ask anyone in the cycling world and that's a walk in the park. So now that I'm hogged down to my bed recovering,  I thought why not make my time useful and recap the last part of my season. Although because I've racked up more than 53 races this season I won't bore you or myself writing about them all instead we'll just stick with the ones worth a mention.

Progression!! is the most important thing for me and I felt I achieved that this season.The year started slow, as the weather was cold and the numbers in the peloton were high (150-200 riders). I was constantly finishing top 40 but nothing special. Moving into mid-season I was hovering more in the top 30´s but it wouldn't be till late season where I really found my legs.

In the break at Meerbeke

 'Meerbeke' was where I finally made the break and stayed in it. On a tough hilly course, it took its toll and I suffered in the later part of the race to come across the line 26th. Though not such a great result, it did give me the much-needed belief that I belonged up front in the breaks. From that race onwards I found myself more frequently in the winning breakaways.

Final lap in Mere trying to get away

Next race was at 'Laarne' where the rain gods let rip on us, making the cobbled course that much more difficult. Though feeling strong, I came away 13th. Following the good form, I raced 2 days later in 'Mere'. Keeping in good position all day I launched my attack on the last lap with 5k to go. Though would later be caught near the line to come 16th.

Overmere in the 2nd breakaway group. 20th

The biggest turn of events would have been when my roommate had suggested after several races of me suffering from cramps and me having tried several things that maybe my seat height was a bit too low. I thought ill just raise it a little and see what happens, cant do any harm. Then suddenly 6th my best result of the season. 

'Oordgem' a circuit course with a 2k cobbled climb over the finish line. I'm glad I even made this race as my roommate and I nearly missed it. Getting lost with the directions and riding an extra 15k to what we thought  originally was only 20k away. We were dead last to sign on, rushing to pin our numbers on we were soon on our way. I guess I let the Adrenaline get the best of  me and launched an attack 10k into the race. 

It started with only 2 of us, but we  were soon joined by a third rider. We worked well together staying away for a few laps before being reeled in by a chasing group of 10. This was a strong group and within a few laps we had established a couple minutes over the peloton. At around the same time the skies opened up making it even tougher but it was just what I wanted to try wittle down our group further.

Trying our luck at a 2 man break.

Knowing we wouldn't be caught by the peloton anymore and with some strong sprinters in our group. I knew the cobbled uphill finish wasn't going to suit me and that my best chance would to be launch again or better yet follow someone else's attempt.

We had a gap driving along with only 10k to go. Later we were joined by another rider  with 5k to go. We came over the climb for the 2nd last time and to his credit the 3rd rider that had caught us attacked the finish line hill going on to solo win the race. Final lap,  the 2 of us were still away coming to the line  holding a  slight gap on the chasing group,  the gallop for the line started, but the long cobble drag seemed to go forever.

closer, closer then with meters to the line we were caught  Can see from the finish line photo above I was shattered in the back of the photo gasping for air coming in 6th. my breakaway partner just got pipped for 3rd (hard to see him between the blue and black kit riders.)

So back to the bike fit issue. It had been a long time since I had my last bike fit but to me it hadn't felt too bad so I just rolled with it. We would later discover that my seat height was too low 2,5cms to low which was causing my hip angles to close and prevented proper blood flow through my entire pedal stroke. I wish I had noticed earlier but for people reading please know if you invest in a bike then invest in a bike fit its worth it.

Having raced almost back to back over that month, especially that week were I had raced 4 races already, the body was getting battered. It was time for some much-needed rest. Along with the excuse of my birthday, I headed back to Germany for some nice downtime.

Upon returning to Belgium, I raced in 'Hulste' the day after arriving. Even though I was still quite tired I had a few digs at getting away but really there wasn't much in the legs and rolled in for 17th. The following day I raced again, but the result is not even worth mentioning.

After a couple days rest, I felt fresh to race in 'Masseman'. The weather as I had been growing accustomed to was grim, BIG storm grim.

Masseman what a slush of a day. 7th

It kicked off fast sending the peloton to bits. I, unfortunately, missed the early break though it was later brought back. I had gassed  myself though helping to crawl it back in and that's of course when the counter attack of 4 went in the last 20k which I stupidly missed. After sipping a few breaths of air, I managed to get in a second break group of 4 to chase the leaders to within 30 seconds. Though it was all little too late and we had to settle for contesting for 5th where I came 7th.

While in the mood of having my eyes sandpapered with dirt, let's carry on to the next race. Sometimes you might get what you call luck when it starts raining while in the race. The opposite end of that is when it starts raining while on the line, definitely a mood killer. That was my next race 'Houthulst'

Shredded to bits a day for the tough man but I guess I wasn't so tough coming in for 24th. Though definitely some mental toughness was gained.

And that brings me around full circle to where I am now as my last race was where I layed fuming angry on the ground.  Now I'm back  in Germany taking it easy, I will have the next few weeks off to heal and enjoy my off season break. So I hope you readers have enjoyed following me over the season, It sure has been a long one but great experiences were had none the less.

I would like to say a big thank you to my family,loved ones,my coach and to Steve and Bree for their continued support. Having the faith in me to pursue what I love, I hope to reward them with success. And to all of you for your words of encouragement.

So after all my blabbing about racing ill stop and just leave you with some photos from over the season.

Out on attack

Training with the roomies

Exploring Koln, Germany

Tight corner

Watching 'The Hives' with Anke and Jasmin

2nd time seeing my favorite band 'Incubus'

Rockavria, Munich,Germany

Up front, perspective of amount of riders

Dance D-Vision, Zottegem, Belgium

Roomies at electro festival

Tobia from hometown Cairns visiting me in Ludwigsburg, Germany

Touring

Watching the hockey match with Jonas

Mid season came around fast..

 Time for another installment, I am now 32 race days deep in the season. Racing 1-3 times a week there is definitely a lot to write up about. But I think you can tell from my blog I am more of a picture man so dont worry ill let the pictures do the talking ;)

Carrying on from the last race write up, was Vilvoorde a 120k pan flat square circuit, nice and fast. The legs felt fresh and I was able to cover and go for some punchy breaks.

Clipping off the front with a small group

4 man breakway

 Unfortunately once I came back from this breakaway a counter attack went which went on to be the winner break went with a group of 10. I came in for a bunch sprint coming in 43rd/170 riders.

Driving

Take a look at the picture above, this sums up the next race in Zelzate. A tough wet/cold/dirty day on the bike. Up near Holland the skies opened up as we lined up for the start. It was a circuit with 2 long straights which then joined into a few tight corners  to finish in through town, producing a challenging but fast course. Coming straight off Vilvoorde the day before the legs were still quite tired but I managed to push aside the pain and hit the front. Not long into the race, I managed to pop off the front with a 4 man group. We worked well together but as time went by, riders starting missing turns and it wittled down to just 2 of us. With the fast straights we were eventually pulled back in with 50k to go. That was my day done it came down to a bunch sprint and I rolled in for 34th/104 riders.

Kicking off

Establishing a gap from peleton behind

Down to 2, in the hurt locker

Next in line was Herne a nice hilly course, with a touch of cobbles. I would say this was'nt my best day with a early breakaway heading up the road it basically came down to a game of chase. Was happy the boys from ASFRA came together to try bring it back but it was to no prevail.

Up the cobbles

Then it was back to Germany for "Rund um Keltern" A tough 4k short circuit with a 15% climb over the finish line which would be tackled 25 times. Was a hard day in the saddle but came in for 23rd.

On return to Belgium it was straight into a double for the weekend. First up was Geaardsbergen a flowing hilly course. Felt strong but missed the late breakaway of 4 and rolled in with the pack for 46th.

Geaardsbergen

The next day was yet again another hilly course in St Martins Lierde. Feeling the efforts from the day before I took rest in the pack for the early half of the race. As the race came towards the end the legs felt better and you could tell it would come down to a Bunch sprint. So I positioned well but heading into the last corner were the road narrowed was forced to hope a gutter then as I tried to come through to open the sprint was boxed in came in for 42nd/118 riders.

Afterwards I headed into the Belgium Ardnennais region, an area best know for the famous classic race Liege-Bastone-Liege. To race Tryptique Ardennais a tough 3 day hilly stage race with average days of 150k with 2000m climbing. Day 1 I pulled through fine but come Second day with a miscommunication on time, lead to no warm up and straight into a 15k climb, this put me in a bad position from the get go and I would later not make the time cut and was done for the weekend.

 With frustration from the previous day still pumping I took on a local kermesse in Bottelare the following day coming in 39th. This would be my undoing as I had been fighting a fever the previous week before the stage race but was on the list to start, so just put my head down and rode. I had forgotten the golden rule of  listening to your body, which lead  to a 2 week lay off from the bike due to sickness.  I headed back to Germany where I basically was a zombie sleeping most the days. It would be a big blow to my form but in the long run I guess I needed the break to recharge the batteries both physically and mentally.

Letting the frustration out

Coming back to Belgium I was greeted with 2 tough races off the bat. It was a cruel reminder of the pace and I was spat out back quick smart. After the initial shock though the legs have come good and form has felt great. Over the last 3 weeks I've had a handful of tough interclubs which have been great to lift the form to where I hope it can take me to some nice results.

Beveren Interclub

Start line Geluwe

With house mate duncan at Geluwe

Hitting out the corner

Can you spot me (in red) small group of us in the break

Felt good so why not try a solo. Geluwe

Unlucky all brought back for a Bunch sprint. 30th

Lets head home..

Ichtegem interclub came in 38th/155 riders

Trying our luck, Ichtegem

Got to still have a social life, out with the roomies

On last section of cobbles at the Tour De France stage 4

Froome still in yellow

 So as Summer is about to approach the race program is full with Interclubs,Pro Kermesses and Top competitions along with many 1.12 Kermesses. The mood and form are high so will keep striving for that top step.