tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19655401247206764382024-03-05T13:21:07.381-08:00Lewi Rattray's CX BlogRathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-22363951337457784352013-02-12T16:59:00.000-08:002013-02-13T05:41:48.589-08:00Cyclocross Tokyo!<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The final
stop in my round the world tour of cyclocross is Tokyo, Japan. Japan has a
rapidly growning CX scene which has been around for a number of years now. The
standard of competition in Japan is very high, their top male and female riders
are consistently amongst the top 30 at the world championships and world cup
series and often on the same lap as the winners. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I’ve been
to Japan before, but never for a bike race. I was pretty excited, as I’ve had a
fair bit to do with Yu, Keiichi and Ayako and the photographer Sonoko whilst
racing in Europe. They are refreshingly friendly and always smiling, which was
always a welcome change from many of the euro pro’s, who barely acknowledge you
exist. </span></div>
<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/AVvXsEhnT9VX37ESlcbk5C1ZBRTo88Bxh9KHh7L1hWB0ImfHpftoTj7QJpYSCtcHFhi4yGhUPdfkwOhbBZuZ7Mc_zy-fU3hBKlIyxGhO9hwTYGMEVN9b5CUbGZkM2uhAgB1qSRNxw-J7YW07nR4/s1600/TokyoCX2013-5988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT9VX37ESlcbk5C1ZBRTo88Bxh9KHh7L1hWB0ImfHpftoTj7QJpYSCtcHFhi4yGhUPdfkwOhbBZuZ7Mc_zy-fU3hBKlIyxGhO9hwTYGMEVN9b5CUbGZkM2uhAgB1qSRNxw-J7YW07nR4/s320/TokyoCX2013-5988.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Champion
Systems Japan hosted the race on the shores of the bay in the middle of Tokyo.
The race is now in its second year, and doubles as a bicycle expo with many
sponsors setting up tents with catalogues and demo bikes on display. The
organisation behind the event was absolutely outstanding. The guys and girls
from Champion Systems arranged everything and provided a select group of riders
with flights and accommodation for the few days either side of the race. I was
very privileged to be amongst some top name US athletes such as Jeremy Powers,
Tim Johnson, Barry Wicks, Spencer Paxson and Erik Tonkin. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Half of
the course was in a little forest next to the beach, with windy singletrack,
barriers, stairs and a purpose built wooden flyover. The other half involved
two separate sections of sand, separated by a concrete start finish straight.
These were rideable provided you had 100% focus on the right lines, and weren’t
interrupted by other riders. As you can see from the photos, it was a stunning setting for a cyclocross race, easily the most beautiful area I've had the pleasure of racing in. What made it even more amazing was the number of people who showed up. 13,000 spectators came through over the two days of racing, with an estimated 10,000 on race day, pretty impressive for a non UCI race a long way from Belgium!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvhqMCa9nm-vv04gXzmHaLVX42iDhXjKvhWesfaXvLtnXzC4wxYOdxAmZwFgBvA7YRozS66Ad6xeyDzPGm90QVBSeA85ryDJv3KLYc748ysCETl9PJm-cUaBdXsTjZlk5lqdJIX_wk0s/s1600/TokyoCX2013-5920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvhqMCa9nm-vv04gXzmHaLVX42iDhXjKvhWesfaXvLtnXzC4wxYOdxAmZwFgBvA7YRozS66Ad6xeyDzPGm90QVBSeA85ryDJv3KLYc748ysCETl9PJm-cUaBdXsTjZlk5lqdJIX_wk0s/s400/TokyoCX2013-5920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The team
from Giant Bicycles Japan also provided me with an enormous amount of support
during my stay; picking me up from the airport, and taking me to and from the
hotel everyday. Together with employees Shibui, Tomohiro, Takashi and their
Marathon MTB specialist Motoshi I was also given a gastronomic tour of Japan at
dinner each night. I’m not exceptionally adventurous with food, but I figured I
should lash out and try everything, given the opportunity. Some of the culinary
stand outs were raw prawn sashimi, sea urchin, flamed sea eel, a Korean
style-Japanese barbeque (with amazing marbled beef) and raw squid in soy sauce
(the live squid are thrown into the soy sauce!). </span></div>
<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/AVvXsEh1zvoqfWkQbsJ29phXf2tGJPwE35buoLP-TtCy0ZaGj8QN90og5GjC_Z4q5aZCFKDgKQUv1Tmh-hLKvIO6S1nOlooT2oxWdoDc98FlPJ0Hw2SzYcn97KSjxrUhkUSJG-KDG-gktvxAgho/s1600/535873_483710045020671_630878223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zvoqfWkQbsJ29phXf2tGJPwE35buoLP-TtCy0ZaGj8QN90og5GjC_Z4q5aZCFKDgKQUv1Tmh-hLKvIO6S1nOlooT2oxWdoDc98FlPJ0Hw2SzYcn97KSjxrUhkUSJG-KDG-gktvxAgho/s320/535873_483710045020671_630878223_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">My
supporter cards were a hit with both the employees and fans, I think I gave
away all 120 over the weekend! There were many recreations both before and
after the race. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkCTHffZnhZrlBjkvaK0JHCt-FA83KqsIKWof0sjT7QZnH8UhINtZ2j7iGeVwWgQIHl6Yd_E5lrYqg6NYS_-LXIr6W1Qr81g1kUQf2kflWerixHKvSkijWAt1UnVHtHn6ybALyqp4k9U/s1600/600521_526286687416713_946651481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkCTHffZnhZrlBjkvaK0JHCt-FA83KqsIKWof0sjT7QZnH8UhINtZ2j7iGeVwWgQIHl6Yd_E5lrYqg6NYS_-LXIr6W1Qr81g1kUQf2kflWerixHKvSkijWAt1UnVHtHn6ybALyqp4k9U/s320/600521_526286687416713_946651481_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsx1AIi5KeHs0oEL4KgHvg_bhIYBHSxM3rGftmfQcDkSnCrlOiaNRUUuKhIQ3Lc8xaj94Kn5hSMmEdZ0WDXHTVtMi2TcOdr0bmpsmGojO_WAKVdqd0WiOcneV3gkwiYGZ4HrUoG3zbi8/s1600/579748_3877823722681_654852429_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsx1AIi5KeHs0oEL4KgHvg_bhIYBHSxM3rGftmfQcDkSnCrlOiaNRUUuKhIQ3Lc8xaj94Kn5hSMmEdZ0WDXHTVtMi2TcOdr0bmpsmGojO_WAKVdqd0WiOcneV3gkwiYGZ4HrUoG3zbi8/s320/579748_3877823722681_654852429_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">From some
of the earlier races, it was evident that the Japanese take to CX in the same
relaxed nature that I’ve seen in the US and Australia. There were costumes
a-plenty in some of the lower level races! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wUgr65n1DFqvN_2rwG5JHFmcxkPL1lWhoFSifEH5-kOO99hVR51XiWf5LE9lj13MKvecYJlrqStDeVkSNnz0nk-edz1Z26L1pp9DYXT3kgyOhIONR6JZ-G5DXDEqxL8S18OdEAWRhf4/s1600/P1030947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wUgr65n1DFqvN_2rwG5JHFmcxkPL1lWhoFSifEH5-kOO99hVR51XiWf5LE9lj13MKvecYJlrqStDeVkSNnz0nk-edz1Z26L1pp9DYXT3kgyOhIONR6JZ-G5DXDEqxL8S18OdEAWRhf4/s320/P1030947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvwFV2V8ef7Zn-WgzANg5m87wr3FBeq7pEVvQ2tZ9TZ45gHLJwsVske4N2DWC6mKlOYnST6M46vGj3TSYq1DWOh2GlfQbvZyM2mVFDtC0V_BZmWej9pVE4sT7PuAZq12Os2iKQs5UMks/s1600/P1030944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvwFV2V8ef7Zn-WgzANg5m87wr3FBeq7pEVvQ2tZ9TZ45gHLJwsVske4N2DWC6mKlOYnST6M46vGj3TSYq1DWOh2GlfQbvZyM2mVFDtC0V_BZmWej9pVE4sT7PuAZq12Os2iKQs5UMks/s320/P1030944.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The
international riders and top domestic Japanese riders were instroduced to the
crowd (which was estimated to be around 10,000!) and signed on after a brief
introduction by the MC. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsPzectnXoxGtIiVYzQvKNVFDuAPwAffQfwC1ujWZEMSDd4yK_3Gws_wZf1AdDPPRIAVL8DX013WjRqKiFScKV3nxDpJDl9C0t3MaiUAPAM0ZO2hLTZt936UZ_RFvNcw0OMjbr0rPdb8/s1600/TokyoCX2013-3906.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsPzectnXoxGtIiVYzQvKNVFDuAPwAffQfwC1ujWZEMSDd4yK_3Gws_wZf1AdDPPRIAVL8DX013WjRqKiFScKV3nxDpJDl9C0t3MaiUAPAM0ZO2hLTZt936UZ_RFvNcw0OMjbr0rPdb8/s1600/TokyoCX2013-3906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsPzectnXoxGtIiVYzQvKNVFDuAPwAffQfwC1ujWZEMSDd4yK_3Gws_wZf1AdDPPRIAVL8DX013WjRqKiFScKV3nxDpJDl9C0t3MaiUAPAM0ZO2hLTZt936UZ_RFvNcw0OMjbr0rPdb8/s320/TokyoCX2013-3906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I still
feel halfway between a rider and a fan when I’m hanging around the pros. Whilst
we were waiting around to be called up to the stage, Jeremy Powers himself made
mention of how big my quads were! In my head I was just thinking “play it cool,
play it cool!” I’m a big fan and he’s an absolute machine, so it was pretty
cool to hear (if only my legs could put out the power I imagine he could put
down).</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg83t2v8iNb4vBId7-ay3Xg6ubfKXAillDJj-jMf6bZn0uS4BUGn4VWGAG9bUi5LPAxfgBQaD70zZTWSKNmcGkOqB4lStYr4H6hs9CaWMep9nMcletyLfXb9EhtIgAp1PkTI2bmAWP6DA/s1600/TokyoCX2013-3898.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg83t2v8iNb4vBId7-ay3Xg6ubfKXAillDJj-jMf6bZn0uS4BUGn4VWGAG9bUi5LPAxfgBQaD70zZTWSKNmcGkOqB4lStYr4H6hs9CaWMep9nMcletyLfXb9EhtIgAp1PkTI2bmAWP6DA/s1600/TokyoCX2013-3898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg83t2v8iNb4vBId7-ay3Xg6ubfKXAillDJj-jMf6bZn0uS4BUGn4VWGAG9bUi5LPAxfgBQaD70zZTWSKNmcGkOqB4lStYr4H6hs9CaWMep9nMcletyLfXb9EhtIgAp1PkTI2bmAWP6DA/s320/TokyoCX2013-3898.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I got
chatting to the runner up from the National Champs, Hikaru Kosaka. He was the
Japanese rider I nearly caught at the finish of our race in Louisville the week
earlier. Hikaru’s dad is a legend of Japanese cyclocross, and is still
exceptionally fast at 49 years of age. He came 3<sup>rd</sup> at their
Nationals!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Given my
celebrity status and UCI points I started on the front row, and the gun fired
to the theme from Pirates of the Carribean. Off the start I was in an alright
position, but as soon as we hit the sand, mayhem ensued, and I was caught
amongst a swarm of riders scrambling for the prime section of rideable sand on
the left hand side. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU5hJn6mbjlXdiizYUdw_ELDjYDmXeNfJTfwuey2-Qsm1C6WqD3Rhe1hhXrXLK0uj5Z_ReSqI6NyDHaQOYGpl4Tw81InLnMuH9lEVqLgzudTDeeFswgV1oWZ1Z8iAtHxZacrMPMHQHv8/s1600/535797_526120870766628_1695550513_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU5hJn6mbjlXdiizYUdw_ELDjYDmXeNfJTfwuey2-Qsm1C6WqD3Rhe1hhXrXLK0uj5Z_ReSqI6NyDHaQOYGpl4Tw81InLnMuH9lEVqLgzudTDeeFswgV1oWZ1Z8iAtHxZacrMPMHQHv8/s320/535797_526120870766628_1695550513_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Through
the forest I was able to establish my position, and thanks to some some primary school level Japanese I was able to determine I was in 13<sup>th</sup> (Ju San). The second
sand section was even more difficult, as the rideable section had now been
covered in water from the rising tide. This meant that unless you were able to
ride exceptionally smoothly and efficiently in the sand (I wasn’t), you’d have
to run the 400m until the concrete start finish straight. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SC_x_z5BjWt6Fla5K_OeRUh49d1H-15R-BNT8VQxpUyDF_imKQSEadMItIrYns6w4Fm84AWeIH7Hw1UA8V693T-wVHa-NJr6CBsCfnZZOqRmiSLpKn42nfg1MAeZQoAoQ1_2hwDoggQ/s1600/TokyoCX2013-5882.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-EsIStCC4w0ddHvojob3PVMXAWHOgccMgcTRtve36Xop-EP-QnSbvZS-ac4vtcoidkpWAQ7sLH7akWYdzj5HimIVT89r843xF6o1OcUiRiyP2wupK-O4cXN9YQVhDE4hNSR9iqOtd8s/s1600/31900_526263677419014_1367224234_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-EsIStCC4w0ddHvojob3PVMXAWHOgccMgcTRtve36Xop-EP-QnSbvZS-ac4vtcoidkpWAQ7sLH7akWYdzj5HimIVT89r843xF6o1OcUiRiyP2wupK-O4cXN9YQVhDE4hNSR9iqOtd8s/s400/31900_526263677419014_1367224234_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Most of
the courses I've raced on involve running sections of around 10secs at a time,
however this course involved a total of what I’d estimate to be at least 1min30
of sand running per 5min lap, depending on how much of the sand you could ride.
This was too much for my poor body to handle, and at around 30 mins in (around
the same time as my mum and sister arrived, fresh from skiing powder in
Niseko), I felt the familiar pinch of cramps in my calves and hamstrings. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ8qCnHijpCCDIjXWigHJVyS_wheXNjUKWx9YwY_dw5vPRwo2IL4v_Iv6FzFYe99rdm3SBRVfjf7WF9yAA_ofHbOXtXuhEZj4I1gPKbmJsk-V-yhQnD2Oaxr1R7t4tGCiEUPnwnWo_X8/s1600/526908_526238087421573_370276984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ8qCnHijpCCDIjXWigHJVyS_wheXNjUKWx9YwY_dw5vPRwo2IL4v_Iv6FzFYe99rdm3SBRVfjf7WF9yAA_ofHbOXtXuhEZj4I1gPKbmJsk-V-yhQnD2Oaxr1R7t4tGCiEUPnwnWo_X8/s400/526908_526238087421573_370276984_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0cm; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Yasutami snapped this shot of me mid cramp!</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Before
long, I was cramping in every major muscle of both legs. It got so bad that a
number of times I actually had to stop and stretch them, only for the opposite
muscle to seize up. I was screaming in pain and laughing at the same time,
plenty of the spectators were laughing as well and I’m pretty sure I even cried
a little bit, it hurt that badly. From then, my position in the field started
falling, and a crash with another rider, that dropped my chain and unhooked my
rear brake meant that I lost significant time to the leaders. After about
40mins, Yu Takenouchi came flying past me with a lead of about 10 seconds over
Powers and Johnson. Despite the roar of the crowd in support of the hometown
favourite, Powers ended up winning, to Yu in second and Johnson in third. I
ended up 2 laps down in 19<sup>th</sup> position, struggling to walk and
breath, but managing a smile, grabbing a few high fives and plenty of cheers
from the crowd in my last few laps. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDoL6YRLNaL_Orm4bvUYBlwxPc2FVcuGa8e9EWgOh8I2f8DdlUQuk_5J_uWBW4j8CuvI0uxYq_VTZ5ELHn1xKYZZwPF3C2zyM8etuMmNvNm9YlfS5rkDnrDg5KBVZJfZkdEkk7udHHAw/s1600/538107_526256884086360_1929249412_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDoL6YRLNaL_Orm4bvUYBlwxPc2FVcuGa8e9EWgOh8I2f8DdlUQuk_5J_uWBW4j8CuvI0uxYq_VTZ5ELHn1xKYZZwPF3C2zyM8etuMmNvNm9YlfS5rkDnrDg5KBVZJfZkdEkk7udHHAw/s400/538107_526256884086360_1929249412_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I was
hoping to be a little higher up on the results from this race, perhaps top 10
or top 15. I certainly won't look back on it and be disappointed, but I'd love
to come back for some more races and see whether I can't hit the top 10
in some of the November UCI races. This is easily one of my favourite places in the world, so I'd love to come back. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cIN1jDn2yI3TM5bypvUie0A4L_TjEft465IAUNXzdQkR7s9wf-PIXqvgGkJS0erZJmmzOsU1pe3EcjHj2vqyoYhruUyxDaq_-AcwB0N9UeONx27_4at7CglOTwp6Zmovj-sC7XLdW1A/s1600/TokyoCX2013-6000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cIN1jDn2yI3TM5bypvUie0A4L_TjEft465IAUNXzdQkR7s9wf-PIXqvgGkJS0erZJmmzOsU1pe3EcjHj2vqyoYhruUyxDaq_-AcwB0N9UeONx27_4at7CglOTwp6Zmovj-sC7XLdW1A/s320/TokyoCX2013-6000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86jMp6hgAoJen90WNTOsAy1iE_3QUfb9xUPk7u92nzRXUFR0oq5yb3NltkEer-XVT24BpZTaCqPBEcjF-JHcLFsq6T_cwaCx-PaREHPUIbWi7qIwX3Q3I7nY002QYy8ydS928VlyCfAU/s1600/_D3S4461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86jMp6hgAoJen90WNTOsAy1iE_3QUfb9xUPk7u92nzRXUFR0oq5yb3NltkEer-XVT24BpZTaCqPBEcjF-JHcLFsq6T_cwaCx-PaREHPUIbWi7qIwX3Q3I7nY002QYy8ydS928VlyCfAU/s320/_D3S4461.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretching out my cramping 'everything' across the finish line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">It’s been
a ridiculously long season, from New Zealand Nationals last July until February
in Tokyo and I’m looking forward to relaxing with friends and family back home
for a week until I take off for a pre-holiday through Europe before starting a
uni exchange in Berlin. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Thank you
for following the blog, for the messages of support on social media, in the
comments and obviously in person. It has been the most amazing experience, and
I am exceptionally grateful for the opportunities given to me. The trip would
not have been possible without my generous sponsors, in particular my primary
supporter Giant Bicycles Australia but also my associated sponsors: Sram
Australia, Zipp Speed Weaponry, Adidas Eyewear, 4Shaw, Champion Systems, ,
Creux Cycling Streetwear, Paul from FMB tyres, Ozriders, Sports2 Nutrition and
Qoleum Sportscare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have to thank
the many people who helped out in Belgium, the US and Japan, providing
accommodation and transport to make the logistical nightmare a walk in the
park. I will be forever indebted to Roeland and Jeroen, who gave me an amazing
amount of support during my stay and their family, girlfriends Rose and Ellen
and friends all helped to make sure I was fully supported at the races and had
a home away from home during my stay in Belgium. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-58346469173950859632013-02-06T16:58:00.001-08:002013-02-06T17:04:20.479-08:00World Championships! And a plug for Giant Bicycles! <span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I’d heard only good things about the cross scene in the USA. With an emphasis on participation, the courses tend to be less technical, and typically the fans are racers themselves (often racing in the earlier events). There is equal prize money on offer at many of the UCI level races……</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">My time in Belgium was fantastic, but as I neared my final week, I was looking forward to some familiarity, being able to understand dinner table conversations, and eat some different food.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Thanks to a handy connection tee’d up by my coach, Mark, a friendly local personality David was kind enough to host the Kiwi contingent of Alex and Genevieve, myself, and our respective support teams. All in all, there were 8 people staying at David’s house! Everything they say about southern hospitality is true, and David was an excellent host making sure we experienced all the city has to offer (something we would have certainly missed out on staying in a hotel).</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Upon arrival in Louisville, we were greeted with a 20 degree day and a beautiful ride in a jersey and knicks. Over the subsequent days the weather gradually deteriorated. We experienced a tornado warning (complete with siren), rain storm, snow storm and a drop in temperature which reached -20<sup>o</sup>C!</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpln5FQwN1eXUwgKFHSMV0wUzyImOKYvhXSaZ30UBh43XEyyQTraN6JD9IQ7V0ZUshScVcsT0zKcyW6hFfeLqW_avjY4KXp_FI0UDTDBLrQ70mHL0tR_HUzcAQtstjMMlnrkCwZdYNQw/s1600/Wch2013_1-3147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpln5FQwN1eXUwgKFHSMV0wUzyImOKYvhXSaZ30UBh43XEyyQTraN6JD9IQ7V0ZUshScVcsT0zKcyW6hFfeLqW_avjY4KXp_FI0UDTDBLrQ70mHL0tR_HUzcAQtstjMMlnrkCwZdYNQw/s320/Wch2013_1-3147.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px;">We woke on Friday morning to news that the race had been moved a day earlier due to a flood being forecast from the Ohio river, which would leave parts of the course underwater. I thought it was a joke, but sure enough, all 4 races were scheduled for Saturday. Having been fairly relaxed over the past few days, I started to freak out a little about everything which would need to be organised before the race. Thankfully, mechanical duties were covered by two excellent mechanics, in Paul Larkin (the Kiwi mechanic who also happened to sell me those FMB tubulars) and Vaclav Svatos, a friendly Czech guy who’d been put in touch with me via my coach. Thanks to these two guys, the TCX’s were dialled to perfection and quite honestly running better than they have ever been. They were up until the wee hours of Saturday morning before the race making sure everything was perfect. (There were 6 bikes to have dialled in total!). Vaclav’s experience in racing in the snow was especially valuable given the weather conditions, the bikes were treated with antifreeze to prevent ice building up in the chain, cassette and cables.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz2A_sQfXdSi8ydQGDAsbiT-zv-peD6nUDBh42xWY3NViP8RmNiX4JWpFci7X6cVKAi6Pmzlpq1nz8bdfbtt4YlQS4pDrTTZe0ruYgfsSJtcnvK6psJVjrsq0pM3dBjuKrgjtxMXsATM/s1600/Wch2013_1-3144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz2A_sQfXdSi8ydQGDAsbiT-zv-peD6nUDBh42xWY3NViP8RmNiX4JWpFci7X6cVKAi6Pmzlpq1nz8bdfbtt4YlQS4pDrTTZe0ruYgfsSJtcnvK6psJVjrsq0pM3dBjuKrgjtxMXsATM/s320/Wch2013_1-3144.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px;">If the course had remained dry, it may have been considered a little too easy (at least by the Belgians), but thanks to the rain, snow and 3 other races prior to ours, it soon became technical enough to separate riders with superior bike handling skills. Unfortunately a mild but lingering cold I picked up on the plane hadn’t disappeared by the time we lined up in Eva Bandman Park, but there was nothing I could do, so there wasn’t any point getting concerned about it. The temperature was hovering below zero close to the start, and I was itching to get going as it was bloody cold in the “Cyclones” track skinsuit I was wearing.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChw4xmULpCcoOQGIwahlLMaDg7Swjm-TLuAJA-MtTAsKZLnO63drGKlSbzVP_Rdm8qfvkbEhNrnCpb8hMlMGTsZuYDAjiL-L_J2oyaW7gBVVmPvcVfWZmitRIiyhwsfAUGf1qOOQfxNY/s1600/Wch2013_1-3185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChw4xmULpCcoOQGIwahlLMaDg7Swjm-TLuAJA-MtTAsKZLnO63drGKlSbzVP_Rdm8qfvkbEhNrnCpb8hMlMGTsZuYDAjiL-L_J2oyaW7gBVVmPvcVfWZmitRIiyhwsfAUGf1qOOQfxNY/s320/Wch2013_1-3185.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">The red lights turned green to a roar from the crowd as the riders tore down the start/finish straight. I’m always a little apprehensive at the start and I was nearly taken out by a wayward Ukrainian rider who swerved from one side of the course to the other. It was a pretty bad start, even by my low standards, but I managed to catch and pass a few riders, whilst keeping my Antipodean nemesis,</span><a href="http://zandersflanders.blogspot.com.au/" style="line-height: 19px; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">Alex “De Snor” (moustache in Flemish) Revell</a><span style="line-height: 19px;"> within sight, a hundred or so metres ahead. 9,000 spectators attended the race, but the noise they made rivalled the 60,000 I had encountered the year before in Koksijde. The main difference I noticed was that the Americans cheered all the riders, no matter where they were in the field. I was copping plenty of friendly heckling, like “c’mon you can’t get beaten by a kiwi!” and “short sleeves? You’re not in bloody Australia mate!”</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c_ueSYGK6wAtYwoVA4e3F_cDzAaP9PuIWOntms8IWELXWOAxmMWixujK_jzc2fLDSoI5XNMV962ui8J3UNmipBTKeOeq9eOUGtHWuI8FpJjgyMF1jFzNGAl1OZg6o9wPlRe67LIZ-ho/s1600/Wch2013_1-3352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c_ueSYGK6wAtYwoVA4e3F_cDzAaP9PuIWOntms8IWELXWOAxmMWixujK_jzc2fLDSoI5XNMV962ui8J3UNmipBTKeOeq9eOUGtHWuI8FpJjgyMF1jFzNGAl1OZg6o9wPlRe67LIZ-ho/s320/Wch2013_1-3352.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px;">I managed to catch and pass Alex, after he came down on a slippery muddy descent, but my lungs were on fire, and the legs never really felt comfortable putting down the watts. It sounds like a strange thing to say, as surely you’ll always be outside your comfort zone in a cross race, but when you’re feeling good you forget about the pain, and when you’re feeling crap, the pain in your legs and the lack of blood to your brain can be debilitating. A couple of silly crashes meant I was soon passed by Alex again, and despite turning myself inside out to stay with him, he gradually faded away. I knew my race was ending soon, and although it was somewhat disappointing not to be racing at my best in the World Championships, I was keen to make sure I enjoyed myself on the course at the very least. Fans would hold notes of money on sticks for riders to grab, but thanks to an earlier crash my gloves were covered in mud and the bills would slip through my fingers. I did manage to grab a can of beer from a spectator, and a quick swig led to an eruption of noise from the nearby crowd. Nearing the end of a lap, I’d managed to catch up to a Japanese rider, and attacked to try and close the gap, but the familiar sight of a UCI official on the course meant my race was over. My breathing never settled down and my head was spinning, it took me what seemed like a few minutes to realize I was having an asthma attack! I haven’t had one in about eight years, but thankfully I keep numerous inhalers scattered around my luggage and managed to find it quickly and get it under control. There’s a tip for anyone with any form of asthma; mild or chronic, keep an inhaler with you at all times!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg-qKTuoIpfxQPwC4NxB9_sQ2s4s62IrZNtUBLy8Mb2A6w3Cq57nsYN8bVGOe9fWNsJGRzh0fS3S_3SLK4bShNmuwBDoYTdt4Q-fGbh1OSBMBno1FSIP_HacncTm-8485QG3Thgb5B_s/s1600/Wch2013_1-2968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg-qKTuoIpfxQPwC4NxB9_sQ2s4s62IrZNtUBLy8Mb2A6w3Cq57nsYN8bVGOe9fWNsJGRzh0fS3S_3SLK4bShNmuwBDoYTdt4Q-fGbh1OSBMBno1FSIP_HacncTm-8485QG3Thgb5B_s/s320/Wch2013_1-2968.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">The atmosphere at the race was absolutely mind blowing. It was the most enjoyable race of the season and considering – performance wise, the race really didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, this speaks volumes for the event, and the scene in America in general. My only regret is not being able to compete in more races here. It was a real honour to be able to represent my country against the best cyclocross racers in the world and to race in the first World Championships outside of Europe. In the end, I finished up 5 laps down from Sven in 40</span><sup style="line-height: 19px;">th</sup><span style="line-height: 19px;"> place, so on paper, the result is a reasonable one by my standards. I’m sure we’ll see more Australians racing cross abroad over the next few years; hopefully I’ve inspired a few to make the trip!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The organisation behind the event did an exceptional job, especially considering they had to move the Elite Men and Women a day earlier. An example of the fantastic facilities USA Cycling had provided were heated containers to warm up and get changed in prior to the race, and these were fenced off in an area only for riders and support crew. This kind of infrastructure is by no means compulsory, we’ve never had that at any other event in Europe, but it made it that much more comfortable to warm up before and after a bloody freezing race.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">There was almost more hype about the after party (#Louisville2013foamparty) than the actual race in the week prior to the race. Thankfully, the ‘foam’ turned out to be a gag, but the party lived up to expectations. I can’t divulge all the specific details, but Jeremy Powers was on the decks, the junior Belgians were very creepy, dancing with wasted locals whilst wearing the forbidden jeans and runners combination and Lars Van Der Haar was friendly as usual, but parties as hard as he stomps the pedals at the start of a race. It was great to see Sven and the two Barts (Aernouts and Wellens) rock up to the party, to a raucous reception from everyone present. They were all smiles and happy to take photos with adoring fans (myself included).</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img src="http://d4nuk0dd6nrma.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/lewis.jpg" /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">There are a number of other people to thank for making the trip to the US such a success. Jeroen, (my host Roeland’s brother) shared the long drive down from Chicago, helped transport the second bike, provided welcome support in the pit lane (as he has been doing all season) and general assistance over the course of the entire trip through his role as “Australian Coach.” He was also kind enough to drive me to almost all my races in Belgium, an absolute legend. The Kiwi riders Alex and Genevieve, and Genevieve's helper Ryan were excellent company over the week or so we stayed together, and certainly made it feel a little closer to home.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Over the course of the season, I’ve been plugging my generous sponsors with each race report. Feel free to have a flick through and read up on them all. I’ve decided to leave my most supportive sponsor until last, and that is Giant Bicycles Australia. I’ve been riding Giant Bicycles almost exclusively since I began racing mountain bikes back in 2002 (I think I’m up to my 14<sup>th</sup> Giant bicycle), so to be able to represent a company that I have been a long time fan of is a real honour. These guys have offered me so much support over the past few seasons and have played a large part in both being able to fund my travel overseas and making each trip such a success. The TCX Advanced bicycles provided to me are world class, I certainly can’t claim that the difference between myself and the world’s best has anything to do with equipment. People say it’s not about the bike, but a light and reliable bike makes a world of difference when you’re churning through 30cm of mud or hoisting it on your shoulder three or four times a lap. The bikes have been entrenched in mud and cleaned again a countless number of times, and they are still working superbly (of course it helps to make use of a skilled mechanic in Roeland, Paul or Vaclav). </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=b87943b06a&view=att&th=13cb224abb0c7e38&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P9zi-b8neGsxJWRYSsJ_cL_&sadet=1360198640873&sads=xr9CKEd1j5j-MHzKigtuuFHQ5ps" /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=b87943b06a&view=att&th=13cb224bf75e10ee&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P9zi-b8neGsxJWRYSsJ_cL_&sadet=1360198634299&sads=f04QzR5LHSsvUyaN9B29nLHfung&sadssc=1" /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">This has been the trip of a lifetime, and it’s not even over yet! I fly into Tokyo in a few days to compete in “Cyclocross Tokyo,” an exhibition race sponsored by Champion Systems Japan before returning home after 3 months of racing overseas.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Finally I’d also like to thank all the support offered to me from various people on social networks, in the comment sections on Cycling Tips and <a href="http://ratracingcx.blogspot.com.au/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">my personal blog</a>. It’s greatly appreciated!</span></div>
<br />Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-84757885966713223582013-01-22T14:17:00.000-08:002013-01-22T14:23:43.138-08:00Hoogerheide...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmboUd22ZnVVOsWjb1wvIvhHlqTpw4VUGLC5iXZKZWCZZVR0mFrB4LBsz8Exa7j20mqQY1nIUYhO3ygDDGNib18n1Qp10yOS4wze744qz8RnBPuqVGC8vA3ofelp1ae0QrKXN0yAYQBI/s1600/WCHoogerheide-8606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmboUd22ZnVVOsWjb1wvIvhHlqTpw4VUGLC5iXZKZWCZZVR0mFrB4LBsz8Exa7j20mqQY1nIUYhO3ygDDGNib18n1Qp10yOS4wze744qz8RnBPuqVGC8vA3ofelp1ae0QrKXN0yAYQBI/s320/WCHoogerheide-8606.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well Hoogeheide didn't go as well as I'd hoped. The temperature was hovering around -5, and the course was covered in snow and extremely slippery on the corners. I probably haven't really been riding outside enough in these conditions to be familiar with it, and it really took me by surpise. <br />
<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/AVvXsEhSPgJqavikPr2UwNNuFH12z5QCeVdrFrvAz0SkUVRWwFTX8H7LGPKxjgHtHa4kjG9HGa6IHYNTFmkoFME2oscfC4C31157_DrY0N_wYgzkmFNp4yhw1DKXFGRspmCDOpAHYrEps3POjtY/s1600/WCHoogerheide-8625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPgJqavikPr2UwNNuFH12z5QCeVdrFrvAz0SkUVRWwFTX8H7LGPKxjgHtHa4kjG9HGa6IHYNTFmkoFME2oscfC4C31157_DrY0N_wYgzkmFNp4yhw1DKXFGRspmCDOpAHYrEps3POjtY/s320/WCHoogerheide-8625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQaT9t4U0nPOSMuDXGX6l36IHyN0008liCcQc043AzEms7XIRnM7Jk7TF649m1DK95RL2kzwuDpenxGgVVZfdI_PXdR1O78B4cU06BmMdtwT1OfoQ29xzUNrFah9oZeQplNWGv1uMJ_U/s1600/WCHoogerheide-9182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQaT9t4U0nPOSMuDXGX6l36IHyN0008liCcQc043AzEms7XIRnM7Jk7TF649m1DK95RL2kzwuDpenxGgVVZfdI_PXdR1O78B4cU06BmMdtwT1OfoQ29xzUNrFah9oZeQplNWGv1uMJ_U/s320/WCHoogerheide-9182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There was one tricky descent which thankfully had inflatable padding at
the bottom, but this turned out to be the least of my troubles. The
corners on the flat is where I had the most issues and I managed to
crash three times during my time on the course! Knowing that there
wouldn't be much to gain by taking any unnecessary risks, I decided to
tone it back a bit and just play it safe, enjoy myself, entertain the
crowd and relish the oppurtunity to race a World Cup in the snow. I didn't want to break anything with only two weeks until worlds!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdg-q53L2Ih6DrOb3PYp2eAKSXtgM_fA2uot8LF1bmqferO_gYsfK82eMe2saGjyDfzJGeKGfLEMfw-jm2UthAxpC-4gggwbkXODJmnay1JpewmhixmViXtHoWIXotg0MxpqZG380ZQls/s1600/WCHoogerheide-9195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdg-q53L2Ih6DrOb3PYp2eAKSXtgM_fA2uot8LF1bmqferO_gYsfK82eMe2saGjyDfzJGeKGfLEMfw-jm2UthAxpC-4gggwbkXODJmnay1JpewmhixmViXtHoWIXotg0MxpqZG380ZQls/s320/WCHoogerheide-9195.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPanJfMn5HIObBnSL5FcPjHQyz0jSH4eRQsbfJkGE7iwOyYPqY_iUZeyrvDujj5CXViUymiSJEVKpsSa6vPs5nEnue86USZ3t-N0jnSyE64-RyMJLFF9Km8s3JBFECvWzTdb6EHjYzD2c/s1600/WCHoogerheide-8613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPanJfMn5HIObBnSL5FcPjHQyz0jSH4eRQsbfJkGE7iwOyYPqY_iUZeyrvDujj5CXViUymiSJEVKpsSa6vPs5nEnue86USZ3t-N0jnSyE64-RyMJLFF9Km8s3JBFECvWzTdb6EHjYzD2c/s320/WCHoogerheide-8613.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I got a mention from the TV commentators for being the only male rider without leg warmers on. Truth is, I put some Extra Hot Qoleum Embrocation on about an hour before the start, so by the time I left to the start line my legs were on fire! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4nrD4PRrN3ALrBpaB_PgeSPHk5luVZedxgr5dhPtzkkWcdUIb8qLFCp0L2XZlI41GL8VUCIjdAJn6s7pes9Gy2KD6UjKA0GaHnNF6hXMeH5WWv0EuyWb_u3v6WQy9nWoBla71ByQMtk/s1600/WCHoogerheide-9203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4nrD4PRrN3ALrBpaB_PgeSPHk5luVZedxgr5dhPtzkkWcdUIb8qLFCp0L2XZlI41GL8VUCIjdAJn6s7pes9Gy2KD6UjKA0GaHnNF6hXMeH5WWv0EuyWb_u3v6WQy9nWoBla71ByQMtk/s320/WCHoogerheide-9203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTYpHInMWyGF4JN37kmp1cvI6VkokfWk1IfSwRufXoGQlbbniPhIIdur5a7H16ayTrGbVhoVLr5uxpTc8RaAM5dbwqtoXiULzD3Wcd5DeAoWQun0KO0UFf8UwCJsKzw5E9sqfl6VRwIg/s1600/WCHoogerheide-9209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTYpHInMWyGF4JN37kmp1cvI6VkokfWk1IfSwRufXoGQlbbniPhIIdur5a7H16ayTrGbVhoVLr5uxpTc8RaAM5dbwqtoXiULzD3Wcd5DeAoWQun0KO0UFf8UwCJsKzw5E9sqfl6VRwIg/s320/WCHoogerheide-9209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was a little bit frustrating to not be able to finish on a high, but I can take some comfort in the fact that my legs and chest felt great, it was just my cornering on the icy sections. I'm working on it this week, to try and familiarise myself with it. Fingers crossed we don't get any ice in Louisville. Judging by the long term forecast, it could go either way. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFORl7Lh2kXNsv-kVN6nj9WT5Sk_hrdZ5T15oAefnFiT4IvdhOQr9xzVZNNxwmmgZmTf3vc_vbJWEBK_qQrNIi9uqqqkRQJ3HxpxEeVg623MXj2aTwOX5L_cnRjsGECsJKN14g4W6hKjU/s1600/WCHoogerheide2013-8940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFORl7Lh2kXNsv-kVN6nj9WT5Sk_hrdZ5T15oAefnFiT4IvdhOQr9xzVZNNxwmmgZmTf3vc_vbJWEBK_qQrNIi9uqqqkRQJ3HxpxEeVg623MXj2aTwOX5L_cnRjsGECsJKN14g4W6hKjU/s320/WCHoogerheide2013-8940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JtWHCjYGMUmL2s1cjS1CK5WRI5ZXXD0Q5MJCRScHV7kwXwv1_b3a9l4wPnNKcsBHEhJIGSSkvOTddlja53ghrGOVijfmWLHRHc7XzYXONA-uT2cVvW-2JZBP-ayh2VRYSIB_h5m_Psg/s1600/WCHoogerheide2013-9050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JtWHCjYGMUmL2s1cjS1CK5WRI5ZXXD0Q5MJCRScHV7kwXwv1_b3a9l4wPnNKcsBHEhJIGSSkvOTddlja53ghrGOVijfmWLHRHc7XzYXONA-uT2cVvW-2JZBP-ayh2VRYSIB_h5m_Psg/s320/WCHoogerheide2013-9050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This run up was a nightmare. Perhaps it was because my studs were worn out, but I couldn't get any grip going up here! So icy and slippery!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_SGAaPqyDVVLvyNVP6NsQDV8VuXP3HowMd0VdW_XJLVAVEC0n-fSms9McE7LUFJvfk-ZDCS8xfEJ3HSMGr-bGP07C9X9eaGVz83uvlPOVcMgHelNQ86lrv_MYReEQLCy44XVVdRa25I/s1600/WCHoogerheide2013-8956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_SGAaPqyDVVLvyNVP6NsQDV8VuXP3HowMd0VdW_XJLVAVEC0n-fSms9McE7LUFJvfk-ZDCS8xfEJ3HSMGr-bGP07C9X9eaGVz83uvlPOVcMgHelNQ86lrv_MYReEQLCy44XVVdRa25I/s320/WCHoogerheide2013-8956.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1fzwh62CYRUAy0JjSk5KTZ05xZOB8t8qmYiScGCa6e0rHD6IhJ_pEMDe6e6LNLBxn-lXcu0abu7KGQqQPH5IOcXbZz3YQ0nxNi8FHhBETb8fRgFJAQWK6DrC5VyOrBSIEIQZEHDwGXg/s1600/WCHoogerheide2013-9059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1fzwh62CYRUAy0JjSk5KTZ05xZOB8t8qmYiScGCa6e0rHD6IhJ_pEMDe6e6LNLBxn-lXcu0abu7KGQqQPH5IOcXbZz3YQ0nxNi8FHhBETb8fRgFJAQWK6DrC5VyOrBSIEIQZEHDwGXg/s320/WCHoogerheide2013-9059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Despite the poor result, I enjoyed myself out there, and it was quite amazing to be able to race in so much snow. The crowd were supportive, and I think I gave them something to cheer for on my final few laps. It was also fantastic to see a relative outsider, Martin Bina take his first World Cup win, and the first non Belgian podium since 2001. I'm a fan of underdogs!Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-27529223516958863082013-01-16T09:19:00.000-08:002013-01-17T13:48:54.191-08:00Otegem C2 and Champion SystemsThis race is always held the day after the National Championships, on a Monday. I raced here last year, and whilst it's low key when compared to Superprestige or B Post Bank races, the local fans really get behind the event. It's typically held as an event for the newly crowned National Champion to show off his new kit.<br />
<br />
The Japanese soigneur knew a family who have a house right next to the course, meaning we could stay warm indoors right up until race start. This was particularly handy given the temperature was -3 and snow had been falling all night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xAwMibdY3h3oueY1etwQvTRGYio2VoZjbmeAORTDo_uwDbC5YfExegxyRQ4Sklpu-PXid6wcMvCKQNWC7mwCqb4ZjyxUeStxhuUBf8aC6BHlaNXyTz0miUZZaNu0htXd8oqIOed3LoA/s1600/_D3S6759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xAwMibdY3h3oueY1etwQvTRGYio2VoZjbmeAORTDo_uwDbC5YfExegxyRQ4Sklpu-PXid6wcMvCKQNWC7mwCqb4ZjyxUeStxhuUBf8aC6BHlaNXyTz0miUZZaNu0htXd8oqIOed3LoA/s320/_D3S6759.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn20XtgRdoIZq_3YlsgNn6m2wUPZzLVJgrLY1psGaJ9Jmzs21S4INrds3byAvQC22Pwda3wYxWiyUb9KUL4HVxUUDdxhkUJ3AhTfdffcYOBM9ZQz9jBSOlf3-bp2I0yI4aTu6b9bdxnVo/s1600/_DSC7159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn20XtgRdoIZq_3YlsgNn6m2wUPZzLVJgrLY1psGaJ9Jmzs21S4INrds3byAvQC22Pwda3wYxWiyUb9KUL4HVxUUDdxhkUJ3AhTfdffcYOBM9ZQz9jBSOlf3-bp2I0yI4aTu6b9bdxnVo/s320/_DSC7159.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing autographs for Lance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Compared to the slog through the mud of <a href="http://ratracingcx.blogspot.be/2012/01/otegem-cx-uci-c2.html">last year</a>, the snow hardened up most of the ground to make for relatively fast racing, with just a few slippery corners and patches of thick mud. The snow on the ground and the sun in the sky made for picturesque racing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSVnB5Y0VsNfE8J0WXIfNFNnULNiJt-aCYSiaRtQrp4JaUn4M_L-k_JeYhSOwWc4NTha6yLbPtCc_-cz3j9JsEKmn0qaGNCB_EAwdiVGWy9lFAd3oOKf7lqhaRivtWklxosKN4oQqL5Y/s1600/_D3S6904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSVnB5Y0VsNfE8J0WXIfNFNnULNiJt-aCYSiaRtQrp4JaUn4M_L-k_JeYhSOwWc4NTha6yLbPtCc_-cz3j9JsEKmn0qaGNCB_EAwdiVGWy9lFAd3oOKf7lqhaRivtWklxosKN4oQqL5Y/s320/_D3S6904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The course is pretty flat, with the main features being a few roll overs, and probably the nicest set of stairs I've climbed in a cross race. The structure flexes when you step on it, giving back a bit of momentum to propel you up the next step. I doubt this was done on purpose, but it made climbing them a whole lot easier.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrExS9uniKqIVA6Rtdv12TKGIT89GBWLHCU_-6plIIG1jJVBod3XAKoduAU2vNDOhsMYGz58OtS-_vbT_fznSofKiZfQ5wV2gTNN2ZYhN9cGMaNoSpZrgVaN-Fh3ZoVixmqm0nNMBAkY/s1600/_D3S7037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrExS9uniKqIVA6Rtdv12TKGIT89GBWLHCU_-6plIIG1jJVBod3XAKoduAU2vNDOhsMYGz58OtS-_vbT_fznSofKiZfQ5wV2gTNN2ZYhN9cGMaNoSpZrgVaN-Fh3ZoVixmqm0nNMBAkY/s320/_D3S7037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKSOUcvEaY-UvY4UI7J7YLoHdC6QzxmZI9b8uqL1l3ZeAduW4fUA1ZE7FYf1nsp7FMRDDpNtLZyyq393fmqObvsx_pM4iOwQ0H-XAMZj5cBto_obpQuZ9nX15W3RxTqz8_8wK_fFl2LI/s1600/_D3S7148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKSOUcvEaY-UvY4UI7J7YLoHdC6QzxmZI9b8uqL1l3ZeAduW4fUA1ZE7FYf1nsp7FMRDDpNtLZyyq393fmqObvsx_pM4iOwQ0H-XAMZj5cBto_obpQuZ9nX15W3RxTqz8_8wK_fFl2LI/s320/_D3S7148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was off to my usual slow start, but managed to pick off a few positions to settle into 30th place. The cold air seems to trigger my asthma over here, but thankfully there weren't any troubles during the race. I was lapped by Klaas Vantornout with 2 laps to go, however I was told the commissaires made a mistake and ended up giving us an extra lap, meaning I should have been only 1 lap down. I'm pretty happy with the result and it was a fun day out on the bike.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxEPAgleJftbnxLMqk3ch-Kgoy4G_HuxAJIP5UFNuA6c2_CjTqIANqabe0ki5CIeUye0mhBk5F9-X-pLRsF3QILLVzgqtVjvnRyO_epv02phk9qu6B73QMWIGCV050S678YKPbz_eSjg/s1600/_D3S7350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxEPAgleJftbnxLMqk3ch-Kgoy4G_HuxAJIP5UFNuA6c2_CjTqIANqabe0ki5CIeUye0mhBk5F9-X-pLRsF3QILLVzgqtVjvnRyO_epv02phk9qu6B73QMWIGCV050S678YKPbz_eSjg/s320/_D3S7350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Y8BiTERKVbRx9XrjD-vd99YaQ3AytMwrFG_4_1_tmmi8mdxMqHXh7ApQyg9BOtUOxvcHhb9kHaXBhlnGeUdCuD20vwVkRloEPZta9U28682kUO5sFiQxlDFkQjME70R9m7j9PkmaVU/s1600/_DSC6853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Y8BiTERKVbRx9XrjD-vd99YaQ3AytMwrFG_4_1_tmmi8mdxMqHXh7ApQyg9BOtUOxvcHhb9kHaXBhlnGeUdCuD20vwVkRloEPZta9U28682kUO5sFiQxlDFkQjME70R9m7j9PkmaVU/s320/_DSC6853.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We were able to shower and clean back at Ranjit's friends house, where they had brought a bunch of friends over and continued drinking after the race, which was entertaining, as most of them were fairly frothed and very keen to have photos with both Ayako and myself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMPhyphenhypheneaKWGoRqFaqSqvqPrR8b2SH2UBSVuGkC6RDHmpnUnxfBPDLi3bi2f13CRoeD6oDZZEx9cCkzZwf-4EfoecA4Jw6-Ez91XXg8CD0gjmVXfSjS4kYtkwdjoBV8KCvmTfEn7nkllTc/s1600/_D3S7081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMPhyphenhypheneaKWGoRqFaqSqvqPrR8b2SH2UBSVuGkC6RDHmpnUnxfBPDLi3bi2f13CRoeD6oDZZEx9cCkzZwf-4EfoecA4Jw6-Ez91XXg8CD0gjmVXfSjS4kYtkwdjoBV8KCvmTfEn7nkllTc/s320/_D3S7081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Champion Systems </b><br />
Champion Systems have provided me with a full wardrobe full of custom cycling gear to race, train and warm up in. It's pretty damn cool when I think about it, I've got my very own unique cycling kit, with all my personal sponsors on it! <br />
I've got a standard skinsuit, fleece lined skinsuit (a godsend over here), neoprene water and wind resistant jacket, thermoshield jacket, and plenty of jerseys and knicks. They've even whipped up some custom zip off leg warmers, which everyone uses over here, you keep them on until a minute to go before the start. I'm exceptionally grateful for their support, I look a whole lot more professional than last year when I was racing in either a jersey and knicks (no go for CX) or a track skinsuit, which left me freezing cold! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZtOxkUpLQVAz6WFoKwSpg2CkScbKlaKy06yY1N6MGKxeG3fNNnLZYbEUsoqWrT576hko4zZ0oZ2oUEiuB_-ODYwNYDr7DdypVCWoH-0hROsyMdno5qdTAA_y3YI58vzd_3qhO5MxKKU/s1600/brent+jarne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZtOxkUpLQVAz6WFoKwSpg2CkScbKlaKy06yY1N6MGKxeG3fNNnLZYbEUsoqWrT576hko4zZ0oZ2oUEiuB_-ODYwNYDr7DdypVCWoH-0hROsyMdno5qdTAA_y3YI58vzd_3qhO5MxKKU/s320/brent+jarne.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New gear, with two Belgian "jongens" who joined me for a training ride. Easy to see why Belgium is so good at cyclocross! These two absolutely fly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-66229674031532838462013-01-07T15:25:00.000-08:002013-01-07T15:32:07.596-08:00Luxembourg and Diegem - Creux Velowear<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a few lazy days after New Years, we decided to head to
a Luxembourg for a few days. It’s been really nice to mix up the scenery a bit
and finally ride up some proper hills again. I’ve strung together some really
tough training days which should hopefully put me in good form for the
Hoogeheide World Cup on the 20<sup>th</sup>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoFUiKy0kKBEQwMF_YwKIElfN51mdYi_0fIq6R-J1KqFdFBZgmeKQDi9pZwU6YxdjYfoXWyMujL09_3_DZZWbO0WX_GIIq225CJadyxXQGC5gtXt-xKCOt-aG0SjxL7cowWEH2vK5rAg/s1600/P1030917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoFUiKy0kKBEQwMF_YwKIElfN51mdYi_0fIq6R-J1KqFdFBZgmeKQDi9pZwU6YxdjYfoXWyMujL09_3_DZZWbO0WX_GIIq225CJadyxXQGC5gtXt-xKCOt-aG0SjxL7cowWEH2vK5rAg/s320/P1030917.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63xAkAWj0CY3qZZpE7xWN4awzk7Lzl0kvVP2TuGBuvgqVkp-EdVmthDQv8k-ALfQzWc253FWFxxxQr2xiOFw-PbjOkaSj5uvBhTNkQg5mAi-CwYl7Dam31QBJycuIfMY2qLDLPEfCvPM/s1600/P1030936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It can be difficult to really push
yourself when it’s 2 degrees, windy and dead flat. Hill climbing is probably my
favourite aspect of riding a bike, so I’ve been loving the opportunity to put
myself through some pain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoYDMlRGTprwrbtzUOXu0qieWhSnlb0ou49FdvWAEdG6LAfTBpiPU0bh97fQvEXLdN9XdEWIcqsZKhBF5hnaSRJPRKJkEAKQDH45GXilfS7JZlrnO9kege8hlZ4wy_fP_2_ZMYv6LEsM/s1600/P1030927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoYDMlRGTprwrbtzUOXu0qieWhSnlb0ou49FdvWAEdG6LAfTBpiPU0bh97fQvEXLdN9XdEWIcqsZKhBF5hnaSRJPRKJkEAKQDH45GXilfS7JZlrnO9kege8hlZ4wy_fP_2_ZMYv6LEsM/s320/P1030927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luxembourg reminds me a lot of New Zealand. The forests are
bright green with moss covering the space between giant pine trees. There were
some amazing views from the many dirt and tarmac roads we explored on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63xAkAWj0CY3qZZpE7xWN4awzk7Lzl0kvVP2TuGBuvgqVkp-EdVmthDQv8k-ALfQzWc253FWFxxxQr2xiOFw-PbjOkaSj5uvBhTNkQg5mAi-CwYl7Dam31QBJycuIfMY2qLDLPEfCvPM/s1600/P1030936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIz6i0M4InjR13pclMzgZQ4dG7yueWsku-oWL6nrBtcEU329vgwHKx-PtrVe1mKdmwKjhZUUuMhtLwoaDdFx05G8t5X_n2-HFawjbIa9_QU7aijrKOCX7H6hZ4yvt9nEsmfe3rA_SMwb4/s1600/P1030931.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIz6i0M4InjR13pclMzgZQ4dG7yueWsku-oWL6nrBtcEU329vgwHKx-PtrVe1mKdmwKjhZUUuMhtLwoaDdFx05G8t5X_n2-HFawjbIa9_QU7aijrKOCX7H6hZ4yvt9nEsmfe3rA_SMwb4/s320/P1030931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whilst the highest point wasn’t much more than 400m above sea
level, the climbs were bloody steep, with plenty lasting around 10 minutes. We
did a few longer rides, both on little single lane roads, fire roads and the
occasional single track (old walking trails). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWkJtbof_uOFUH2JA7WK-pYNNGRzZEIU648w3FaguZ_vrXwnV6fzEzuDZIlpT9AyLK0lJgno8O0SNb92dKNKDZgrlm74Y5XLr_-kMpQPtW17rZ1xv3yPopeHLuLCjBPEcaZ3QJcBmasE/s1600/P1030932.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWkJtbof_uOFUH2JA7WK-pYNNGRzZEIU648w3FaguZ_vrXwnV6fzEzuDZIlpT9AyLK0lJgno8O0SNb92dKNKDZgrlm74Y5XLr_-kMpQPtW17rZ1xv3yPopeHLuLCjBPEcaZ3QJcBmasE/s320/P1030932.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were some ruins of an old castle in the next town
along the river from us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63xAkAWj0CY3qZZpE7xWN4awzk7Lzl0kvVP2TuGBuvgqVkp-EdVmthDQv8k-ALfQzWc253FWFxxxQr2xiOFw-PbjOkaSj5uvBhTNkQg5mAi-CwYl7Dam31QBJycuIfMY2qLDLPEfCvPM/s1600/P1030936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63xAkAWj0CY3qZZpE7xWN4awzk7Lzl0kvVP2TuGBuvgqVkp-EdVmthDQv8k-ALfQzWc253FWFxxxQr2xiOFw-PbjOkaSj5uvBhTNkQg5mAi-CwYl7Dam31QBJycuIfMY2qLDLPEfCvPM/s320/P1030936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-s3BoMaQIt4CpmirhYYuJ20FhPPs8Q3WautRQXbPffAxtS-WW8eTYBYJUwztbBA8DEJDfWk0-4L5Pifoai7sAa4H1bwlJiWuCKIGMhUIJngH5MVtcf2JlpBlc1COXA-u8gdyapImTNo/s1600/P1030919.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-s3BoMaQIt4CpmirhYYuJ20FhPPs8Q3WautRQXbPffAxtS-WW8eTYBYJUwztbBA8DEJDfWk0-4L5Pifoai7sAa4H1bwlJiWuCKIGMhUIJngH5MVtcf2JlpBlc1COXA-u8gdyapImTNo/s320/P1030919.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apart from a few elderly people, there was barely anyone out
and about. Although apparently Luxembourg is packed with Belgian and Dutch
tourists in summer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fH97rpNZQR41-vY5JLvCakDfY4Bt7KIvSBpbG0rYn4Ul51abM0M6nAmePytrd472yCb7rgEH1LQfYiavmC1f9VXsM3jLr2cBZUQ-8evVzS0HEnHWL5_iugNRIVYduN6PQFyhFHbZhbM/s1600/P1030921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fH97rpNZQR41-vY5JLvCakDfY4Bt7KIvSBpbG0rYn4Ul51abM0M6nAmePytrd472yCb7rgEH1LQfYiavmC1f9VXsM3jLr2cBZUQ-8evVzS0HEnHWL5_iugNRIVYduN6PQFyhFHbZhbM/s320/P1030921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some shots from the lovely Sonoko Tanaka at Diegem Superprestige. You can read
about the race and the Kerst Periode as a whole on a <a href="http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2013/01/lewis-rattray-cyclocross-diaries-kerst-periode/">guest post</a> for Cycling
Tips. It was bloody hard work! But I also got a drawing from a young fan which was very cool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPXKcdk2Ch5ejG4CoVJxAMcmCdxRlJkqjE4UEjG1f4I8fCctnGkJEmPJ5J2E7iPbvVhrOwO6-0JSqBnXutnRLXQ0xu9nghA6TOJQDO4q7UAUQ6NGKd9d4ZwjZlWuQ23VQxXkeO-5zj4E/s1600/P1030901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPXKcdk2Ch5ejG4CoVJxAMcmCdxRlJkqjE4UEjG1f4I8fCctnGkJEmPJ5J2E7iPbvVhrOwO6-0JSqBnXutnRLXQ0xu9nghA6TOJQDO4q7UAUQ6NGKd9d4ZwjZlWuQ23VQxXkeO-5zj4E/s320/P1030901.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqSH4vD7XTA_ducOS_1y4Fp7pPP-bfnJTdDk031o9zVkct6L4PvNa0d8Hvr9uNXZ3uX1j0eq_aTx9eYuhwV5hf0_J84175sLJuxpyeFOWntuGUZ3euVk0AFyXZp5FvSnNYWcBv1g_EJc/s1600/Diegem2012-3232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqSH4vD7XTA_ducOS_1y4Fp7pPP-bfnJTdDk031o9zVkct6L4PvNa0d8Hvr9uNXZ3uX1j0eq_aTx9eYuhwV5hf0_J84175sLJuxpyeFOWntuGUZ3euVk0AFyXZp5FvSnNYWcBv1g_EJc/s320/Diegem2012-3232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZg6bhGrdq8-DxIhDbmhVOoywPNz5Rb9vBjnUC3P4vxRLYiYqoqZtAjin0vbKQ-myGGVvmOVMX3T7EtIgkVErCKH2QKJ4vMo8a3M1StUfr-bJ7TSVsV_YLmna0LcybME2milVvzADReo/s1600/Diegem2012-3375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNxRGuhOMvcgNRY_5iGcssrqsfGfijlGLR3S-OhaCVZrV6u8iumkiPgIjviC3VfR_dnxdKKGbcHWxJCt-X-zlqh73K9kRXNJayCAqMI_q8noynRvSyNdN4ileMnYssup7l9MgoIxkbMY/s1600/Diegem2012-3482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNxRGuhOMvcgNRY_5iGcssrqsfGfijlGLR3S-OhaCVZrV6u8iumkiPgIjviC3VfR_dnxdKKGbcHWxJCt-X-zlqh73K9kRXNJayCAqMI_q8noynRvSyNdN4ileMnYssup7l9MgoIxkbMY/s320/Diegem2012-3482.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL4cNYTmGRRTFNi5UeDex5-gqMx5PnKIw8G2v_1WTbLYvAu97C9moDqFVJI5qI9PEHII8NRA5F5OjhvtFkspL30bD5wASCjo0Ot6NU8azEjDO6HGha7Vl46-YNIOHf2X16AyIF0-LgnI/s1600/Diegem2012-3709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL4cNYTmGRRTFNi5UeDex5-gqMx5PnKIw8G2v_1WTbLYvAu97C9moDqFVJI5qI9PEHII8NRA5F5OjhvtFkspL30bD5wASCjo0Ot6NU8azEjDO6HGha7Vl46-YNIOHf2X16AyIF0-LgnI/s320/Diegem2012-3709.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87P4ejPEjqU_gUbqP8zPezGDTjXXnTyquiwUnBNzTZ9CshgdMWhlus4kBLV1Dj8fq9rL8PTQKZUTmALglXdbcMJjkOjpEDzlY2sneyqHEY9o86iLckmCUmHU_5Gz51vvYUwOSvyv-RAU/s1600/Diegem2012-3848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87P4ejPEjqU_gUbqP8zPezGDTjXXnTyquiwUnBNzTZ9CshgdMWhlus4kBLV1Dj8fq9rL8PTQKZUTmALglXdbcMJjkOjpEDzlY2sneyqHEY9o86iLckmCUmHU_5Gz51vvYUwOSvyv-RAU/s320/Diegem2012-3848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-IKIH1Oa143Vjro92xuU_MUQzH0I4tRbkzS1rNciMGJJCmOc-zuCUlYlI-ZZeO9GibkaUqpjv2UeWtxdHzA9kt1HzILo2XnEL8tPbg7a1bQIqvE8Eypq0y1tYC8qLMZE2vIP4XmP58U/s1600/Diegem2012-3955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-IKIH1Oa143Vjro92xuU_MUQzH0I4tRbkzS1rNciMGJJCmOc-zuCUlYlI-ZZeO9GibkaUqpjv2UeWtxdHzA9kt1HzILo2XnEL8tPbg7a1bQIqvE8Eypq0y1tYC8qLMZE2vIP4XmP58U/s320/Diegem2012-3955.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re back in home now, and I’m feeling fairly wrecked. Only
a few races to go before I head off to the USA for Worlds!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.creuxcycling.com/">Creux Cycling Streetwear</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I first came across Creux clothing when working at St Kilda
Cycles. Casual cycling clothing isn’t anything new, but their gear grabbed my
attention because it actually looks like clothing I would normally wear. I now
own 4 t shirts, a hoodie, the bomber jacket and a pair of shorts of theirs. The
gear is made to be functional on the bike, but wearable out and about. I’m
being completely honest when I say this stuff is awesome. I’ve worn their gear
to uni pretty much every day during semester. The t shirts and hoodie wick sweat
away after my commute, and don’t leave me smelling like body odour in class.
The bomber jacket is probably the highlight. Good looks aside, its wind and
water proof and even has a mud flap to prevent your bum from getting wet when
riding in the rain. Their shorts look just like normal shorts, but have a light
and subtle chamois sown into the bum to give some extra comfort for longer
commutes. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee1Wj3LyVo36phlVoI1XkKUJV-LuKXHZdm-X-LGsZAHQ17P5l9rbWE_vHHrykRrR68hvZAWYxb4AXNhxfnVDPt0U88m58-283jeg48MOSMJO9bQcehhavMAkFFdO5fApXIitnsbpc3NE/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee1Wj3LyVo36phlVoI1XkKUJV-LuKXHZdm-X-LGsZAHQ17P5l9rbWE_vHHrykRrR68hvZAWYxb4AXNhxfnVDPt0U88m58-283jeg48MOSMJO9bQcehhavMAkFFdO5fApXIitnsbpc3NE/s320/IMG_0934.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've used this photo before, but it's a nice one...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpLD7CX6tqHcU_9ARiyb4RQX8MNofed4kEv9_uzdYheqYWu-yQr22qUAqAKxz7gi9Z0atd8gtD9bC3Mr7WY7WNvURfbj2rX9Gy8u6IpwCQpLfPqdaqgg2DqdELDhSlVjp3fVuzPoZbnc/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Creux have just released a new line of merino t shirts as well as new
shorts and jeans and apparently they’re even better than their old stuff
(including water resistant stretch denim!). I’ll be stocking up before I take off to
Berlin next year. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVr5JLczhooxhN96Pqt5HEKKylOQo5wYKrvK9dy46zrAvz12QcUsUs2csthhIapWpLH5FUYo8ms2rR1OPgE437xgKv9JQZZY5hKNCFuebOWqHzhpusrBvPLwjvZcA8e0ykA3wnOxguDY/s1600/02.+MERINO_ORANGE_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVr5JLczhooxhN96Pqt5HEKKylOQo5wYKrvK9dy46zrAvz12QcUsUs2csthhIapWpLH5FUYo8ms2rR1OPgE437xgKv9JQZZY5hKNCFuebOWqHzhpusrBvPLwjvZcA8e0ykA3wnOxguDY/s320/02.+MERINO_ORANGE_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new merino t shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can buy them online at <a href="http://www.creuxcycling.com/">http://www.creuxcycling.com/</a> or in stockists world wide. Pop down to <a href="http://www.stkildacycles.com.au/">St Kilda Cycles</a> to check them out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I'm tossing up racing a Club World Champs on Sunday, but either way I'll be racing in Otegem UCI C2 on Monday. </div>
Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-71906506881764182302012-12-29T15:30:00.000-08:002012-12-29T15:32:38.102-08:00Azencross B Post Bank Trophee - FMB Tubulars<span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Yesterday's
race was a B Post Bank Trophee round in Loenhout. I raced this race
last year, and its renowned for having rowdy crowds (due to a break in
football season at this time, all the soccer fans rock up and get out of
control). Last year it was an absolute mudfest and with record rainfall
for December, it was even filthier. </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
The
big news of the day was an angry Sven Nys stopping mid race to speak to
a spectator who'd thrown beer at him every lap. He was pretty level
headed and just had a few words, but it looked like the guy copped a beating
from other spectators and fair enough! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hjWOc7DCZdc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Last
year I had a few B level Belgians and some other foreigners to race
against, but lining up on the start line it was pretty obvious I'd most
likely be alone out the back. The other riders were either put off by
the poor weather or saving themselves for Bredene the next day. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYSq1bvSRCXKLK-JIZe7PPl0baprb1a2HQOjIs7DkxLskPpOPlsCKXZYqHzJNn00szfMSiAuHfla9EUKEEvPRcuzs5aGuhBc-y6TC6JsyhhnjAO63k0MhDnJD9_wkKVzlFGxDlpuLZFk/s1600/Loenhout2012-1859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYSq1bvSRCXKLK-JIZe7PPl0baprb1a2HQOjIs7DkxLskPpOPlsCKXZYqHzJNn00szfMSiAuHfla9EUKEEvPRcuzs5aGuhBc-y6TC6JsyhhnjAO63k0MhDnJD9_wkKVzlFGxDlpuLZFk/s320/Loenhout2012-1859.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
There
was a massive crash as soon as we hit the the mud section. There was a
huge pile up behind him and everyone was off their bike and running. The
mud section lasted about 1km and involved about 20cm of sticky mud.
Exhausting on the legs. Last year I had to run it all, but thanks to a
combination of improved fitness and a superb set of tubular tyres, I was
able to ride it all. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aCSBkulep7X-KNG58ScWJj1O6Mx6PDfuhc9kq3LK4YfNHrYLBhQw-Y7wQlEDjikiouzb8Cf_MRWcDho5mnHCNWjbs_IDs9-0-t07hzztocjM6OBP2TsMxQQRRXXwZWuJzlQ4r1jbEP4/s1600/Loenhout2012-1722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aCSBkulep7X-KNG58ScWJj1O6Mx6PDfuhc9kq3LK4YfNHrYLBhQw-Y7wQlEDjikiouzb8Cf_MRWcDho5mnHCNWjbs_IDs9-0-t07hzztocjM6OBP2TsMxQQRRXXwZWuJzlQ4r1jbEP4/s320/Loenhout2012-1722.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was even a bmx style set of rollers on the course. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Despite this, I was alone after the first lap. The
crowd were insane though, the volume of cheers was second only to the
world champs in Koksijde. I played it up, and once I'd figured I was on
my last lap before being pulled, I made sure to put on a show for the
crowd. Sonoko has generously allowed me to use some of her fantastic
photos and you can see just how much fun I had out there.</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu38A38Hj7KUAgiPY6-xj7uK5io5EFwZpMbV_MH1AeBCEzO1cRCAE1QtN3cIj6XCFxxses0htMNCzItSirWfSb3imOFsXL45sC2i4y7vWKRRleNnkpjuFZiap2HpA29uqV6BqqSCh_EBY/s1600/Loenhout2012-1848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu38A38Hj7KUAgiPY6-xj7uK5io5EFwZpMbV_MH1AeBCEzO1cRCAE1QtN3cIj6XCFxxses0htMNCzItSirWfSb3imOFsXL45sC2i4y7vWKRRleNnkpjuFZiap2HpA29uqV6BqqSCh_EBY/s320/Loenhout2012-1848.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
In
the end, I was the last finisher in 36th, but three laps down instead
of the five from last year. Not a great result, but not too bad either. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6TBy7mKjWeIZHjJqPWLWnflhgFhfZbUJenoIH4iOKcarGK_eLgZb1WKAZF93FcUUuPN-7Q7z4QotGprlYpGzxFD5RiXz2L2eLtdu-NLklvXFJODq-HsV7gBGYRiS92IbkwTn__AJB9Q/s1600/Loenhout2012-1973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6TBy7mKjWeIZHjJqPWLWnflhgFhfZbUJenoIH4iOKcarGK_eLgZb1WKAZF93FcUUuPN-7Q7z4QotGprlYpGzxFD5RiXz2L2eLtdu-NLklvXFJODq-HsV7gBGYRiS92IbkwTn__AJB9Q/s320/Loenhout2012-1973.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
A
bloke I've met through Dirty Deeds, Paul has started importing FMB
tubulars into Australia. I was frantically trying to organize tubs
before I left, and on the Comptons advice I went for a set of FMB Super
Muds. I can see why they were recommended to me, I've never ridden
anything like them. In an ideal world, I'd have a set of their SSC's as
well (their intermediate tread) for slightly less muddy conditions, but
I could only fit two wheelsets in my luggage, so chose to prepare
myself for the worst of the Belgian mud. They've been fantastic so far.
Tread aside, the other feature which stands out is the coating on the
sidewall. Dugasts are great, but the sidewalls rot if you don't paint a
protective coating on them, and you have to reapply it during the
season. The FMBs come standard with a coating, no hassles, no worries.
They aren't cheap, but they've make a world of difference to my ride and
I'm sure they've saved me from a few spills this season! If you're keen to get a set for the road or cross bike (Boonen uses FMBs....enough said), shoot Paul an email at <a href="mailto:paul@supple.com.au"><span class="caption">paul@supple.com.au </span></a><br />
<span class="caption"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSpGnumW8-z2_-ocshZjZqm5G0fcGQTvBe4VM46wOrsP5FGvH2HifCHDF37EFHzmqGdWoy0X29pPuKQR2lazC9oBVrfRfB0X5X3rhLlQNMX-cNuDtqCqtdYeBQW_qnE8rYTvBHYnyHTQ/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSpGnumW8-z2_-ocshZjZqm5G0fcGQTvBe4VM46wOrsP5FGvH2HifCHDF37EFHzmqGdWoy0X29pPuKQR2lazC9oBVrfRfB0X5X3rhLlQNMX-cNuDtqCqtdYeBQW_qnE8rYTvBHYnyHTQ/s1600/Untitled.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBspYdIygccYlH_AVl442ZO-FqXL1zNpJc5JaUJsxVPxvxD2syJF39LHb7S_rzEUsgJBLbHZYIQ-I9zqHNhvHGkDTVxxdFvSEuhXXgWaAw2DmM0F7qdrj3BMnRC3jbPETqoXKWj0T7uQ/s1600/60554_10152286737930331_82547848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBspYdIygccYlH_AVl442ZO-FqXL1zNpJc5JaUJsxVPxvxD2syJF39LHb7S_rzEUsgJBLbHZYIQ-I9zqHNhvHGkDTVxxdFvSEuhXXgWaAw2DmM0F7qdrj3BMnRC3jbPETqoXKWj0T7uQ/s320/60554_10152286737930331_82547848_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu38A38Hj7KUAgiPY6-xj7uK5io5EFwZpMbV_MH1AeBCEzO1cRCAE1QtN3cIj6XCFxxses0htMNCzItSirWfSb3imOFsXL45sC2i4y7vWKRRleNnkpjuFZiap2HpA29uqV6BqqSCh_EBY/s1600/Loenhout2012-1848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYSq1bvSRCXKLK-JIZe7PPl0baprb1a2HQOjIs7DkxLskPpOPlsCKXZYqHzJNn00szfMSiAuHfla9EUKEEvPRcuzs5aGuhBc-y6TC6JsyhhnjAO63k0MhDnJD9_wkKVzlFGxDlpuLZFk/s1600/Loenhout2012-1859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I
have Saturday off, before the last race of my Kerst Periode and my
first ever race in the Superprestige Series, a night race in Diegem on
Sunday. I'll be doing everything possible to finish on the lead lap!</div>
Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-29682670406462868212012-12-27T10:39:00.000-08:002012-12-27T14:43:16.498-08:00Heusden-Zolder WC, and a club race win - Sram and Zipp<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="line-height: 24px;">Heusden-Zolder <span style="font-size: small;">was</span> the location of my first ever World Cup last year. The race is held
on Boxing Day and there's always a huge turnout with a jolly crowd. It's
held around the Formula 1 course, and has a good mix of sand, mud,
grass and tarmac. The fans are always in a good mood here, and there is
heaps of support on course. The main feature is two steep descents which
are in about 10-30cms of rutted mud. The first is long and slightly off
camber, the second is shorter and steeper, with a dangerous deep
section of mud at the bottom which sent many riders A over T (ass over
tits for you non<span style="font-size: small;">-</span>anglophones). </span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwp68rxRpNZtiY3tw_WWsxPOer-nDzRB3CXk9p1ElO4Az6Ew2cqydSoT2__ct3Eeqc4wj3jHS2FbCvPHrPGU982AzNa4rxmpZ2yFQU9xXB9JKa7hxTcM5Yutu9axmC03kE101L_zgNlg/s1600/WCZolder2012-1409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwp68rxRpNZtiY3tw_WWsxPOer-nDzRB3CXk9p1ElO4Az6Ew2cqydSoT2__ct3Eeqc4wj3jHS2FbCvPHrPGU982AzNa4rxmpZ2yFQU9xXB9JKa7hxTcM5Yutu9axmC03kE101L_zgNlg/s320/WCZolder2012-1409.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
set up with the Japanese team who arrived last week. Their crew is a
little smaller this year, with Ayako Toyooka being the only rider
returning with the photographer Sonoko Tanaka. Their sognieur Ranjit is a
very generous bloke and let us use his heated truck as well as helping
to hose down and lube up the bikes. Ayako is one of the most glamorous
riders in the women's peloton, she's got an awesome diamanté studded
helmet, and rocks a very cool pink leopard skin skinsuit, and matching
bike! The<span style="font-size: small;">y have a blog they're running together, which <span style="font-size: small;">features Sonoko's fanta<span style="font-size: small;">stic photography<span style="font-size: small;">; check it out <span style="font-size: small;">"<a href="http://hime-and-chuko.blogspot.be/">Hime and Chuko in Muddy Paradise</a>"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmrptxJ5WlGq7ziKaV71ORDeYxix0geHdcFlgvj0z7N_VvI_J0YnEqMR9pED6gZjI3P-yqxxATFE30akn5FI4uN03LE1SXhFyyr0zfeVVKCYcG-f8WIr4SbiJjDislNvL7klfbZaBW6A/s1600/WCZolder2012-0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmrptxJ5WlGq7ziKaV71ORDeYxix0geHdcFlgvj0z7N_VvI_J0YnEqMR9pED6gZjI3P-yqxxATFE30akn5FI4uN03LE1SXhFyyr0zfeVVKCYcG-f8WIr4SbiJjDislNvL7klfbZaBW6A/s320/WCZolder2012-0144.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lining
up for the start, My nerves were a little more settled than usual. The
gun went off, and we tore down the straight. I was near the back of
bunch, but managed to stay clear of the carnage on the first corner. As
we settled into the race, I was passed by a few of the better riders who
had troubles early on, but managed to establish my position slipping
onto the back of a French rider down the tarmac sections to conserve
energy. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIFpIDMIEJZbKY2IqgnzuDzLE9ASHu5epjyfJnO6us1ZCUhOEjYhK4Vo38ZJ8UBnZiOLRlkLj_m8IO6OqLfm1q5T-pklSEfTk0icXH07F3aAc5yGwsfFZVVqm9cgyJBV4EvJAIlgmCx4/s1600/WCZolder2012-0624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIFpIDMIEJZbKY2IqgnzuDzLE9ASHu5epjyfJnO6us1ZCUhOEjYhK4Vo38ZJ8UBnZiOLRlkLj_m8IO6OqLfm1q5T-pklSEfTk0icXH07F3aAc5yGwsfFZVVqm9cgyJBV4EvJAIlgmCx4/s320/WCZolder2012-0624.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You
can see from the photos the look of relief on my face when I made it
down each descent safely. I was just trying to remember the basics, pick
the rut, ride the rut, don't change my line and go easy on the front
brake. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cV5Xl0ZfXYp3ppd7urHsyWOTcqz7mgMGzGbW0Ryjhz-L2IzNYhPjlgE1i-WwyP5_ALvHZD1u-mHrPLNqDssd4pHxhhnKM_iABvzjar9QcxMC2GZpn8ga8a4JGhtFIqty_xuFLPFMDRk/s1600/WCZolder2012-0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cV5Xl0ZfXYp3ppd7urHsyWOTcqz7mgMGzGbW0Ryjhz-L2IzNYhPjlgE1i-WwyP5_ALvHZD1u-mHrPLNqDssd4pHxhhnKM_iABvzjar9QcxMC2GZpn8ga8a4JGhtFIqty_xuFLPFMDRk/s320/WCZolder2012-0351.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
rode them all quite well, but was absolutely blown away when I saw the
video of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQwRdZ5_njk#t=05m30s">Sven riding it</a>. Holy shit! What an absolute animal!</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last
year I only rode for 36mins before being pulled. This year I rode for
49mins, a big improvement and only 3 laps down in 43rd. I'm really happy
with the result, there were some really good riders at 3 laps down, and
Im starting to feel really comfortable out on the bike. I had been
having some troubles breathing but it doesn't seem to be an issue
anymore. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM5EKEzMYclI8fnL_3Rq3vvTZGZMspbYhVtv7Y__AVtDzMPl4od5vcmv8EXpfqqqtFv_NJyjW-_LfeI7dcRjaB8zAzEbI1fttOYoGgjwKh3qfiICKQyTMhYMQvyFX4Pculb0-uZqt2HA/s1600/WCZolder2012-0562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM5EKEzMYclI8fnL_3Rq3vvTZGZMspbYhVtv7Y__AVtDzMPl4od5vcmv8EXpfqqqtFv_NJyjW-_LfeI7dcRjaB8zAzEbI1fttOYoGgjwKh3qfiICKQyTMhYMQvyFX4Pculb0-uZqt2HA/s320/WCZolder2012-0562.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKIavnvaq6t8Zuj7fqtTbUzZf0neadTo_ozn6fCA0fXOtPkQiiJoHwTL0swop_LOPd9AQ2V-2VW3hKgWOZS2lZ3tWFjV28OvHCHoiozLv282soeTJSTgKNcS3So8obIQv2ylo2hYYqFU/s1600/WCZolder2012-1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKIavnvaq6t8Zuj7fqtTbUzZf0neadTo_ozn6fCA0fXOtPkQiiJoHwTL0swop_LOPd9AQ2V-2VW3hKgWOZS2lZ3tWFjV28OvHCHoiozLv282soeTJSTgKNcS3So8obIQv2ylo2hYYqFU/s320/WCZolder2012-1331.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank you to So<span style="font-size: small;">noko for l<span style="font-size: small;">etting me use her bri<span style="font-size: small;">lliant photos!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A <span style="font-size: small;">Club Race <span style="font-size: small;">Win:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This Sunday just passed I managed to score my first win outside Australia at a round of the Vlaamse Wieler Federatie's (Flemish Cycling Federation) Cyclocross Series. Being so close to Christmas, this race was referred to as KerstCross (Christmas Cross).This is club level racing, but as I've found out already, even on this level it's brutal and very competitive. In a nice change to the norm, we were able to rock up at 11.30 for a 12.45 start, and the course was only a 40min drive away. The inschrijving (rego) was in a little pub, you pay 12 euros, get a number and get 2 euros back when you return it.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-SA3G22bBcyETyR0SpdGf0rkJ7jSKLmOynBkLCj6vVlWnjaz8Uk-mHZxaeWqjYdqhMQop3EfJ1iixWsNwxtEPrzgwTkWIDG42ZD47Mg-TNdXYvs_m1zV2t8vqeY5k1Q_C7-xDqdoTlU/s1600/frank2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-SA3G22bBcyETyR0SpdGf0rkJ7jSKLmOynBkLCj6vVlWnjaz8Uk-mHZxaeWqjYdqhMQop3EfJ1iixWsNwxtEPrzgwTkWIDG42ZD47Mg-TNdXYvs_m1zV2t8vqeY5k1Q_C7-xDqdoTlU/s320/frank2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7gvBxhgx-53D5ue4QVcnRd4neEPxZ7fCUx4nmxAuflffYPG7VOh0RhUxvcXMlif9JzwUGOjXXH_OWJVDJ_viWoy1nX1R5qS89agepMUVMK5wtp0gpPq8oaUnfXzKJanMGnHEWT3oJMw/s1600/matts2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7gvBxhgx-53D5ue4QVcnRd4neEPxZ7fCUx4nmxAuflffYPG7VOh0RhUxvcXMlif9JzwUGOjXXH_OWJVDJ_viWoy1nX1R5qS89agepMUVMK5wtp0gpPq8oaUnfXzKJanMGnHEWT3oJMw/s320/matts2.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> C and D grade raced before us, ensuring that the track would be significantly chewed up prior to our race. On the startline, Frank pointed out the rider (Nicky David) who had won every race he'd entered this season, so I made a mental note to stick with him. Whilst I didn't get the greatest start, I managed to muscle my way ahead of most of the riders ahead of the first turn. I held my ground down the muddy descent and before long there was just two of us off the front. Nicky and I attacked each other for most of the first half of the race. I was hopping the logs whilst he was running, but he was gaining ground on the muddy grass sections. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqJHqIYFcogu3f_tMvsSBq7fNjTVPlMQ2jQ4v_NfTrsPBhUKewdCxd6ZICIf8lx3UzN65VdtW1tJsp7672qd27LmompNBTirlhv9wMzdIX4eM4jyGlRthZd10cGrlk9Bc51E0qg9AdeQ/s1600/matts3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqJHqIYFcogu3f_tMvsSBq7fNjTVPlMQ2jQ4v_NfTrsPBhUKewdCxd6ZICIf8lx3UzN65VdtW1tJsp7672qd27LmompNBTirlhv9wMzdIX4eM4jyGlRthZd10cGrlk9Bc51E0qg9AdeQ/s320/matts3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The descent had mud puddles as deep as my hubs, but you just had to lean back and keep your speed up. I was particularly thankful for the Zipp 303's, slicing through the mud noticably easier than my 'B' bike which just has standard profile rims. Jeroen and Roeland did a fantastic job of cleaning my bikes every second lap, meaning I could maximise time on the new TCX. After a hour racing in the muddiest race I've ever competed in, I crossed the line for my first Belgian Cyclocross win. It may not be a World Cup, it may not even be a UCI race, but it's something I'm pretty proud to be able to say I've done.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBs5IzQ1PfXEZPwa1zMb935pPUjzv6Vdwtg0Uc7lwCha4ttG6K3hyjH5oB_t0aRYeZSRr-S1iGsHuuqWD-uCamShb94SgdCkF17YVxoUyglE9cgY_j3CiO5vUEKkNStdTq7ZL20KusD4/s1600/vwffrank.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBs5IzQ1PfXEZPwa1zMb935pPUjzv6Vdwtg0Uc7lwCha4ttG6K3hyjH5oB_t0aRYeZSRr-S1iGsHuuqWD-uCamShb94SgdCkF17YVxoUyglE9cgY_j3CiO5vUEKkNStdTq7ZL20KusD4/s320/vwffrank.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazovtqLph8gRSah8R8kPFA2PLkUvYBIHcMrwd3_4qEjQnXGBA9ys-Kwl20qr2lhFGi-MNu3cEaFC0FqT2KhGno0iUsdJSQJxNxGWaPlYCRy9NQPICEswACU6ZFLV_Extpe1s0zqySnqI/s1600/vwffrank2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You don't see too many trophies these days, so I was really stoked when they presented this one to me </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Straight to the pool room!"</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazovtqLph8gRSah8R8kPFA2PLkUvYBIHcMrwd3_4qEjQnXGBA9ys-Kwl20qr2lhFGi-MNu3cEaFC0FqT2KhGno0iUsdJSQJxNxGWaPlYCRy9NQPICEswACU6ZFLV_Extpe1s0zqySnqI/s1600/vwffrank2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazovtqLph8gRSah8R8kPFA2PLkUvYBIHcMrwd3_4qEjQnXGBA9ys-Kwl20qr2lhFGi-MNu3cEaFC0FqT2KhGno0iUsdJSQJxNxGWaPlYCRy9NQPICEswACU6ZFLV_Extpe1s0zqySnqI/s320/vwffrank2.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plug of the week: Zipp and Sram</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been lucky enough to be sponsored by Sram since July of this year, and I'm a huge fan of Sram Red. Its ridiculously light, and the shifting is crisp and precise even in the worst conditions. My new TCX comes with 2013 Red, and despite loving the old stuff, this new groupset is even better. The lever profile gives a slightly better grasp of the brakes, and the shifter action is also improved. The front derailleur is another highlight. Its angle changes depending on where it is located, minimising that annoying rub when you're in the big ring and a low gear on the back (which happens a bit in cross). Whilst we're not far off having disc brakes as mainstream, the Avid Shorty Ultimates are probably the best canti brakes money can buy. Nice modulation, plenty of power, and heaps of adjustment. I've also been usin<span style="font-size: small;">g t<span style="font-size: small;">he Quarq power meter to monitor my training all year, a very handy tool!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Both bikes are running impeccably despite the punishment they've been put through, I'm very happy with the equipment.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGfYuZ513H065-DPqHZfzB4xXmdXxaR6_D-50C1-fjzKsNWRdVIWw9YLRLjxCMoTDD_x_IEw73VeyMbRfLTCgG63ZZHhQf4RrAwe_CTKI49camfP_fYRo6NGASZROBuNlnf0S85LydDM/s1600/P1030894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGfYuZ513H065-DPqHZfzB4xXmdXxaR6_D-50C1-fjzKsNWRdVIWw9YLRLjxCMoTDD_x_IEw73VeyMbRfLTCgG63ZZHhQf4RrAwe_CTKI49camfP_fYRo6NGASZROBuNlnf0S85LydDM/s320/P1030894.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps the most noticable feature on my new TCX is the very boutique Zipp 303 Firecrest Tubular wheels. Weighing in at around 1350g, these wheels are by far the most amazing wheelset I've ridden. Glamour aside, these things slice through mud and sand beautifully, and are a welcome addition to the stable. Braking performance on carbon rims can be less than ideal in the wet, but I've found these to provide adequate power even in the muddiest conditions (it also helps to use the Zipp grey or Swiss Stop Yellow pads). I took a different carbon wheelset over last year, and took them off after the first ride, the braking surface was that bad it was terrifying, but the Zipps are superb. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next
race is a Bpost Bank race in Loenhout on Friday.. It was awesome fun
last year, so Im looking forward to it. With 20L of water per metre
falling last night, "there will be mud." </span></span>Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-31932822701129250932012-12-20T14:58:00.002-08:002012-12-20T15:07:10.260-08:00Sint Niklaas - Kerstperiode - 4Shaw and Adidas Eyewear<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Yesterday
was the beginning of the famous Kerstperiod, where there's pretty much a
UCI race every second day for 2 weeks. I've chosen a few to do and a
few to skip, and the first one was in Sint Niklaas. It's a UCI C2
classified race, so all the big hitters were there, and Lars Boom made a
return (no doubt for a hefty start fee). I even managed to secure some
start money. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3WWu9MsgC1zlpJeOCsQEUdxOfaMpR7CRzRNWKhyphenhyphen4Z3oyDCkg7rIzHRNqcKpaKLioViw7IB7BiF8QffEChuVd-vq7kNQPwOixXUjbMpdNL5BPDlsbd0xOWqkZY6mg22-BEuETg0iD8F8/s1600/379998_4206746329035_774855721_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3WWu9MsgC1zlpJeOCsQEUdxOfaMpR7CRzRNWKhyphenhyphen4Z3oyDCkg7rIzHRNqcKpaKLioViw7IB7BiF8QffEChuVd-vq7kNQPwOixXUjbMpdNL5BPDlsbd0xOWqkZY6mg22-BEuETg0iD8F8/s320/379998_4206746329035_774855721_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
The Sint
Niklaas course is a really pretty park with a lake in the middle. The course
wound its way through slick grassy flats, a dark forest, some sharp ups
and downs, around an athletics track, and along a sandy beach. It was only 20mins away from our place for a change, which meant we
could sleep in and rock up just in time for a practice lap. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I
got called up reasonably early, but once again lost my position pretty
quickly in the race, in 2nd last on the first lap. I stuck to the riders
in front, including a couple of Canadians and Alex the kiwi. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg53UV0gpeNJybtt6I1oN8iNAMnEKD_BYYPBwbU6VmjBKgO71YlfSmBF8hCkirIKwJIAhYuYBhK59QfJHxgSHJ4GTswNciLRzYOWUOg9RGbIpK3nff5yb37L0NlGJeV7v3w0VA21vTG0/s1600/9686_4206855211757_1246512327_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg53UV0gpeNJybtt6I1oN8iNAMnEKD_BYYPBwbU6VmjBKgO71YlfSmBF8hCkirIKwJIAhYuYBhK59QfJHxgSHJ4GTswNciLRzYOWUOg9RGbIpK3nff5yb37L0NlGJeV7v3w0VA21vTG0/s320/9686_4206855211757_1246512327_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
After
the first few laps I was able to come around a couple of riders in the
sand, which I was able to ride relatively smoothly, whilst many others were
running. I kept the pace on, and came around Alex and a Belgian rider,
by this stage the others had a fair gap. There was plenty of support out
on course, I think people are remembering me from last year again, and
Roeland's step sister's family were there cheering loudly from the
sidelines. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCHj_V3fP2NXkdC9uRaVcUu2Pdl3aCFsZ-m_jsBhLgFmdYaUxIWoCvw3b8geRXf-eZd68j_kkqxizpyHSN4qQZTZnZzMrDhlGX22Q_Bus3H91LB81J3ROaWsuX7UOCQYmNrLGSZv_hIc/s1600/196050_4206527283559_194983355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCHj_V3fP2NXkdC9uRaVcUu2Pdl3aCFsZ-m_jsBhLgFmdYaUxIWoCvw3b8geRXf-eZd68j_kkqxizpyHSN4qQZTZnZzMrDhlGX22Q_Bus3H91LB81J3ROaWsuX7UOCQYmNrLGSZv_hIc/s320/196050_4206527283559_194983355_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheer squad for the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
By the time
we had 4 laps to go, I was desperate for them to pull me and stop the
pain. My calves were cramping when running up the stairs and my vision
was clouding over. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25LP2bO9hPDV19kMhHyVFv24BuUfFXCfpJCisd2Qpn8rQ4hykx36I_1qsMKVPr17au8HHrd76us1XTh7IUXTM3kRNH0IxE3LYK5biQ-l3uutL5-HZqxo7aPXjJe-fla8flJrCY3EirS8/s1600/10067_4206903092954_1546344690_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25LP2bO9hPDV19kMhHyVFv24BuUfFXCfpJCisd2Qpn8rQ4hykx36I_1qsMKVPr17au8HHrd76us1XTh7IUXTM3kRNH0IxE3LYK5biQ-l3uutL5-HZqxo7aPXjJe-fla8flJrCY3EirS8/s320/10067_4206903092954_1546344690_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
We kept on going though, with no sign of being
lapped. I was unlucky enough to just miss out on finishing on the leap
lap (an aim of mine for this year), as Sven and the gentleman at the
front were about 30 seconds behind as we entered the aths track to the
finish. Regardless, I really enjoyed the race, and after a whole hours
worth of racing, I'm really happy with my progress, as it seems like the
improvement is evident. I finished in 37th, from 40 finishers
(apparently there were about 8 riders who pulled out). A great day out,
and I got to cool down by riding home, a nice change. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqEggSp1TJrjTOK4wlmQhJsNHFM9KWUHpl21JU-kTu78Rn97XqNpG6mLAXTYPwAnrk12iPBX-IpRIrmHqO_SAQ32urIG43d3PRebfjdxPA4J-U0WiZQ7cDQ5oPEwlRZzGT2DJlVnOBko/s1600/546718_4206858891849_636389393_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqEggSp1TJrjTOK4wlmQhJsNHFM9KWUHpl21JU-kTu78Rn97XqNpG6mLAXTYPwAnrk12iPBX-IpRIrmHqO_SAQ32urIG43d3PRebfjdxPA4J-U0WiZQ7cDQ5oPEwlRZzGT2DJlVnOBko/s320/546718_4206858891849_636389393_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Lars
Boom was world champion when I first started taking an interest in
Cyclocross. Despite the fact he's not Belgian, he had some awesome hair
hanging out the back of his helmet, and of course rode a Giant. After
his CX success, he's changed over to the road, where he's surely earning
a packet and doing pretty well. He still races Cx occasionally though.
I've never asked for a signature or a photograph, but he was pretty much
a hero when I was younger, so I introduced myself and asked for a
photo. He was actually really friendly (unlike most of the other top
guys), and was happy to have a shot and a quick chat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZozqMaDqLzAj2RwHh0U7ngATsbSPTKeZaM-6Hiz8LrZZOX7uwC4S7cymSorSlC8e6K3RAbZkGAB8znA7Fn-jeM9xdMZ7qhhmcn9tTh2jUXkXo1enS_kh-uFtdxnuX6HsjYBYPL2pthQ/s1600/lars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZozqMaDqLzAj2RwHh0U7ngATsbSPTKeZaM-6Hiz8LrZZOX7uwC4S7cymSorSlC8e6K3RAbZkGAB8znA7Fn-jeM9xdMZ7qhhmcn9tTh2jUXkXo1enS_kh-uFtdxnuX6HsjYBYPL2pthQ/s320/lars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Plug of the day:</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
You
may notice I was rocking the 4shaw polka dot socks for the first time
over here. Prior I'd been using the white corporate socks, as they're considered
"euro," but the polka dots have already gained me plenty of attention.
I've been riding 4shaw all year. Some people may think socks are socks,
but the 4shaw range is ridiculously cool and comfortable, and would make perfect
Christmas gifts for a cyclist. (Hint hint). Available at <a href="http://www.northsidewheelers.com/">Northside Wheelers</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/iridebikesmelbourne">iRide Bikes</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/stkildacycles">St Kilda Cycles</a> in Melbourne. Give them a like
on Facebook too (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/4Shaw/282702271745995">4Shaw</a>), you'll be kept up to date with all the new designs that are coming out. I'm loving the merino's over here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAptxySl7YMS13o0o6NMxltOw0GPN_DH7xBm-KHYOR-oZVjYlKV27peefyqNDVOSqb2-zFtd26_ARAe0G-UxG8TYL5RjuBRnyVtSDVa6LH09ylYv-5uhEVosfZav7rp7iFrb1YloIOqI/s1600/417988_415209128495308_946657974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAptxySl7YMS13o0o6NMxltOw0GPN_DH7xBm-KHYOR-oZVjYlKV27peefyqNDVOSqb2-zFtd26_ARAe0G-UxG8TYL5RjuBRnyVtSDVa6LH09ylYv-5uhEVosfZav7rp7iFrb1YloIOqI/s320/417988_415209128495308_946657974_n.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I've
also been riding Adidas Eyewear since the middle of the year, and their
sunnies have become some of my favorite accessories to take out on the
bike. Having used oakleys for a few years, I tried a friend's Evil Eye Half Rim Pro's and fell in love. The fit is firm on my big head and
the lenses enhance the colors out on the road or the trail. I've also
been lucky enough to have a second pair of riding glasses, in the
Supernova pro. Again, a quality pair of sunnies. These ones use a single
lens, with a big field of vision. I like using these ones on my big
road training rides, the fit is a little more relaxed. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
A billboard at this years Ausbike:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUFIYDMmqXH2_DapDvEJb-eJ3CfX2uHrg_70yy9N7MPtS1ECAZILOgziN_Kkr_RO9ntCD-NFAM9AgVYSiSevHNcMr_dGVy8lNGxL5p7btwS89JHvp5yvhl9LeK1rwd7NxyGIjdf5wtCE/s1600/486664_375609325846929_867688972_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUFIYDMmqXH2_DapDvEJb-eJ3CfX2uHrg_70yy9N7MPtS1ECAZILOgziN_Kkr_RO9ntCD-NFAM9AgVYSiSevHNcMr_dGVy8lNGxL5p7btwS89JHvp5yvhl9LeK1rwd7NxyGIjdf5wtCE/s320/486664_375609325846929_867688972_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Adidas have a pretty sweet catalogue of casual sunnies too. Off the bike, I wear the Torontos.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh153Gzwl3PulsaeOlOz0gT7LDBL_HzriJoXZfSTFnT8EWLmJbfC4YJlYg3MZk0jBGBaGvktnpheHa2TT1yDD94Fj1_l3PtVUlrya_BNc_WssWY6kSbWdkp3RIhGyvCBl7d-lQE5p1MYFw/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh153Gzwl3PulsaeOlOz0gT7LDBL_HzriJoXZfSTFnT8EWLmJbfC4YJlYg3MZk0jBGBaGvktnpheHa2TT1yDD94Fj1_l3PtVUlrya_BNc_WssWY6kSbWdkp3RIhGyvCBl7d-lQE5p1MYFw/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
The guys at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/iridebikesmelbourne">iRide Bikes</a> in Melbourne CBD have a full range (as do others no doubt). Check em out!</div>
Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-15448223346722887852012-12-18T10:06:00.001-08:002012-12-18T10:06:44.460-08:00Scheldecross, club racing, Sports2 Nutrtion. Sorry for the delay between posts, I had intended on posting a link to my write up for Roubaix, but got distracted and ultimately forgot. I wrote a piece on the Cycling Tips website detailing my trip and covering the race. There are some excellent photos on there, its well worth a flick through.<br />
<a href="http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2012/12/lewis-rattray-cyclocross-diaries-back-in-belgium/">http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2012/12/lewis-rattray-cyclocross-diaries-back-in-belgium/</a><br />
<br />
A nutrition sponsor from last year, Sports2 has kindly returned to support my CX season again. Rudi has kitted me out with some of their awesome new gels, protein/recovery powder, hydration powder and oxivit multivitamins. This is top quality nutrition! Thanks Rudi!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZULMmykJJ0B8Pn4X9_G9e8rJJwFi-iYtJVStxBFla8dcGih7RUu5zh1_nwAlMVMIPeOn5nIoqcusWsG1uFxjxx5nJDuwND2qs8_ahKznDmYDWCLfVZ97CSkMHlmInGu_fmETKQUHp4A/s1600/sp2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZULMmykJJ0B8Pn4X9_G9e8rJJwFi-iYtJVStxBFla8dcGih7RUu5zh1_nwAlMVMIPeOn5nIoqcusWsG1uFxjxx5nJDuwND2qs8_ahKznDmYDWCLfVZ97CSkMHlmInGu_fmETKQUHp4A/s320/sp2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Last weekend was a UCI C1 race called the Antwerp Scheldecross. C1 is the highest classification below the World Cups, but it's a little less stressful as there isn't any need for attending managers meetings the day before etc.<br />
The weather that week had been pretty atrocious, but thankfully the rain stayed away for the race. It was bloody freezing though! I'm sure it was below zero. The course was right on the shore of the river, with some long sandy sections, a stair run up, a short climb and some barriers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mB5J7PGVUXORIZjOQSZj2KrupzEEXwQcnLLS7P9iydwFMGYcZxHZ9cXt8JR2CdZ60HOdPo8uS6yQzCGR401RrGSKFelPtYw7Y-jjEo2mna0PaxocXN4hNuC4LnIrlg8xf6As2UJch4k/s1600/rita1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mB5J7PGVUXORIZjOQSZj2KrupzEEXwQcnLLS7P9iydwFMGYcZxHZ9cXt8JR2CdZ60HOdPo8uS6yQzCGR401RrGSKFelPtYw7Y-jjEo2mna0PaxocXN4hNuC4LnIrlg8xf6As2UJch4k/s320/rita1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxiTbtGd8J04hjIj2Na41zuKVmin1w-Bv0UEbsqB0g6PpBvkhTlsg55AChARlodBHrB2XoYVOpWiNDbO30CZ5_x934vR_TEHj_tMXxEa8JMzBZt_3jBsbPjhpSVzLeNTvHcPeQ92X6w4/s1600/rita2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
I wasn't the only foreigner racing on the day, there was also a Greek rider who had raced a superprestige race last year, and a U23 Hungarian rider racing on a domestic Belgian team. Due to my 45 UCI points, I wasn't called up as one of the last riders for a change, but with all the heavy hitters I was still in the latter part of the start grid. The gun went off, and my first few pedal strokes had me holding my position, before the screeching of brakes on carbon rims rattled me and I began to lose places.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxiTbtGd8J04hjIj2Na41zuKVmin1w-Bv0UEbsqB0g6PpBvkhTlsg55AChARlodBHrB2XoYVOpWiNDbO30CZ5_x934vR_TEHj_tMXxEa8JMzBZt_3jBsbPjhpSVzLeNTvHcPeQ92X6w4/s1600/rita2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxiTbtGd8J04hjIj2Na41zuKVmin1w-Bv0UEbsqB0g6PpBvkhTlsg55AChARlodBHrB2XoYVOpWiNDbO30CZ5_x934vR_TEHj_tMXxEa8JMzBZt_3jBsbPjhpSVzLeNTvHcPeQ92X6w4/s320/rita2.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
By the start of the sandy section I was around 5th last, and somehow my rear brake cable had popped out, most likely after being bumped by someone elses bike when throwing it on my shoulder. I rode as best I could with only a front brake, but by the time I swapped bikes, the riders in front had a sizable gap. The course suited me as much as one of these courses can, there were no ridiculous descents, but just not quite enough riding. I raced my own race, trying to keep the gap to the riders in front consistent, and occaisionally being able to gain time on them. The course wound past the beer tent, and I started playing up for the crowd, getting plenty of cheers both at the beer tent and in the sand. My antics even got me some TV time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy-fOeM3GvjJuYG1WzrDNEoV78R9BSZ2naCFZlFtQODCFkLbf01TfhK0L64niqvY0wCYzQW71UGEK7BfSyXWg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
I actually achieved my best result in terms of time before being pulled. I raced for 50mins of the 1 hour race, ending up just 2 laps down in 37th, beating the Hungarian and Greek riders. I would have liked to be closer to the other riders, but it's relatively reassuring.<br />
<br />
This weekend we headed out to a club level race, about an hour from home. Set around some grassy farmland where there were cabbage, leek and other vegetables growing. The course was almost dead flat, with the thickest stickiest mud imaginable. There was a 300m section of the stuff which was rideable, but just about quicker to run. The course was actually pretty good, plenty of corners, a sand section, a barrier and heaps and heaps of mud. The FMB Super Muds were in their element, shedding most of it. I didn't really know what to expect in terms of the field, but figured I should be able to mix it up with the front runners. This kind of race is perfect practice for me, as I'm just too bloody nice on the bike. I need to learn to be a little bit more assertive and hold or improve my position particularly from the start, which is a weak spot for me. <br />
<br />
There were 20 odd riders in A grade with me, and another 50 or so in the other grades that started with us. The first 3 rows were called up, and I hopped into the 4th row when the grid was opened up. Off the start I was sitting in about 10th position and had to fight my way past plenty of young guns who were not keen to let me past! They had their elbows out and they'd cut me off, but it's not different to the World Cup races when you're in the thick of it, so the practice is worthwhile.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jssye-Ix40FP1DWPYEvXexvAoGrtjL3Zp5cep-sa_D2mhirwtVxvObZPvM4HgVRUX_dlNNjnhzALhtDv9h1ihKpf3Wl4_srg-rXG5tEIF_wgLyA7l6GPZr_lUR0Q5q4wsHjwaa61PVg/s1600/P1030858.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jssye-Ix40FP1DWPYEvXexvAoGrtjL3Zp5cep-sa_D2mhirwtVxvObZPvM4HgVRUX_dlNNjnhzALhtDv9h1ihKpf3Wl4_srg-rXG5tEIF_wgLyA7l6GPZr_lUR0Q5q4wsHjwaa61PVg/s320/P1030858.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
After the second lap I was able to catch the 3 front runners, and we gradually managed to drop 2 of them after a number of laps. A rider's Dad was there yelling enthusiastically for his son, riding in front of me, and as I rounded a corner on the outside I noticed he was pushing the bunting inwards, trying to force me into the thickest mud! I guess you'll always have crazy sport parents, be it on the footy oval in Australia or a cross race in Belgium!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuRMg4b4H4ONlN1i1r9C9HT3DUpFY34_O-BxA10x3kHUTrNJrR5omEIBfPqPK3ejWv__n7b_GUuyteGY7EwgWwYm7F6trHLRfgAJPHub0L35dQnhHYXSg_DszMt80KLTWV4mNedkG1hw/s1600/P1030857.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuRMg4b4H4ONlN1i1r9C9HT3DUpFY34_O-BxA10x3kHUTrNJrR5omEIBfPqPK3ejWv__n7b_GUuyteGY7EwgWwYm7F6trHLRfgAJPHub0L35dQnhHYXSg_DszMt80KLTWV4mNedkG1hw/s320/P1030857.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSI_NT-Gb2WKKDLrk8tzwL0ALllOxw5ryOuYsLPf4hRjb_Df5B4SFCFH4avVN30T9YpAZRh6fQSSduFn3pE_J5sacvI0xkA-cNBGz06OeKi5tlB83fKyQDVi_a9Javk-a_h1WI0JtAsk/s1600/P1030861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
By the time there was two of us, we both had stints on the front. He got away from me in the first half of the laps, accelerating out of the corners exceptionally well, and I'd catch him in the second helf, managing to hop the barrier and power through the straights a little faster. In the end he pipped me by 20m or so. I'm still chasing an elusive win! It's something I'd love to be able to say I've done; won a CX race in Belgium, but hopefully it's only a matter of time.<br />
They had a doping control after the race, which was pretty interesting as I've never done one before. I had stage fright though and couldn't pee with some guy staring at me, so we had to wait a while before I could try again. It was all very formal and proper, the novelty soon wore off, but I can see why it needs to be done. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSI_NT-Gb2WKKDLrk8tzwL0ALllOxw5ryOuYsLPf4hRjb_Df5B4SFCFH4avVN30T9YpAZRh6fQSSduFn3pE_J5sacvI0xkA-cNBGz06OeKi5tlB83fKyQDVi_a9Javk-a_h1WI0JtAsk/s1600/P1030861.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSI_NT-Gb2WKKDLrk8tzwL0ALllOxw5ryOuYsLPf4hRjb_Df5B4SFCFH4avVN30T9YpAZRh6fQSSduFn3pE_J5sacvI0xkA-cNBGz06OeKi5tlB83fKyQDVi_a9Javk-a_h1WI0JtAsk/s320/P1030861.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I've got a very busy few weeks coming up. I'll be racing Sint-Niklaas on Wednesday, and haven't yet made my mind up regarding Namur. I'm leaning towards racing on the Saturday instead, giving me some more time to recover for the Heusden Zolder World Cup, which is only 3 days later. Namur is a mental course, and I'm thinking I'd rather conserve some energy to have a good race on a course that suits my abilities.<br />
<br />
Over the next 10 days I'll have the following:<br />
Sint Niklaas<br />
Club race<br />
Heusden Zolder<br />
Club race <br />
Superprestige Diegem <br />
<br />
Busy times ahead! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-12660993840003456652012-11-26T00:19:00.001-08:002012-11-26T01:29:26.425-08:00World Cup Koksijde - Return to Belgium - New Gear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEC0BbVsd1wAxf-lfDk-gCwLxRaQYwcVPN35uWkruJTV1QdGAhEOBIv5OluGBWplxFPrVLQ6-8NpIg9EK_MV3It6KtwAh08GbX8jXTg4LyTPUmfmtOg2yqwGckHGhe0Sx7aVLMCyxIjg/s1600/photo(71).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb8RJDwLFKSHHqobMC5gMnVi-RWH7temwlPM0WVtTtTFOzKEpS_X2UCzU7HCz2FRPxXR4er0afU4P2g06fn2xLW7CjVmcCKPuOTSyXl-CiBdU_y5PcbVQ3c5_aROs1X1ZvHGxz0fFn_4/s1600/60554_10152286737930331_82547848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzmD5jDmMZmy2LnBas_kiK5E-F9HPn6yuwoRZMYYU2-R8qtsH_lqzcF034s2DYczKppmKsCI7h1zzxbsCMMnr5sMPzJn1i0PBiWV1hqxKqhOSmaQDZKS4DtQFjHxbdyYtQvWECINJfjI/s1600/574608_10151322169241944_1906433142_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb8RJDwLFKSHHqobMC5gMnVi-RWH7temwlPM0WVtTtTFOzKEpS_X2UCzU7HCz2FRPxXR4er0afU4P2g06fn2xLW7CjVmcCKPuOTSyXl-CiBdU_y5PcbVQ3c5_aROs1X1ZvHGxz0fFn_4/s1600/60554_10152286737930331_82547848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmBrPYDIOKcQqATfx1LObzawSvTYFtCzYm96Gx3qS4x-JhEkmrBU9kGTGKAXEoGPrdS1_RGm5GPyXwuPmDwuf2GLTwmJA4HWNEz6hZe3xxYUmIkCsWwDmhy04deX7Wq0nMwfVCy2hFik/s1600/390172_10151322447006944_886575448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
I arrived in Belgium on Wednesday, and was greeted at the airport with a familiar face, Jeroen (Roeland's brother and pit mechanic from last year) was kind enough to take me from the airport to my new home for the next 2 months. I'm again staying with Roeland and Rose, who are now living with Roelands mum Karine. Its a big house, and I have the entire attic to myself, which is perfect for spreading my clothes all over the floor, just like home.<br />
Since I left last year, Karine and Patrick have two new dogs, an Irish setter and a Spaniel of some sort, so together with the little troublemaker Peppa the house will always provide entertainment.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEC0BbVsd1wAxf-lfDk-gCwLxRaQYwcVPN35uWkruJTV1QdGAhEOBIv5OluGBWplxFPrVLQ6-8NpIg9EK_MV3It6KtwAh08GbX8jXTg4LyTPUmfmtOg2yqwGckHGhe0Sx7aVLMCyxIjg/s1600/photo(71).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEC0BbVsd1wAxf-lfDk-gCwLxRaQYwcVPN35uWkruJTV1QdGAhEOBIv5OluGBWplxFPrVLQ6-8NpIg9EK_MV3It6KtwAh08GbX8jXTg4LyTPUmfmtOg2yqwGckHGhe0Sx7aVLMCyxIjg/s200/photo(71).JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Roeland's a very handy cyclist too, and is planning on returning to Australia with some form, so he's stopped working early, and I now have a training buddy to go and tear up the mean streets of Belgium with. Roeland scored a gig on the <a href="http://www.marathonmtb.com/">Marathon MTB</a> team and will be racing enduro MTB races and a few road races back in Australia. <br />
<br />
Koksijde is the location of last years World Championships where 60,000 people rocked up. Its an insanely technical course where something like 40% of the lap is on sand dunes. On my practice lap, I crossed paths with a few friendly and familiar faces such as <a href="http://zandersflanders.blogspot.be/">Alex "Mo Man" Revell</a>, who I met in NZ in July, and who has now got a huge following in Belgium, having raced here since November.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmBrPYDIOKcQqATfx1LObzawSvTYFtCzYm96Gx3qS4x-JhEkmrBU9kGTGKAXEoGPrdS1_RGm5GPyXwuPmDwuf2GLTwmJA4HWNEz6hZe3xxYUmIkCsWwDmhy04deX7Wq0nMwfVCy2hFik/s1600/390172_10151322447006944_886575448_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmBrPYDIOKcQqATfx1LObzawSvTYFtCzYm96Gx3qS4x-JhEkmrBU9kGTGKAXEoGPrdS1_RGm5GPyXwuPmDwuf2GLTwmJA4HWNEz6hZe3xxYUmIkCsWwDmhy04deX7Wq0nMwfVCy2hFik/s320/390172_10151322447006944_886575448_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny Zelck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also ran into my coach Mark Compton-Legg, whose wife Katie is leading the World Cup Series.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzmD5jDmMZmy2LnBas_kiK5E-F9HPn6yuwoRZMYYU2-R8qtsH_lqzcF034s2DYczKppmKsCI7h1zzxbsCMMnr5sMPzJn1i0PBiWV1hqxKqhOSmaQDZKS4DtQFjHxbdyYtQvWECINJfjI/s1600/574608_10151322169241944_1906433142_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzmD5jDmMZmy2LnBas_kiK5E-F9HPn6yuwoRZMYYU2-R8qtsH_lqzcF034s2DYczKppmKsCI7h1zzxbsCMMnr5sMPzJn1i0PBiWV1hqxKqhOSmaQDZKS4DtQFjHxbdyYtQvWECINJfjI/s320/574608_10151322169241944_1906433142_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny Zelck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mark is an encyclopedia of information on anything bike or cross related, and he gave me a few handy last minute pointers on my practice lap. There was another kiwi, Angus, who popped over from Denmark to race, and of course <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yannick-Mayer-FANS-Official-fanpage/317626344961131">Yannick Mayer</a>, everybody's favourite German. <br />
<br />
I made some last minute adjustments to the new bike, and figured out which sand sections I would attempt to ride and which ones were quicker to simply run. I had a few bungles on my practice lap, and stepped on my new Zipp wheels when my front wheel sunk into the sand, sending me A over T infront of a few spectators, a broken wheel would have been a terrible start to the trip, but it held up fine. Riding in the sand is all about timing your remounts, speed and positioning your body weight, and whilst I managed to link up a few tricky sections, it was still slightly terrifying riding down steep hills in 40cm of sand.<br />
<br />
<b><u>New Gear</u></b><br />
I've got to say, after riding a practice lap in the mud at Zolder last year on a set of carbon wheels, I swore I would only ride alloy wheels in CX from then onwards, the braking power was just awful. I have been lucky enough to be looked after by Sram Australia this year, and they were kind enough to hook me up with a set of Zipp 303s to take overseas. I was a little apprehensive at first, however after inspecting a few pro bike set ups, I figured if it works for them it can surely work for me. Aside from the fact that they look incredible and weigh 1250g, the wheels provided heaps of stopping power, even in the wet and mud I had control down the steeper descents. I'd partnered the wheels with some yellow swiss stop pads, which are what most of the pros use, and they work exceptionally well. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb8RJDwLFKSHHqobMC5gMnVi-RWH7temwlPM0WVtTtTFOzKEpS_X2UCzU7HCz2FRPxXR4er0afU4P2g06fn2xLW7CjVmcCKPuOTSyXl-CiBdU_y5PcbVQ3c5_aROs1X1ZvHGxz0fFn_4/s1600/60554_10152286737930331_82547848_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb8RJDwLFKSHHqobMC5gMnVi-RWH7temwlPM0WVtTtTFOzKEpS_X2UCzU7HCz2FRPxXR4er0afU4P2g06fn2xLW7CjVmcCKPuOTSyXl-CiBdU_y5PcbVQ3c5_aROs1X1ZvHGxz0fFn_4/s320/60554_10152286737930331_82547848_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Larkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The trick new wheels were glued to some new tyres I bought off <a href="mailto:paul@supple.com.au">Paul Larkin</a>; FMB Super Muds. These were recommended to me by my coach, and are apparently second to none in muddy conditions (they weren't ideal in the sand, but I only have two tubular wheelsets, and most of the race conditions will be muddy). Come race day, the rain had been pouring all night, and sure enough large portions of the course became thick sloppy mud. The tyres never once lost traction in the filth, I am very impressed. FMB are handmade, just like Dugast, however Dugast require treatment on the sidewalls, to prevent the casing from rotting in the wet, whereas FMBs come stock with a protective barrier to moisture. They are expensive, but I can see why Mark suggested I buy them.<br />
<br />
<b>New bike! </b><br />
Giant have been my biggest supporter since 2011, and I have recently been given a 2013 TCX Advanced to take with me along with my 2011 version. I now have two carbon cross bikes, with very similar components (2012 and 2013 Sram Red), which will be a massive advantage in the pits. The new TCX Advanced is similar in design to the previous models, but comes in a different colour scheme and at a lower price of $4299; an absolute bargain for a top level, Red equipped CX bike. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLy7vmJ3Wz6Rle94CJLlGsHcI6sYhiVYMZmR-91v-Sc6NUD1BR_bTRsIEYR709nT9SHBdYhJ_IsqvLVDQT-V_RCs8_mL7xhLsG5jJo4vaGOZhCSMwSn8XkOaMyZI_xn4OQVZaFGW81YE/s1600/69417_10151328080110225_1251804752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLy7vmJ3Wz6Rle94CJLlGsHcI6sYhiVYMZmR-91v-Sc6NUD1BR_bTRsIEYR709nT9SHBdYhJ_IsqvLVDQT-V_RCs8_mL7xhLsG5jJo4vaGOZhCSMwSn8XkOaMyZI_xn4OQVZaFGW81YE/s320/69417_10151328080110225_1251804752_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>THE RACE</b><br />
Race day came around and we all loaded into Jeroen's new Volvo. Its been kitted out with a sweet rack for the bikes, and some blown up decal magnets for the passenger doors. No pics yet, but I'll upload them in the next post.<br />
<br />
The weather was awful, 6 degrees and constant rain. Classic Belgium. I rode another few laps of the course and tried to stay warm. After a good warmup on the trainer, I rode to the start and we were all called up. The gun went off, and I got an alright start, with myself, Alex and Angus all riding together, just in touch with the main bunch. I was riding between the two kiwi's, with Alex infront, and Alex came down around a slippery corner, I managed to avoid him and the bike, and rode off in pursuit of the few riders still in sight. Sand is so energy sapping, whether you ride or run, to the point where your throat is on fire from trying to gulp enough oxygen.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu67pyUYJNPWrfulwQXOl-d5wCLjKEI-oelQ6oE5GYrw2tv-A1PIykn0JzZaIQwC274mAmpuqxmZNSn4QoHxmvZu8jW9XnRPD9-mRce5TRiSflunrbcZ_g7c9hfpT0kPFKnr5B-Y1N2o/s1600/394999_10151321185521944_1217770491_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu67pyUYJNPWrfulwQXOl-d5wCLjKEI-oelQ6oE5GYrw2tv-A1PIykn0JzZaIQwC274mAmpuqxmZNSn4QoHxmvZu8jW9XnRPD9-mRce5TRiSflunrbcZ_g7c9hfpT0kPFKnr5B-Y1N2o/s320/394999_10151321185521944_1217770491_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny Zelck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was gaining ground on a Spanish rider ahead of me, and whilst focussing on him, and keeping an eye on Alex, I completely forgot to swap bikes, the new bike held up beautifully though, and after 3 laps I grabbed the old and familiar rig and set off once again. I'm pretty sure I rode 4 laps in total, it was just shy of 40 mins, before I was pulled, and just as I was within about 20m of the Spanish guy. I was happy to be pulled off though, everything hurt and I was exhausted. Alex came through a minute or so later just as the top guys came past. We were 4 laps down, and only one lap down on the Luxembourgians, who are pretty handy riders. Somehow, we all managed to slip into the top 50. I managed 45th, which nets me 300 euros prizemoney and 15 UCI points. So I only need 5 more to qualify for Louisville! Happy days! You may remember I was 7 laps down last year, so I'm pretty happy with the improvement (even though the course and pace were a little different).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sAoUYuh3hLx41ARGDP-FVRnOEJb8bRU5y1YxNT70yfjfLKEozFT5mR-JF0VtC0rHQiTzXWxkAqH6ZjPUdWrEJ12fdaI9oHMt7Ha3vO68z9fgciCm-dEBjpwwT1YQB3HiAQAG0r8MBpU/s1600/12548_10151322441016944_248376389_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sAoUYuh3hLx41ARGDP-FVRnOEJb8bRU5y1YxNT70yfjfLKEozFT5mR-JF0VtC0rHQiTzXWxkAqH6ZjPUdWrEJ12fdaI9oHMt7Ha3vO68z9fgciCm-dEBjpwwT1YQB3HiAQAG0r8MBpU/s320/12548_10151322441016944_248376389_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny Zelck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Time to rest up, clean up, cut my hair, shave my face, recover, train, buy stuff, and work out what races I want to do over the next few months. Roubaix World Cup is next Sunday. <br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
PS: Apologies for a distinct lack of updates over the past few months. Having paid minimal attention to uni for most of the semester it was time to step up and focus on studying to ensure I can pass all my subjects and wrap up the course ASAP. Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-50871218989187554522012-09-24T22:24:00.000-07:002012-09-24T22:27:36.992-07:00Victorian Cyclocross Championships!<span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
<div>
The
state cyclocross championships were held yesterday at Bundoora park,
the highest point in metropolitan Melbourne. The course was dry and
fast, on grass and dirt, with a sketchy creek crossing full of rocks,
which claimed a dozen punctures in the earlier races. I decided to run
45 psi in the tubs (way too much!) to eliminate any chance of a
puncture, on a course like this a puncture would end any chance of doing
well.</div>
<div>
Lining up on the start was a small but
high quality field of around 20 riders, including national cx series
leader AJ, ex national road champ Allen Iacuone, National Series front
runners LSD, Grover, Paul Redenbach and more. This was probably the most
important race outside the national series in Australia for me, and
whilst I wouldn't be disappointed with a podium, a win would leave me
happy with my form approaching another euro winter. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZVLvOLTC86LALy6n1qsNRnZqXxOwXnIEaUJHWBmvr6EdQCDgjCxEF4jyRptgyZiuXsef9gyxiurJY5f035O-Zm9r-pWCWpepEMv5RocALbJgXTkAWyjViFsVwOrSt53hP-ZAjuSwRRM/s1600/andy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZVLvOLTC86LALy6n1qsNRnZqXxOwXnIEaUJHWBmvr6EdQCDgjCxEF4jyRptgyZiuXsef9gyxiurJY5f035O-Zm9r-pWCWpepEMv5RocALbJgXTkAWyjViFsVwOrSt53hP-ZAjuSwRRM/s400/andy2.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://fameandspear.tumblr.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
I've been
working on my explosive power with coach Mark, and replaced my cleats,
which seems to have solved the exceptionally poor starts I've had at all
the other races. From the front, a group of 5 formed, which was
whittled down to 4, and then 3. Myself, AJ and Allen rolled turns for
about 20 mins before I lost my rear wheel on a sharp corner and dropped
my chain. As AJ and Allen rode off, I struggled to put it back on and
was passed by 2 other riders. Frustrated, I caught back up to these two,
trying to convince myself to continue and race for 3rd place. I was
around 45secs behind at this stage. I caught 3rd and 4th, regained my
breath, and noticed I was gaining ground on the two leaders. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9pT9Ni6FCCoutJZlgLvUDiOjJUg5H69M6tgTljSjUnjBGz0Xq_AwkE7hIjmvQlirUc2eOjOYPEjV9x9gcShVsR7DKvrgV7ghztKXKkMOg2bUyasRtO26msY9dIP2crGbmG2V0vJaSWk/s1600/andy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9pT9Ni6FCCoutJZlgLvUDiOjJUg5H69M6tgTljSjUnjBGz0Xq_AwkE7hIjmvQlirUc2eOjOYPEjV9x9gcShVsR7DKvrgV7ghztKXKkMOg2bUyasRtO26msY9dIP2crGbmG2V0vJaSWk/s400/andy3.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://fameandspear.tumblr.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I managed
to solo across, and at about 38mins in, caught up to within 10m of
Allen and AJ again. AJ clipped a barrier at the top of the course,
coming off his bike, leaving just Allen who had a small gap on me.
I was able to bridge across to Allen, and we rolled turns for the next
15mins, trying to drop one another, but never putting more than a few
metres into each other. </div>
<div>
Knowing Allen's experience on the road would
have him roll me in a sprint, and that my remounts were a little faster
than his, I attacked after the first barrier on the last lap, looked
back and had the gap that I needed. I managed to keep it upright and
roll through as the 2012 Victorian CX Champ! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4HSGdZEIcHqJaVOx7g8nQjDdZW0ygL4ujf_FQXFfhv9h1qyU_dZkCUMjGkvOvmU3dfkmuQY-6ekEixY1IuqxntZBOcMhHwIJhGCIFwECuTJ1vdFQuvjCcTm-3ufPFbs_hMG7aQ_RiBA/s1600/mango.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4HSGdZEIcHqJaVOx7g8nQjDdZW0ygL4ujf_FQXFfhv9h1qyU_dZkCUMjGkvOvmU3dfkmuQY-6ekEixY1IuqxntZBOcMhHwIJhGCIFwECuTJ1vdFQuvjCcTm-3ufPFbs_hMG7aQ_RiBA/s400/mango.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.brianmangano.com</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
There's plenty of people to
thank, particularly Giant and my associated sponsors;Sram, Adidas Eyewear, Champ Sys, 4Shaw and Schwalbe. The support from everyone at the race
made a massive difference and helped me push through the cramps that
threatened to ruin my chances of a win. The dirty deeds crew were superb
in helping CV run an awesome event, I'm pretty excited for their spooky
cross race in November! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGnP6b78maoWKxiuVMH_3Q9bC3RD-Jmy3txEwY1Q404QN8pJz_q7wwICsyPuTkUDOB9pr_-J4JLiH4OeZvWAFZM87uE_TxWRiMQjJUmcMl8QsIdPt2ld44EpcurcPyOqDG4b4WRQc6OI/s1600/andy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGnP6b78maoWKxiuVMH_3Q9bC3RD-Jmy3txEwY1Q404QN8pJz_q7wwICsyPuTkUDOB9pr_-J4JLiH4OeZvWAFZM87uE_TxWRiMQjJUmcMl8QsIdPt2ld44EpcurcPyOqDG4b4WRQc6OI/s400/andy1.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://fameandspear.tumblr.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And
I should also announce on this blog that I'm on my way back to Belgium
for another season of CX in November! Absolutely pumped for this, and
considering the form CX genius Mark Legg will have me in I'm hoping for a
top 50 result at any world cup. If all goes well ill be in the USA for
CX worlds, and then Japan for some end of season races. This is going to
be a big one, but you're only young once, so why not. </div>
<div>
Thanks for reading this massive post, catch you all soon!</div>
Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-24142981920012503762012-08-27T01:19:00.001-07:002012-08-27T01:34:04.694-07:00A win at last - DDCX Rapha Supercross<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdcbKpKl_26BS8FGGKOSta770X6QOlHV3EmxvWO4vJTJhmh1t_ilA714FhUoJ5uOpSZAVUka7AozfsWtITbONwgVENrh6KPK6i-MvIAIG2pXan-VMpP_gpPP1-lyBNTEBg68X8tGMsw0/s1600/munro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdcbKpKl_26BS8FGGKOSta770X6QOlHV3EmxvWO4vJTJhmh1t_ilA714FhUoJ5uOpSZAVUka7AozfsWtITbONwgVENrh6KPK6i-MvIAIG2pXan-VMpP_gpPP1-lyBNTEBg68X8tGMsw0/s320/munro.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the knoll photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>CX in Australia has really stepped it up this year. I knew the competition was going to be tough, but I had held some expectations of myself to be able to come away with a win or two. Until now the win has remained elusive, and it was with a mixture of joy and relief that I crossed the finish line first yesterday.<br />
<br />
DDCX put on awesome events and partnered with Brunswick Cycling Club on Brunswick Velodrome, it is a special course as it was not only my first race, but my first win two years ago. This race was sponsored by Rapha as part of a number of races world wide named "supercross." An awesome turn out and I'd almost say the best atmosphere at a cross race yet, there were heaps of people making heaps of noise. Yesterday was what bike racing was all about for me, whether I ended up winning or not. The crowd get into it, and all the racers are grinning despite putting themselves through physical hell.<br />
<br />
<br />
I got off to what is now a trademark shithouse start, pulling a foot out of the pedal and into the spokes...smooth. Sitting in 15th or so, I saw Luke Fetch and AJ off the front already, with Allen Iacuone and Paul Redenbach not far behind. I was able to weave my way through all the riders, and avoid the carnage on the off camber descent, eventually catching Allen at lap 2 or 3. I reeled in AJ, then Luke and was able to gap them both, but took Allen with me, sticking to my wheel like glue. This was a little concerning, as Allen is a very experienced racer, and would probably roll me if it came down to the wire. I made the most of some misfortune on Allens part when he slid out on a tarmac section, and made sure I rode smooth, took it easy on the slippery stuff, and hammered the smooth stuff to eventually hold off everyone else for the win. Such a nice feeling to win a bike race again! It feels like quite a while, and to beat such awesome riders makes it that much better.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3vghMIZdcqk9GIOYpjNXl3PtczJpn4vG0-TH4Xh-_5F-mefPgTfkHwwkZtMjpjiGPnJ3Ar9Vhc0VKYshBuCmLIDcKnGhoGiBCDjfOsbrbs33oSF45Dlm0CgcLrxklR-rOnAv4DzXwyI/s1600/munro2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3vghMIZdcqk9GIOYpjNXl3PtczJpn4vG0-TH4Xh-_5F-mefPgTfkHwwkZtMjpjiGPnJ3Ar9Vhc0VKYshBuCmLIDcKnGhoGiBCDjfOsbrbs33oSF45Dlm0CgcLrxklR-rOnAv4DzXwyI/s320/munro2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the knoll photography</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Whilst in NZ I got chatting to Mark Legg, Katie Compton (world #2 woman)'s husband and coach. He's been destroying me for the last 4 weeks, and even though it's early days, it's already paying off, I just need to work on my race start! <br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks to all my awesome sponsors who you can see down the side of this post, but also thanks to all the people making noise out on course, the organizers, BWK CC, volunteers etc etc. Without all these guys the races wouldn't exist/wouldn't be half as fun.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-85780507788920048752012-08-14T04:32:00.000-07:002012-08-14T04:32:12.101-07:00NCXS rAdelaide!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCtHwgCMdOHwjd8WRpWoYX9uRCaca2GzQFYYUKmdit6F1gcJ3qvk5kDqL4VQQpJuxRnT7nnVb6NKvoSJ9nc8jmcBUlCgTlPw4z04v84QnJwaW_v81ZFOKJzsMoGI7NCZekxWqexwJ-GE/s1600/photo(62).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Just got back from a pretty full on weekend of CX racing in Adelaide on the weekend. Adelaide have a pretty sweet cx scene going on so it was about time I went over to check it out. The first race on Saturday was on a very fast and fairly flat course in some pretty parklands about 10mins ride from our host Jackie's house. There was tarmac, plenty of grass, a sand pit, an awesome stair section and a few muddy sections to power through.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X0g1r0kQQpAGETnXBNQn76bvYi4MLqXe9pmtg6Y0tkCUukyky0PfERrW8weQi4yTGJKYxUx5xusQcT82akrhPOehKqtK7aHaLJCe9p0g-ajkm8YBptRz3zFWcK1vQqtw3AtZfwUo4Fw/s1600/383910_10150951361451157_696240912_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X0g1r0kQQpAGETnXBNQn76bvYi4MLqXe9pmtg6Y0tkCUukyky0PfERrW8weQi4yTGJKYxUx5xusQcT82akrhPOehKqtK7aHaLJCe9p0g-ajkm8YBptRz3zFWcK1vQqtw3AtZfwUo4Fw/s1600/383910_10150951361451157_696240912_a.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob Parbery</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Upon arriving to the course I was greeted with even more custom cycling gear from the legends at Champ Sys! Jersey, knicks, rain jacket and fleece/windproof jacket, awesome! These guys make some really high quality gear, hit them up for custom clothes for your team/club/charity ride.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCtHwgCMdOHwjd8WRpWoYX9uRCaca2GzQFYYUKmdit6F1gcJ3qvk5kDqL4VQQpJuxRnT7nnVb6NKvoSJ9nc8jmcBUlCgTlPw4z04v84QnJwaW_v81ZFOKJzsMoGI7NCZekxWqexwJ-GE/s1600/photo(62).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCtHwgCMdOHwjd8WRpWoYX9uRCaca2GzQFYYUKmdit6F1gcJ3qvk5kDqL4VQQpJuxRnT7nnVb6NKvoSJ9nc8jmcBUlCgTlPw4z04v84QnJwaW_v81ZFOKJzsMoGI7NCZekxWqexwJ-GE/s320/photo(62).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After a few practice laps, we were on the start line waiting for the gun. After being called up 2nd, I got a shocking start as I struggled to clip in, and was riding in about 20th. Over the first lap I saw <a href="http://www.lachlannorris.com/">Lachie</a> fly off the front with AJ and Jade Lean off the front of the main bunch in chase. I was able to remain calm and move up infront of the numerous riders and finally bridge the gap to the leading trio.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mvXn7FAYRTOZ3vDxq9W0QvuzaswG3n2vfEI7wLpdPVdXk9jj3I7g26q9gLtyPvFSFTycTkewm9kO9s89iJ_wlbavt6OkDutt5cl1YCURbGlb3SAVSDQIznOTsKEfflzarN9LGkLbJ9s/s1600/575995_10150951359341157_315734477_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mvXn7FAYRTOZ3vDxq9W0QvuzaswG3n2vfEI7wLpdPVdXk9jj3I7g26q9gLtyPvFSFTycTkewm9kO9s89iJ_wlbavt6OkDutt5cl1YCURbGlb3SAVSDQIznOTsKEfflzarN9LGkLbJ9s/s320/575995_10150951359341157_315734477_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob Parbery</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The 4 of us rode a few laps before we dropped Jade after one of the technical sections. About 40mins in, Lachie turned it on and gapped both AJ and myself. AJ gapped me giving chase to Lachie, but he was too strong and put 30 odd seconds into us pretty quickly. I destroyed myself to catch up to AJ, but buggered it after putting a foot down in the sand pit, and AJ got another gap on me; the final result, Lachie, followed by AJ at 41'' and myself at 55''. Considering the level of these guys I am absolutely stoked with the result, and this has given me some confidence that I'm on the right track fitness wise. The prize was pretty cool too, an engraved beer mug!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1NfGWDx_qLAcchLamymSpVAVYu9qfcZ15Cy0ZatMaTaeKBGV_DYga9XSmHkB8JMCCz3QUNxzYxL8YdnIgmXErdjbywCQU-lHDEg3vfg34E5zN3x254dOFEDXRvzTaWkeIrc2P8r0Drs/s1600/578699_10150951368411157_105044713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1NfGWDx_qLAcchLamymSpVAVYu9qfcZ15Cy0ZatMaTaeKBGV_DYga9XSmHkB8JMCCz3QUNxzYxL8YdnIgmXErdjbywCQU-lHDEg3vfg34E5zN3x254dOFEDXRvzTaWkeIrc2P8r0Drs/s320/578699_10150951368411157_105044713_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob Parbery</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
After a dip in the freezing pool and a delicious dinner at Jackie's the next day's race was upon us. Today was a different course, still very fast, but with a few rocks, some barriers and plenty of sharp corners. Off the start I was back in 15th or so, but again I was able to bridge up to the same trio of Lachie, AJ and Jade after the first lap. We were riding well together and I noticed my front wheel was washing out around some of the corners. By the start of the third lap, it was well and truly flat; bummer, and the tech zone was at the end of the lap! There was no hope of keeping with the leaders as I was losing my front wheel round every corner. I ran most of the windy sections of the course, and was passed by a heap of riders, before swapping my bike and tearing after everyone. I was able to reel in a few riders and just caught the main chase group on the finish line, ending up in 9th place (I still managed to score some series points!). The course had plenty of victims with punctures, as there were sharp rocks and a little glass scattered round the track. Not the result I was hoping for, but my lap times have me right up with the leaders if you ignore my 3rd lap. Nothing that could be done, I'm happy with how I rode all things considered. Lachie took the win again from AJ, with Jade in third.<br />
<br />
The ladies racing scene is pretty strong now too, Lisa Jacobs is killing it, winning every race so far, with Gemma Kernich, Mel Anset, Jackie Schapel, Lindsay Gorrel, and others all fighting for her wheel. Great to see!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9YJsyWo10aF8134fURsfjUZ1tpXvf1soFnFECCU1WJvMrf2GnfdejbQwTD1Vg6qXTVBkS0FuA5VBsr0QOIaZ8A0mIywG_bX_qv8jEPY-s4BHmT4ebYJx8rHm-sd1a7H0bT5w4tVOllE/s1600/217641_10151010253473226_862809472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9YJsyWo10aF8134fURsfjUZ1tpXvf1soFnFECCU1WJvMrf2GnfdejbQwTD1Vg6qXTVBkS0FuA5VBsr0QOIaZ8A0mIywG_bX_qv8jEPY-s4BHmT4ebYJx8rHm-sd1a7H0bT5w4tVOllE/s320/217641_10151010253473226_862809472_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackie repping Liv-Giant and 4Shaw!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It was an awesome weekends racing, and Adelaide certainly has a CX scene to rival Melbourne's. Port Adelaide CC put on a great event, and I'm looking forward to heading back soon.<br />
<br />
A few people to thank for such an awesome weekend; Aaron from Giant got us over there in the Giant van, which made life super easy, so much room! His mate Jake was also on hand to share the driving and help out on course. Jackie and Matt were exceptionally generous guests, and staying in a house was so much nicer and easier than accomodation. Jackie also put in a stellar effort on the bike, picking up two 4ths, and some impressive efforts off the front. Evan and the crew at Giant Cycling World Adelaide helped us wash and prep the bikes after the mud on Saturday, and they were in perfect running order forSunday's racing. They also had a sweet setup with tents on course providing an ideal place to warm up on the trainer and hide from the sun. <br />
<br />
We now have quite a few weeks before the next round at the end of September in NSW! Time to knuckle down and get training!<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
Lewi<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-2316010327943943522012-08-01T06:08:00.000-07:002012-08-01T06:08:09.660-07:00TV Time!Cyclocross has finally got some airplay in Australia, the premier cycling tv show 'Cycling Central' featured almost 10 mins of CX action from the opening national round. Pretty cool to watch, and I got a bit of air time in there too (note the sweet bed-head hair-do).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uWsOJ4h9yiE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>There is also an article of my european trip in the current edition of "Enduro" magazine.
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinekKMV2GqwKNDiY1216ay_jjcxfNqNg2h3Uf9VFQf8slfSUy6mXmfkElu3BWqPTSNHYy330Ytt5gI4wLp3PgXJRmz5O64i1M0GKjqwOSpfwvLs_Fiyt8DZHhVV1V-GRq837ramIg83xA/s1600/photo(60).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinekKMV2GqwKNDiY1216ay_jjcxfNqNg2h3Uf9VFQf8slfSUy6mXmfkElu3BWqPTSNHYy330Ytt5gI4wLp3PgXJRmz5O64i1M0GKjqwOSpfwvLs_Fiyt8DZHhVV1V-GRq837ramIg83xA/s320/photo(60).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Trying to string together some good training sessions is tough when the weather's so cold and wet, I had a road race on the weekend which was a good hitout, but an average result, finishing just outside the bunch due to more cramps! Good training though...
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinekKMV2GqwKNDiY1216ay_jjcxfNqNg2h3Uf9VFQf8slfSUy6mXmfkElu3BWqPTSNHYy330Ytt5gI4wLp3PgXJRmz5O64i1M0GKjqwOSpfwvLs_Fiyt8DZHhVV1V-GRq837ramIg83xA/s1600/photo(60).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>Cross Melburn is this weekend, looking forward to it!Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-49904346077415884492012-07-22T03:10:00.001-07:002012-07-22T03:12:15.900-07:00National CX Series Rounds 1 and 2It was all a bit of a mad rush getting myself sorted for the opening round of the National CX Series. Luckily super mechanic Ben (with some help from D-man) from St Kilda Cycles had my back up bike dialed to perfection! I have also been lucky enough to have my own custom skinsuit with sponsor logos on it made for me by Champ-Sys custom clothing. Look at any custom clothing out on the road or trail and chances are it's made by these guys, they make some awesome kit, so to be on board with them is very flattering. It came up an absolute treat too!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfRfMeSpbWbYyjhhonTcxPhzMAAvBCQA5b1I8hj1DQwrtHbmOSGPp_bzqKiEVgOazLgrRxGFbWlDgWWxA2dTSJWgkm-IcVcvnqKLdjAAA2vOKBnTvAxiL0KV5brRYYEqTj2uoJKeRDgU/s1600/314086_10151103153853900_200306838_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfRfMeSpbWbYyjhhonTcxPhzMAAvBCQA5b1I8hj1DQwrtHbmOSGPp_bzqKiEVgOazLgrRxGFbWlDgWWxA2dTSJWgkm-IcVcvnqKLdjAAA2vOKBnTvAxiL0KV5brRYYEqTj2uoJKeRDgU/s320/314086_10151103153853900_200306838_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ozriders Australia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7entNaJ-H3688Os_C_TfBOSxSTa4NFWxVh3BTvMPlVBwNEnTRzr93HL8HyiSXfQKgyaHv1VCrGA26lk21R5h2VaBUd34KNOCf8ScZvEGG6VqD5x9eipbHgZkIrPR2xXgkuo0Nl4HioMU/s1600/391454_10151097720830225_295614621_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
The National Series is sponsored by two of my own sponsors, which is fantastic, in Champion System and SRAM, and it will be getting some coverage by SBS program Cycling Central! I ended up doing an interview for them, and surprised myself by how well I answered the questions. Just my luck, the loudspeaker was on at the same time and I had to re-do it on Sunday, where I made a complete mess of it. Hopefully they can use something!<br />
The first race was in Port Melbourne, held by Full Gas, on a Go-Kart track. Very cool set up, with tarmac, grass, mud, puddles and a few gravelly sandy sections. It was tough! We also had a full hours racing. With 70 odd starters in A grade, I was very lucky to be called up first. The start list included about 10 of Australia's best XC mountain bikers, a couple of NRS level roadies, and a couple of stoempers from a few years ago. I was asked to pick who I thought would win prior to the start - it could quite literally be any one of 20 odd people.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSL-H7oaqjorVvfRri0Lg_SQ7ddFvJAOLAr5wplGOCBn6Wp0uWHd9j7u_rz1gA4OsLyHbG0_8euwmUkanWzV6kHapEbjzbnWZB-qUWj0VtDtaOPVTfzDs8iyyAkcxOEjqzIbiuVpdplzg/s1600/Cross_Melburn_050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSL-H7oaqjorVvfRri0Lg_SQ7ddFvJAOLAr5wplGOCBn6Wp0uWHd9j7u_rz1gA4OsLyHbG0_8euwmUkanWzV6kHapEbjzbnWZB-qUWj0VtDtaOPVTfzDs8iyyAkcxOEjqzIbiuVpdplzg/s320/Cross_Melburn_050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creux Velowear</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I got a decent start and slipped into 4th or 5th, before moving up into the top 3. Myself, Adrian Jackson and Paul Redenbach and Mitch Codner got a gap on the field, and were working together well and we were soon joined by Luke Fetch, who had stormed through everyone from a poor grid position. The gravel sections started taking their toll, as a wrong line choice would mean you work excessively hard and go painfully slow, and dismounting to run would result in gravel stuck around your cleat and not being able to clip back in! About 30 mins in, I began cramping, and my race got a whole lot worse. I dropped off the back of the group into no mans land. Fighting the cramps and trying to hold my position took its toll and I starting losing concentration, eventually going over the bars in the gravel! I was reeled in by Marc Williams and Andy Blair, with Alan Iacuone closing in on me, Mitch was unlucky, breaking his derailleur and having to run the last lap! The race seemed to go on forever, and I seized up over the finish line, unable to stand up properly! Considering the field, I couldnt be dissapointed with 6th, but given my experience I was expecting a little more! And I was pissed off about the cramps. I've tried everything! Magnesium, Potassium, Quinine, Sprays, Tablets, sports drinks, plenty of water, and still I get cramps! Any ideas anyone?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9WaNAadQpdUQhaw_WdtLqWbkGe5paCPmdRO5nC-WbuqGYYaKwnnUXSQqfjWIOZmpRcjs8sz6_nQatjpd4pBEbHIH6JSbS3c4W3bi_BUUvZtlQM2oQImN2OFsag_G7HNaz_iLGGnsCNU/s1600/Cross_Melburn_017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9WaNAadQpdUQhaw_WdtLqWbkGe5paCPmdRO5nC-WbuqGYYaKwnnUXSQqfjWIOZmpRcjs8sz6_nQatjpd4pBEbHIH6JSbS3c4W3bi_BUUvZtlQM2oQImN2OFsag_G7HNaz_iLGGnsCNU/s320/Cross_Melburn_017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creux Velowear</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
First timer Luke Fetch ended up taking the win, from Adrian Jackson and Paul Redenbach. Luke's hardly a newbie to racing though, he's raced MTB Worlds and is consistently in the mix at National Road Series.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrOGwtyFm2v-HXxj0QN2mbAwLl5yxpebuZOrub5AA7X-O5cpIoUO2rYvBFPiT5NRpr3UlzB8aQGx17xRTO-t9hmGC0yf7eQIToPoQzUKu4t8YvDbIno6wWE5_ANLnjdIRcweOsfBuVGw/s1600/Cross_Melburn_028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrOGwtyFm2v-HXxj0QN2mbAwLl5yxpebuZOrub5AA7X-O5cpIoUO2rYvBFPiT5NRpr3UlzB8aQGx17xRTO-t9hmGC0yf7eQIToPoQzUKu4t8YvDbIno6wWE5_ANLnjdIRcweOsfBuVGw/s320/Cross_Melburn_028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creux Velowear</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Round 2:<br />
I pulled up very stiff and sore on Sunday morning, thinking I would have a rubbish day on the bike. Luckily the bike was running as good as its ever been, as I am exceptionally lucky to have a mate in Ben, who works at St Kilda Cycles and occaisionally for his own business, Velo Lab. Ben grabbed my bike on Saturday and prepped it for Sunday! Superstar! <br />
The Dirty Deeds crew always put on a good show and Sunday was prime time. I have a soft spot for Darebin as it's where I had a big win last year, and was also my first race on a CX bike the year before. Mud, grass, ups, downs, bike paths, it's got it all.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiy5TtUeMip2hO04Dv5_6VIw7x71Er_vilevTIlz0x1pOnhEg-aZPKKItFeBVHKOb4OCcwq22Al0ma19GZp15RRQjoNsTSjloDdc0Hz3OJjtM73rpX6HyaloQZMxtRSxapHk71wcN4hc/s1600/rosswilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiy5TtUeMip2hO04Dv5_6VIw7x71Er_vilevTIlz0x1pOnhEg-aZPKKItFeBVHKOb4OCcwq22Al0ma19GZp15RRQjoNsTSjloDdc0Hz3OJjtM73rpX6HyaloQZMxtRSxapHk71wcN4hc/s320/rosswilk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross Wilkinson - I-Ride Bikes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
From the gun I was in about 8th or so, and dug deep to get out the front with AJ. I like Darebin because a bit of a break goes a long way, you cant see round all the corners. For the first 30mins or so we were riding well, before that familiar pinch arrived and I started cramping again! AJ started pulling away, and I wasn't able to keep with him, I had to stretch out my cramps and try to keep hold of second place. Lachie Norris had a much better day and ended up reeling me in with a lap to go. Malachi snapped a pic of the moment he caught me, and it pretty much sums cyclocross up. Cramping, getting caught by 3rd place, and we both look like pigs in sh*t. Heaps of fun. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10EyAcsrM1X7rYOMYVd7WhHYpIDavzDP7iBSUp_hESjHeQ9E2SllQTerKwC2S1aSWizqrNrqhh5nWIwZR2lIvANAEqySB8pgsJtCxSUR_rfrWJbIq-nUxPi4rYPoQBeSBxe060OIjUAU/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10EyAcsrM1X7rYOMYVd7WhHYpIDavzDP7iBSUp_hESjHeQ9E2SllQTerKwC2S1aSWizqrNrqhh5nWIwZR2lIvANAEqySB8pgsJtCxSUR_rfrWJbIq-nUxPi4rYPoQBeSBxe060OIjUAU/s320/photo.PNG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northside Wheelers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The crowd got right into it, especially around the mud puddle, and it was great having plenty of support from friends and family. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLGPEiL4D80HyppEU4Nu1dbCys6a8NyL39pBFnVsX0M0jnnDOIb_uJqpDq1y2gyrlZDAlkvX2gRv4Iwu9LM7iOpX8rKNOUPdDJe0fERZFlmYhaVcoyix2nC4kH563bkW77S5F1SZdtFI/s1600/rblaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLGPEiL4D80HyppEU4Nu1dbCys6a8NyL39pBFnVsX0M0jnnDOIb_uJqpDq1y2gyrlZDAlkvX2gRv4Iwu9LM7iOpX8rKNOUPdDJe0fERZFlmYhaVcoyix2nC4kH563bkW77S5F1SZdtFI/s320/rblaz.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rik Blazevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0yix_D9fmG8QVo1CYWICd7odaH2W3pXhFYpTc3weskETwlaK2IFOTk7Cc3VuUgSchuBAWIOIIzgJd6gQZiO6sIkXX9gkxSP5YOAyFAPSUpekggkX7KPkelWw9QKlRWnHb0MiEBIhJcU/s1600/f%252Bs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0yix_D9fmG8QVo1CYWICd7odaH2W3pXhFYpTc3weskETwlaK2IFOTk7Cc3VuUgSchuBAWIOIIzgJd6gQZiO6sIkXX9gkxSP5YOAyFAPSUpekggkX7KPkelWw9QKlRWnHb0MiEBIhJcU/s320/f%252Bs2.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fame and spear photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A much better result for me and hopefully I can improve on it at the next double round in Adelaide in a few weeks! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtqW91rIA8ZE0tDMnBuoQU53KlU_SVilm9HsfN3os87xgRcKKrXt5rdrQD0dr0TrglywtaPxckBdvYZE6ur6R_yR7Edybqc56MkHHF3uBl-O6YvW9tqU-E2bxEk_VQIl-Nas9JHhNORg/s1600/cwells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtqW91rIA8ZE0tDMnBuoQU53KlU_SVilm9HsfN3os87xgRcKKrXt5rdrQD0dr0TrglywtaPxckBdvYZE6ur6R_yR7Edybqc56MkHHF3uBl-O6YvW9tqU-E2bxEk_VQIl-Nas9JHhNORg/s320/cwells.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the custom bread loaf AJ won! - Cam Wells</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgK08bJrh0T1TYE6gQy2YNT8U1Q8koVVwpAHe2cPF9UkEbv5_XKayCxcjGKVWV5MZ48S4yR-xlpNJAgJTw7l91GAOCHE5BIzzp-w7ZAhNvFl98biLN0hbMzirQiBJZp3tguBWtvtvNTI/s1600/f%252Bs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgK08bJrh0T1TYE6gQy2YNT8U1Q8koVVwpAHe2cPF9UkEbv5_XKayCxcjGKVWV5MZ48S4yR-xlpNJAgJTw7l91GAOCHE5BIzzp-w7ZAhNvFl98biLN0hbMzirQiBJZp3tguBWtvtvNTI/s320/f%252Bs.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pain - Fame and Spear Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I also have to thank a few other individuals for their help over the weekend. Rob (SRAM), who had all sorts of spares ready, with mechanics, and had my pit bike ready in the case of a mishap. Aaron (Giant Australia), who brought the Giant tent and chairs down, providing a perfect place to warm up on the trainer and get ready. Aaron brought down Jake, who was exceptionally helpful before the start, and made sure I kept warm! <br />
<br />
Of course I would also like to thank my fantastic sponsors: Giant, Sram, Adidas Eyewear, Champ-Sys, Schwalbe, 4Shaw, Creux.Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-28185428623128604372012-07-12T01:03:00.000-07:002012-07-12T01:03:57.572-07:00NZ CX ChampsI've had a week in NZ to race the first UCI Cyclocross race in the southern hemisphere. My old man and I were originally going to fly into and out of Napier (near the race location), but decided to fly into Auckland and out of Wellington, stopping at Rotorua (MTB heaven on earth) and Napier/Hawkes Bay on the way.<br />
Poor dad got a bit ahead of himself in Rotorua and nearly burnt out on the first ride of the day. <br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSw3GkaouXqZ1I3rVHWUOk-Ci4PHRzfM3T238AZedwnqXxACh0YLKSyNgUS_JVKDXBZVr01E-xpp3y647ykYO3chnamsZ9dUxrV6CHqyjWfI6RuL7zlkEpXMnj9pSgMTPBvA1-folxSVc/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSw3GkaouXqZ1I3rVHWUOk-Ci4PHRzfM3T238AZedwnqXxACh0YLKSyNgUS_JVKDXBZVr01E-xpp3y647ykYO3chnamsZ9dUxrV6CHqyjWfI6RuL7zlkEpXMnj9pSgMTPBvA1-folxSVc/s320/IMG_0897.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
It's easy to do in Rotorua, Dad managed 4 hours and I ended up with about 6 hours. Not ideal tapering for a race but this place is insane. So much fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9o9XOXsxHEc4iVVL60wbCCkmerCGYv3KPnojPFePrHu2Cu06lf0GhnEve-f64kTohBP9qArAYSR1jMCTU8aDtIMRCA2PmsHFinzJuUdYbMR7iZ6IEz2tk4rErg-jcqhHK0Y45ckXV6I/s1600/IMG_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9o9XOXsxHEc4iVVL60wbCCkmerCGYv3KPnojPFePrHu2Cu06lf0GhnEve-f64kTohBP9qArAYSR1jMCTU8aDtIMRCA2PmsHFinzJuUdYbMR7iZ6IEz2tk4rErg-jcqhHK0Y45ckXV6I/s320/IMG_0909.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXut9twlQ3k3tXDVhnOdoUidca659NzhUxrN-zNWe94hA8qKXIf6PWJKiQxjH7oQEuwHtWl5hJtB0SMtZrxGRgArv0ChxHjikLitdywog3puduciVhclDcKyA1NVTxBQTqjryr5AjQo28/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXut9twlQ3k3tXDVhnOdoUidca659NzhUxrN-zNWe94hA8qKXIf6PWJKiQxjH7oQEuwHtWl5hJtB0SMtZrxGRgArv0ChxHjikLitdywog3puduciVhclDcKyA1NVTxBQTqjryr5AjQo28/s320/IMG_0916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
After a quick stop in Taupo we drove to Taradale just outside of Hawkes Bay, where the race was to be held.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR7Z1s5EaD8bMW33jrRdVVnMvYOPzJND9jZKz9UvgtrUeI08DJfHaKVg5Eurkul-48umFiFcHZDd8BJ8qVZHozejiQSO01b8MeAWd5HcHCHA7oCUHO8AMzhhcq7Br3iokVMH9av2m3M4/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR7Z1s5EaD8bMW33jrRdVVnMvYOPzJND9jZKz9UvgtrUeI08DJfHaKVg5Eurkul-48umFiFcHZDd8BJ8qVZHozejiQSO01b8MeAWd5HcHCHA7oCUHO8AMzhhcq7Br3iokVMH9av2m3M4/s320/IMG_0934.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We had a couple of nights there, and met Katie Compton (world #2) and her husband Mark who were over to race and teach a few skills clinics. There was also Andrew Barlow and Dan Warren (reigning CX champ from the year before), who were exceptionally helpful in making sure I was well looked after and had everything I needed for a good race.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FfXVV5HoP0fslwDgwLwy22c6GCbYNxsy4LYYH_8MkxX8ptWeoBQIB4E6TZxcdJNDXhTyurkY330IuzUB7uIp-LO1is_E5_iFvhASraHTdxpx9lJESSG_QtJb7puXcOstsUc47uTUeVg/s1600/IMG_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FfXVV5HoP0fslwDgwLwy22c6GCbYNxsy4LYYH_8MkxX8ptWeoBQIB4E6TZxcdJNDXhTyurkY330IuzUB7uIp-LO1is_E5_iFvhASraHTdxpx9lJESSG_QtJb7puXcOstsUc47uTUeVg/s320/IMG_0998.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
The course was brutal. A tarmac section led into some punchy grass hills, before winding around and down a minature vineyard and up another grassy hill to a muddy run up. From there you descend for all of about 5 seconds, before climbing again up to a staircase that was absolutely exhausting. You keep climbing afterwards and ride through more punchy inclines and through some mud. From here you have a fast off camber descent into an off camber bumpy climb before winding through a paddock, over some barriers, up a small pinch and down back to the pavement to start again. Reminded me alot of the courses in europe, though perhaps even tougher! Maybe not more technical than Koksijde and Zolder, but close. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOhvHCkNiSjW6JXlpFulXkJ5QhFr8v4mEwxs6ZVV8is8WD4SK6X1p-7rmJ6FjoYrkqPfuCUJqQnPfs-yCzlFB1uLRZuSW-ZBzJBEXxgC3E2chKDsZwGxpdVE35KoJnPTs9gK3np1AJDY/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOhvHCkNiSjW6JXlpFulXkJ5QhFr8v4mEwxs6ZVV8is8WD4SK6X1p-7rmJ6FjoYrkqPfuCUJqQnPfs-yCzlFB1uLRZuSW-ZBzJBEXxgC3E2chKDsZwGxpdVE35KoJnPTs9gK3np1AJDY/s320/IMG_1035.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Race day was shaping up to be a real challenge, the field only had about 13 riders, but they were all bloody fast! I had a good warm up on the trainer and was called to the start line first. Off the gun I got the holeshot and held a slim lead for most of the first lap, before BAM Gary Hall came flying past me up the off camber climb, and ended up putting about 30 seconds into me after 3 laps. I had about the same back to 3rd, the winner of the previous National Round Alex Revell. From here the race remained unchanged, with 4th and 5th (Logan Horn U23 and Dan Warren) another 30 odd seconds back, riding together. I was secretly hoping Gary would fade but he gradually put more time on me and I started losing ground to Alex. On the second last lap I slipped out on the off camber climb and slammed my leg into my bar end. After that I faded even further and Alex caught me half way round the last lap.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVudNyjeyTS5agtJoko0b3iH7sJmhD2uGOPBVM2Di36SWALcgs0VtXQr-e-48xD1CY-IlyV2FWoSqwH0n6LUMmR3JfC0WoIjBAh7tcsKjmfzL3Iaw63WIpD4o9r-03xbeLqE6RtomaTY/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVudNyjeyTS5agtJoko0b3iH7sJmhD2uGOPBVM2Di36SWALcgs0VtXQr-e-48xD1CY-IlyV2FWoSqwH0n6LUMmR3JfC0WoIjBAh7tcsKjmfzL3Iaw63WIpD4o9r-03xbeLqE6RtomaTY/s320/IMG_1011.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
This was my first hour long CX race, and it took its toll. I was destroyed both mentally and physically, Alex put in a great race to reel me in, and Gary absolutely demolished the field, I was lucky not to be caught by Logan and Dan. For such a small field the quality was a great credit not only to the calibre of cyclists in NZ, but the growth of CX too, the top 7 were all within 5mins of the winner after an hour, with the others not far behind. The crowd really got into it and I pretty much had a grin on my face the entire time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jFw4mIJHGAIKIsT0vtiECjitXfImjNWHa_pjgjU4ViKFUv6H4JR_wA2lBmu7Wii2FI5pgaXVdTE_9TVQpVFBV_GezsCu0qAYH6GaeboJ0bkt5eVMhO3Uw7MlU8UuphJMDzV9Ki1GHrk/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jFw4mIJHGAIKIsT0vtiECjitXfImjNWHa_pjgjU4ViKFUv6H4JR_wA2lBmu7Wii2FI5pgaXVdTE_9TVQpVFBV_GezsCu0qAYH6GaeboJ0bkt5eVMhO3Uw7MlU8UuphJMDzV9Ki1GHrk/s320/IMG_1064.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
I'd like to thank the CXHB team, everyone involved in making the event such a success and for making me feel so welcome. I had an awesome time and am looking forward to heading back soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSw3GkaouXqZ1I3rVHWUOk-Ci4PHRzfM3T238AZedwnqXxACh0YLKSyNgUS_JVKDXBZVr01E-xpp3y647ykYO3chnamsZ9dUxrV6CHqyjWfI6RuL7zlkEpXMnj9pSgMTPBvA1-folxSVc/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>On the way out we had a ride round Makara Peak in Wellington, again Dad nearly killed himself slipping down the hill. He's already snapped his leg in half on the bike! Better get him on an Anthem. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrLpPDtDUXs3-pnjP0ykW-L-nexzGQCVjNxz6-nxFSeVSsx_uWobeGYny9td6Ie4HtdAsZWcZbtCrjaMY2_aBcBY6A0p-qI5WWZ4byWwCRHbAlPi0f7zvEg1CoM_h5furaZN8NdpNbrs/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrLpPDtDUXs3-pnjP0ykW-L-nexzGQCVjNxz6-nxFSeVSsx_uWobeGYny9td6Ie4HtdAsZWcZbtCrjaMY2_aBcBY6A0p-qI5WWZ4byWwCRHbAlPi0f7zvEg1CoM_h5furaZN8NdpNbrs/s320/IMG_1115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
As always a big thanks to Giant Australia, Sram, Adidas Eyewear, 4Shaw, Schwalbe, Creux and Champ-Sys.<br />
<br />
Worrells, the SRAM distributor helped out with bits and pieces at the race, which made life alot easier. Thanks guys!Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-28351518335056985622012-06-23T06:09:00.003-07:002012-06-27T04:59:53.617-07:00SRAM - CX season has begun!So CX season is finally upon us, and the Dirty Deeds prologue was run last week. It was great to be able to get out and race the cross bike again, and the two short races were a perfect way to begin cross season; painful but not quite long enough to be draining. It was held at Brinswick Velodrome, just on the grass inside. Sounds boring, but the course the DDCX crew made up was very very cool. Hard to describe, but there was a corkscrew section, which made me very dizzy. Check out the video of one of the other heats here:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qHJvQzPoEXI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>I won my heat (the field was split into a number of heats) in the scratch race, and finished second last in the handicap (I had to do an extra lap!).<br />
<br />
You may notice some new pictures on the right hand side, as I've been lucky enough to score some support from a few generous companies. I'll go through them one post at a time, beginning with Sram.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sram.com/sram/road/riding-type/cyclocross">Sram Australia</a> have come onboard and decked out my TCX Advanced with a full Sram Red groupset, the bikes dropped about 400g compared to my old setup. The race was it's second ever hitout and it is ridiculous. Nice crisp shifts and I can throw the chain right up the cassette easily! Very very happy!<br />
Sram have a fantastic presence on the local road, mtb and cross scene, and they are often sponsoring events and providing neutral support. I'm stoked to be able to ride for these guys, it also helps that the gear is second to none! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnKyp7pKn2jkzWBA-UI7-aCO8USXE1cBo3w_zZ8KhljCfx2ZTBOiHCnOID5yMpM_SA8OJmjUZesdZKF3PGMv47rNn08LQRN5cAo6AEi9uexbdLYbQ37uyyl8PhG3VydyE8u9Y6LADVu0/s1600/photo(59).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnKyp7pKn2jkzWBA-UI7-aCO8USXE1cBo3w_zZ8KhljCfx2ZTBOiHCnOID5yMpM_SA8OJmjUZesdZKF3PGMv47rNn08LQRN5cAo6AEi9uexbdLYbQ37uyyl8PhG3VydyE8u9Y6LADVu0/s320/photo(59).JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><br />
I'll keep everyone updated with my other sponsors over the next few weeks. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
I'd also like to thank Brian Mangano for letting me use his picture as my title picture. Brian takes some awesome photos at the CX races, and will be travelling to the National Rounds to shoot the series. If you're keen on purchasing some snaps from the races, visit his website at <a href="http://brianmangano.com/">brianmangano.com </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevq0wZ_WgoBJvU0SKdVaLW8I7ZOZgifs_Wrdsvz6kCnly04NuESyvtnKrUnSuMw4_8-BN9oRS0C0ObWCL962UF_bpPcEYlt4b01MuYDAGn4k9GDABZpCNsOy8GpkQH3r0GcDyJN8o64E/s1600/DDCX_2012_Prologue-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevq0wZ_WgoBJvU0SKdVaLW8I7ZOZgifs_Wrdsvz6kCnly04NuESyvtnKrUnSuMw4_8-BN9oRS0C0ObWCL962UF_bpPcEYlt4b01MuYDAGn4k9GDABZpCNsOy8GpkQH3r0GcDyJN8o64E/s400/DDCX_2012_Prologue-30.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've also decided to bite the bullet and go race NZ CX Nationals in Napier. Heading over for a week to make a trip out of it. It'll be interesting to see how I go, as there are some fairly fast looking blokes racing! And Katie Compton's husband, who'll undoubtably be pretty fast... </div>Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-89232890410091292302012-04-30T03:29:00.002-07:002012-06-23T06:13:19.030-07:00Ups and downs of the off/pre season...I've had a few months since arriving home from Belgium, and my off season (which is turning into my pre-season) has had a few highs and a few lows.<br />
<br />
I jumped back into criterium season and finally managed to score an elusive win in A grade at Hawthorn's Wednesday night crit at Kew. A split of about 8 broke away from the bunch, and we earnt a comfortable lead by the time 3 laps were called. I jumped off the front, and didn't look back, whilst the others apparently looked around at one another to do the work to bridge the gap. Lucky for me, the hesitation left me enough time to pull off my first win on the road in A grade.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMVOPB4BZ9tbfwciZ7lO3Ms7rhU2VCbKKMUCi-J5Yi-VKxrjQp74n6-4YYBte5j3X6tPtfUqo5GPrJ30hfSVPL4Xt5NwhYAM5tuNZyk1F4Bp89-UJGDmk-lISu-2sFbq1LMDA9ZN4UWM/s1600/grover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMVOPB4BZ9tbfwciZ7lO3Ms7rhU2VCbKKMUCi-J5Yi-VKxrjQp74n6-4YYBte5j3X6tPtfUqo5GPrJ30hfSVPL4Xt5NwhYAM5tuNZyk1F4Bp89-UJGDmk-lISu-2sFbq1LMDA9ZN4UWM/s320/grover.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grover</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
The Mt Buller Road Race was another successful outing, where I managed to score 8th place in A grade, just 1 minute off the winner, and 2 minutes off Simon Gerran's record up Mt Buller. The bunch stayed together until half way up, and I ended up getting the better of the 2nd group up the climb, nearly catching some SASI riders on the line. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDMVdPlMEvmzkjGzzfZ2Q95HGHJvn3uW2KGdJOwFHFzxWe87w4W9S_Z6gXDvVivyAEJ5i0aSXdOdYjazPY3uR_FpCmaf01yJ-y1F0XVUJKAgW_CSk3bkckmrgMflN9yyq-5n0A9DvyFI/s1600/peta+stewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDMVdPlMEvmzkjGzzfZ2Q95HGHJvn3uW2KGdJOwFHFzxWe87w4W9S_Z6gXDvVivyAEJ5i0aSXdOdYjazPY3uR_FpCmaf01yJ-y1F0XVUJKAgW_CSk3bkckmrgMflN9yyq-5n0A9DvyFI/s320/peta+stewart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roeland and myself in the pre race crit. - Peta Stewart</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Unfortunately the past two outings on the road have been considerably less successful. Poor nutrition and water intake (compounded by a lack of high volume training) had me cramping up 1/2 way through the Baw Baw classic, and hitting the wall at the bottom of the climb. Not fun.<br />
<br />
This weekend just past was the Tour of the South West in Warranambool, I was feeling a little crook, but hopeful I could hang on to the bunch for some decent training. Stupidly, I didn't even warm up, and I was almost dropped off the line. A bunch of ~6 caught back up to the peleton, but I was feeling awful, and ended up dropping off and riding with Clive from UB who'd punctured. We got a decent ride in anyway, rolling around for 100km at a reasonable pace, and managed to have a little bit of fun while doing it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7oFqRcLnJGs9RHKJQEBOurzdHKY17NBVrQZMaWkctFwvbdUbB3NMVVoCl74jY0ig5gTuhyzMP8dW7l5o8cNenM0BcZeD35hLFiJkhhYunV-3gFrnTVwBzbohm-P6gqHRxWKO8Q9j-z0/s1600/barker+photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7oFqRcLnJGs9RHKJQEBOurzdHKY17NBVrQZMaWkctFwvbdUbB3NMVVoCl74jY0ig5gTuhyzMP8dW7l5o8cNenM0BcZeD35hLFiJkhhYunV-3gFrnTVwBzbohm-P6gqHRxWKO8Q9j-z0/s320/barker+photography.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Barker Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Right now it's time to knuckle down and get some decent k's under my belt. I'm glad I'm discovering I'm not fit enough now rather than half way through CX season!<br />
<br />
I helped out with a women's only CX clinic held down at Darebin Parklands the other week, held by the <a href="http://dirtydeedscx.blogspot.com/">Dirty Deeds Cx Crew</a>. It was good fun, with a mix of experienced riders and newbies. There'll be another for all beginner's in May, keep an eye on the website for details.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mjW9xSWQLJ5_uQ1bYnPUufRAPC0gApLyOXm6RiP3x8c9UxzkIzU_ly-wchpF8c-qlJTVuFTW2NmR0xhsqLz2JpxxmBaf_dyNTVqBNCz-rc6I_nyxSJ0KGNELMRrsTq5S5Uy9-I-0H_s/s1600/andrewblake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mjW9xSWQLJ5_uQ1bYnPUufRAPC0gApLyOXm6RiP3x8c9UxzkIzU_ly-wchpF8c-qlJTVuFTW2NmR0xhsqLz2JpxxmBaf_dyNTVqBNCz-rc6I_nyxSJ0KGNELMRrsTq5S5Uy9-I-0H_s/s320/andrewblake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Blake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
Australia will now have a CX National Series, with 2 races in Melbourne (July), 2 in Adelaide (August) and 2 in NSW (Sept?), and state champs in September as well. There's going to be plenty more competition this year, with numerous talented mtbers, roadies and track racers getting CX bikes, so I'll have my work cut out for me! I'll just have to put my experiences to use!<br />
Keep an eye on this page for more details...<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/CyclocrossOz">http://www.facebook.com/CyclocrossOz</a><br />
<br />
Sure this blog won't be as exciting considering I'm not racing overseas at the moment, but check in every now and then to see what I'm up to, and if you're in Melbourne, come and race CX!Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-6258155094854437692012-02-23T14:18:00.001-08:002012-02-27T02:43:29.967-08:00Nice to be homeI've been back now for 2 weeks. I loved Belgium but at the same time, it's nice to be home. There's nothing too exciting to say so I'll sum it up with some pictures.<br />
<br />
Belgium was beautiful in its own way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReSrJWl75I-ueynnryx2Q2lDy1NmT2MBXNiNQqztPujWQ0bTUF1hD0VCH3E_gLGXif-3VkevrItAhLeJmR7IHdZECdRsyHSdAJY2fuXgoNic_d02hD2lq8Sd_Z32ak0XmxY2US_WGtiE/s1600/photo(41).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReSrJWl75I-ueynnryx2Q2lDy1NmT2MBXNiNQqztPujWQ0bTUF1hD0VCH3E_gLGXif-3VkevrItAhLeJmR7IHdZECdRsyHSdAJY2fuXgoNic_d02hD2lq8Sd_Z32ak0XmxY2US_WGtiE/s320/photo(41).JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMcBPSIs4oDV0GswTiwTS3YXOOZ35c54AdkvU82ocbEzgdai9rpg2ompgu1jsxSDn9TtWJmHwY2NyGwe7CIMPVGvpyMW-bgaIWtzV2Dw2vpRL8UqvFKMbFgyi0NwduBd4A3HUjuOCxjQ/s1600/photo(42).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMcBPSIs4oDV0GswTiwTS3YXOOZ35c54AdkvU82ocbEzgdai9rpg2ompgu1jsxSDn9TtWJmHwY2NyGwe7CIMPVGvpyMW-bgaIWtzV2Dw2vpRL8UqvFKMbFgyi0NwduBd4A3HUjuOCxjQ/s320/photo(42).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs39n5CzBZPGkCMaZe44b6uWeswITze4SrleB2t6kxSpY9Nx7WDg01ONAXEqdJkK3OUspcypHco8ADHyVk_JnTv7FVu6SQ6oy7SfLv9_nP4g-D2ZxjTHbDaPmiw4T5vKRA30j_Hsb7U5E/s1600/photo%252843%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs39n5CzBZPGkCMaZe44b6uWeswITze4SrleB2t6kxSpY9Nx7WDg01ONAXEqdJkK3OUspcypHco8ADHyVk_JnTv7FVu6SQ6oy7SfLv9_nP4g-D2ZxjTHbDaPmiw4T5vKRA30j_Hsb7U5E/s320/photo%252843%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But in my final weeks the weather dropped to about -12, and it soon looked a lot more like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmNTkN8SyyUDor8ftxp6_4gHq2zfvS1E3D-wCT0IlFuy6KAV-taQ9MHvgJJ0AQ7_5IriDyJ9Kg3HtzWztcbYxGbGvWedtz-3UdLkFZq7G2ANqaGbQwIJN6lrBNVZ6jlWSPeSJIgcvpoU/s1600/photo%252844%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmNTkN8SyyUDor8ftxp6_4gHq2zfvS1E3D-wCT0IlFuy6KAV-taQ9MHvgJJ0AQ7_5IriDyJ9Kg3HtzWztcbYxGbGvWedtz-3UdLkFZq7G2ANqaGbQwIJN6lrBNVZ6jlWSPeSJIgcvpoU/s320/photo%252844%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Beautiful? Yes. Training weather? No.<br />
<br />
Once I got home, I took some time off to relax with my girlfriend down at the beach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpywtnDdEYOzLGk6o429a8jvAWKRSRSLkspjma44AXOKc9UVzO5Wy8YlJm1OB9QhBQPPmicjci6wzY8sTqw_I1IV6Arfbg-mzkg3mr3GB1_2YpwKYfEDZBjnpLwgNFLKVw7dWkonKIns/s1600/photo%252840%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpywtnDdEYOzLGk6o429a8jvAWKRSRSLkspjma44AXOKc9UVzO5Wy8YlJm1OB9QhBQPPmicjci6wzY8sTqw_I1IV6Arfbg-mzkg3mr3GB1_2YpwKYfEDZBjnpLwgNFLKVw7dWkonKIns/s320/photo%252840%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And before long I was back on the bike, with a much greater appreciation of how good it is to ride in Melbourne.<br />
<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/AVvXsEgDqXRfDAm4XIzmAPqOtVphegQBwF18OCQNV0qFwwX-otq7NDRo-MSXQ5YSCnVFlc6Rmy6eY65EeemMUosxwHcC4ZDatk1QVEz8a4bNLbzsUH6AV7yqgwfBqo7dN6HKVcG9dRhxUb3sWv0/s1600/photo%252838%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqXRfDAm4XIzmAPqOtVphegQBwF18OCQNV0qFwwX-otq7NDRo-MSXQ5YSCnVFlc6Rmy6eY65EeemMUosxwHcC4ZDatk1QVEz8a4bNLbzsUH6AV7yqgwfBqo7dN6HKVcG9dRhxUb3sWv0/s320/photo%252838%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Got out on the MTB on Tuesday, and the skills are beyond a little rusty. I had entered MTB Nationals, but I'm glad I'm giving it a miss, it would have been a little embarrassing!<br />
Also had a belt round the Hawthorn Criteriums on Wednesday, nothing outrageous, just rode with the bunch, gave it a couple of go's off the front, and rolled through the finish. Training will formally start once uni starts, next week! Uni's only 3 days so I have plenty of time to train/work.<br />
<br />
Team Manager Roeland is planning a comeback at the Mt Buller Road Race, here's his new blog.<br />
<a href="http://r-suys.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/fresh-start.html">http://r-suys.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/fresh-start.html</a><br />
<br />
Cheers!Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-46882198815048920072012-02-07T06:11:00.000-08:002012-02-07T15:39:26.702-08:00Hooroo The rest of my trip here will be relatively uneventful, and I've decided to finish up with the blog till I get home. I'll continue to update it with my racing back in Australia, but the Belgian adventure has come to an end.<br />
<br />
Here is a brief summary of my trip:<br />
-Raced 3 World Cups<br />
-Represented my country at the World Champs in front of the biggest ever crowd at a CX race; 61,000<br />
-Raced 2 GVA Trophee Races<br />
-Got 2nd at the VWF race. (I looked up the guy who beat me, he won 15 races this season!)<br />
-Got paid to race the Otegem C2 race<br />
-Won a meat platter<br />
-Made plenty of new friends and some handy contacts.<br />
-I only came last once!<br />
-I finished every race I entered<br />
-I am now ranked 288th in the World for CX<br />
-I have hopefully inspired some more Australians to start racing CX locally, and hopefully also head overseas.<br />
<br />
Again I would like to thank everyone who has made my trip possible. Roeland, Rose and their friends and family, the people at home and the Belgians who have supported me and all my sponsors for their generous support, in particular, Giant Bicycles, who have helped subsidise my trip. If you are in the market for a bike, tyres, sports supplements (in Belgium), or a bike service, please consider helping my sponsors out as they did for me, and mention my site brought you there! If you haven't already, please visit my thank you post to see how everyone has helped make the trip such a success. <br />
<a href="http://ratracingcx.blogspot.com/2012/01/thank-you-all.html">http://ratracingcx.blogspot.com/2012/01/thank-you-all.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
I've also done another interview on a friend's blog:<br />
<a href="http://grannygearblog.com/2012/02/the-australian-cyclocross-situation/">http://grannygearblog.com/2012/02/the-australian-cyclocross-situation/</a><br />
<br />
I have had a heap of people sending me their photos from my various races over here, and have certainly appreciated them all. I met Tanaka Sonoko whilst staying with the Japanese team in Koksijde, and she emailed me some superb photos which you can see below. As with any photographer on my blog, please contact them before you use their photography. Some are amateurs doing it for fun, and others are trying to make a living out of it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG19zgrHGLmjCE9XqjF8OoFuDGIpqiLiQP7sQG8bTpIn8Bqxt84d_nDZTvHu4F2pkInTpLzKid-BoFLmsfvXiTSwXvdHtzDnIEg3WScpxHoDgMS5PsvJd3Aq5p0IKLuW4e2LYEXp4G_1g/s1600/_DSC4647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG19zgrHGLmjCE9XqjF8OoFuDGIpqiLiQP7sQG8bTpIn8Bqxt84d_nDZTvHu4F2pkInTpLzKid-BoFLmsfvXiTSwXvdHtzDnIEg3WScpxHoDgMS5PsvJd3Aq5p0IKLuW4e2LYEXp4G_1g/s320/_DSC4647.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe8ezfwwCcH6F1Dho_S18cRea-ABwEueSuhmSvPCwOPh4dPEKS2zbudu8Wylbk-wz4qWipQUt0Slnmnb87EeWKBh1veBpq9_713HpAgkfcNT1z7-Zz2qlo1O7xVwPIjYwBwIk87HjlXw/s1600/_DSC7943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe8ezfwwCcH6F1Dho_S18cRea-ABwEueSuhmSvPCwOPh4dPEKS2zbudu8Wylbk-wz4qWipQUt0Slnmnb87EeWKBh1veBpq9_713HpAgkfcNT1z7-Zz2qlo1O7xVwPIjYwBwIk87HjlXw/s320/_DSC7943.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtzqph9ZsIGFIENr9Ud4kZ9g8DCQ7ZYIU2LYE6PBI2gKOwaWnzsgkP_Pagn4cGi7lUiZvZAEUD-0ULmv4YMj04MG84mWief8tIzbkomkeYlJjYZW7LyzpLHWbm9Ws1toB9EbxPbkeLWk/s1600/_DSC8041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtzqph9ZsIGFIENr9Ud4kZ9g8DCQ7ZYIU2LYE6PBI2gKOwaWnzsgkP_Pagn4cGi7lUiZvZAEUD-0ULmv4YMj04MG84mWief8tIzbkomkeYlJjYZW7LyzpLHWbm9Ws1toB9EbxPbkeLWk/s320/_DSC8041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSbhNh1hCa2MXQ8htZsIIXXotMkgOymp2_OgtgZU3jekW9ROEHR2t4tDrac7RtCwVLzCdjAhNafnl-BpJZxbA4r_N24J8anIDavoQkAFN-IIpJhLqG8lTCL_lW0b1YcpNeBKegYHgDSs/s1600/DSC_3697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSbhNh1hCa2MXQ8htZsIIXXotMkgOymp2_OgtgZU3jekW9ROEHR2t4tDrac7RtCwVLzCdjAhNafnl-BpJZxbA4r_N24J8anIDavoQkAFN-IIpJhLqG8lTCL_lW0b1YcpNeBKegYHgDSs/s320/DSC_3697.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-uIc2d1EpBcNob_4gB10FenpCuYRvcGF5WT-GO-_CxkorpQhJaMWWssJVTZt455lJ1h8EjiEkYYKPa17n8P4lPY607MJU4qTBGMsu3Lhk091L-O9YnOsNIk75cAIap2qKcwPO3PfIoc/s1600/DSC_3698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-uIc2d1EpBcNob_4gB10FenpCuYRvcGF5WT-GO-_CxkorpQhJaMWWssJVTZt455lJ1h8EjiEkYYKPa17n8P4lPY607MJU4qTBGMsu3Lhk091L-O9YnOsNIk75cAIap2qKcwPO3PfIoc/s320/DSC_3698.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzVMSmV5u_1hn9cJmLa0Do4RoqgGi66ajMyRn8TcZALcbqck_zrnyEqbzyttT5ybpYJ0d9VgsnQ8XZhLdQz7dYtEbky3y-mq6Pttaqb0Hhnkc9pCNhoVfCKlQeBKmndKqnmDZdkD5MKk/s1600/Hoogerheide-7947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzVMSmV5u_1hn9cJmLa0Do4RoqgGi66ajMyRn8TcZALcbqck_zrnyEqbzyttT5ybpYJ0d9VgsnQ8XZhLdQz7dYtEbky3y-mq6Pttaqb0Hhnkc9pCNhoVfCKlQeBKmndKqnmDZdkD5MKk/s320/Hoogerheide-7947.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This has been the most amazing trip I've ever been on. Thanks for following my blog, and please check back every now and then to see what I've been up to.<br />
Adios!Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-65600005910190695172012-02-05T09:32:00.000-08:002012-02-05T09:32:30.566-08:00Final Race! GVA Trophee Lille<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was hoping to find a race similar to the Vlaamse Weiler Federatie race I got 2nd at, to try and pull off a win before I came home. Unfortunately, the smaller competitions have all finished up now, so it was another tough race for me. The GVA Trophee, for those who don't know, is the highest level of CX race (together with the Superprestige) apart from the World Cup and World Champs. Belgium finally had the weather I was expecting in the last week, when we recieved a dump of snow on Thursday. Driving out to the race, I was skeptical of whether I could really be bothered. The temperature was saying -12 degrees, surely I'm better off leaving on a high with the amazing World Championships, than giving myself frostbite on a freezing Saturday morning. Arriving at the course there was a decent turn out of specators and racers, considering the weather, but it was certainly beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWgAylJl-OMO7qP8hvD5FfUVwmDsjrGoAYHj6kVY9qfOOfYMklkzmQodktOLCmT8RP2DXJnZKbBahvXdmHw8vHqGJZaPAcZSJhAAWUW2xZKTaS5gFKo1sf97KddygStiwv8GAgGrSBy8/s1600/photo(37).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWgAylJl-OMO7qP8hvD5FfUVwmDsjrGoAYHj6kVY9qfOOfYMklkzmQodktOLCmT8RP2DXJnZKbBahvXdmHw8vHqGJZaPAcZSJhAAWUW2xZKTaS5gFKo1sf97KddygStiwv8GAgGrSBy8/s320/photo(37).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Pine forests surrounding a frozen lake, all covered in snow, with a blue sky. Very picturesque. Thankfully due to the cold, the course was actually very dry, and superfast. I rugged up to the max for the race, wearing long knicks, thermal undershirt, jersey, long sleeve lined jersey and a balaclava.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4FYr94M4s6vqsnDXw49Qf1BRMbpaiBS7M-c35CrXLb6X_vQMZwTKTTzpoAeRdRlwu3qGpguMMiFijSwwiMJVwbgmOKtxPAZOz9SGPnb8GbysH7Wbx3l4wKj-ZRFebIbLA68W8Qaedlk/s1600/P1080352.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4FYr94M4s6vqsnDXw49Qf1BRMbpaiBS7M-c35CrXLb6X_vQMZwTKTTzpoAeRdRlwu3qGpguMMiFijSwwiMJVwbgmOKtxPAZOz9SGPnb8GbysH7Wbx3l4wKj-ZRFebIbLA68W8Qaedlk/s320/P1080352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After one practice lap before the start, I was actually ready to throw the towel in. My hands were beyond numb, they just bloody well hurt! Thankfully I was able to warm them up before the start. There were still all of the big guns at the start line, but most of the tailenders had gone back to their respective homes following the WC's. I was thinking my chances of finishing last were pretty high. The gun went off, and I hung out the back but stuck with the bunch for the first km. In a pile up round a corner I found a sneaky inside line and jumped infront of about 6 people, but as I jumped on my bike, I couldnt move, there was deep sand under the snow which I hadnt seen! Everyone came past me again and I was back in last. During the lap I rode back up to one other rider, and proceeded to pass him before the end of the lap. The crowd took a while to get behind me but thanks to some people who recognised me from the week before, I was getting some of the loudest cheers (apparently) whenever I would pass them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiET2ogGhZBG34yN7mvfV1wKpZyw4MtJOLOT5P0VGTvo9gQ96C-GaaMDK4nQGKivXxqNiFGb-Q-EEMiUQ6frdw5aE3mRmtp6YG7j5bCJVNC62zYHx_VrpbaegvcoUOaRVvt6VrHEXCjhBo/s1600/P1080344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiET2ogGhZBG34yN7mvfV1wKpZyw4MtJOLOT5P0VGTvo9gQ96C-GaaMDK4nQGKivXxqNiFGb-Q-EEMiUQ6frdw5aE3mRmtp6YG7j5bCJVNC62zYHx_VrpbaegvcoUOaRVvt6VrHEXCjhBo/s320/P1080344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_Bl5h5IG8cv7ORPW_clzpuErosf3MusCpLAOwASbhpy5P0L2gcWVNaRFUf3_WIrNIM04KKCABsJely9qAKqlr50oxEwaw-pAaP-dZ3k98-_8MT8NyXt7lSKh-2bcBmF-z1swdZAfIJY/s1600/P1080350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
I rode 5 laps before being pulled, and got about 40 mins riding time. I beat one finisher, a Belgian, and was apparently consistently 30 secs behind the person in front. Not half bad, but nothing amazing. Still, it was nice to be able to race in the snow, and it certainly was a pleasant way to wrap up my racing. Ellen took some great photos of the race, and Jeroen and his friend Joni were on hand in the pit lane. Whilst I didnt end up changing bikes, I certainly appreciated their help. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8qEp2qWYj9F92ZHrJEJNk2sd5VmhGFLREoj_8J3jVWf68WKh5V2UkzZsBswoNToOe4veyeHgsOGdifBanLNVw5eJeZ0-sdXVD3BCL5D2pe2KE8Dn2mBDhxrEVhvgu85HFWKL15IqBME/s1600/P1080376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8qEp2qWYj9F92ZHrJEJNk2sd5VmhGFLREoj_8J3jVWf68WKh5V2UkzZsBswoNToOe4veyeHgsOGdifBanLNVw5eJeZ0-sdXVD3BCL5D2pe2KE8Dn2mBDhxrEVhvgu85HFWKL15IqBME/s320/P1080376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And that's all! I will post up some of those photos before I leave, together with a run down of the trip, but for now it's time to relax!<br />
<br />
<br />
**Unfortunately, due to the snow, we were unable to go to the beer festival! Devastating, but better than ending up in a ditch on the side of the frozen road. I'll get you next time Prime.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSXi2C90F9N4sFFdyo1YuPLVmy2YCE30X_i7Vnw6ftApxBHqOp_gt0tveMFABXoneS4gNZcVLr_XZcSSodBB4xxU3QHWRtHenm18kpiOTupcc76P_fJaaID1qg393S3GS5dmPNX7DFW4/s1600/photo(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSXi2C90F9N4sFFdyo1YuPLVmy2YCE30X_i7Vnw6ftApxBHqOp_gt0tveMFABXoneS4gNZcVLr_XZcSSodBB4xxU3QHWRtHenm18kpiOTupcc76P_fJaaID1qg393S3GS5dmPNX7DFW4/s320/photo(36).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-37895524507080552532012-02-02T03:51:00.000-08:002012-02-02T03:54:33.433-08:00World Champ Report and InterviewsSorry for another late report, popped over to Paris to see my sister off, who came and watched my race.<br />
<br />
The team on the day consisted of my sister, Mat Gray (a fellow Dirty Deeds racer from Melbourne), Jeroen and Tom the mechanics, Roeland was team manger and Rose was taking my jacket and pants from the start.<br />
Whilst in the team carpark, we had a few people come up and say hi, plenty of people recognised me from earlier races, and came to say hello, and there were even some Aussies from London came over to say g'day. Always nice to hear some Australian accents amongst the Flemish whilst I'm racing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu1tm6rCyA2pbd9A1WjVrB-0-fw9Qf-odWyv9G5U5ENp-EnGnPOWdhX03nqkq0IEN4mkbes1MAW5wOucrwmv2fAU9udYOpXtT4ButhKMF5rGk8YU86GUOJHvDYHGut4ZFyHi09-n62Kg/s1600/393937_10150572644604449_770529448_8833252_898669215_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu1tm6rCyA2pbd9A1WjVrB-0-fw9Qf-odWyv9G5U5ENp-EnGnPOWdhX03nqkq0IEN4mkbes1MAW5wOucrwmv2fAU9udYOpXtT4ButhKMF5rGk8YU86GUOJHvDYHGut4ZFyHi09-n62Kg/s320/393937_10150572644604449_770529448_8833252_898669215_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bosschaert's and a Van Boxel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It was ridiculously cold (negative something), so we spent most of the time in the car staying warm. Sure enough, 2:15pm rolled by and I started to freak out about warming up and getting my numbers pinned. This usually isn't a problem, but I think I was more nervous than I realised and I pinned my numbers so they popped out when I pulled my suit on. Only enough time for a short warm up with the Japanese guys, and then I took off to the start line. Thankfully there was a road clear where I could ride around the crowds to get to the start/finish area. The start came about quickly and in no time I was lining up watching the lights turn from red to green. <br />
The race was always going to be extremely difficult. One of the spanish guys came down hard on the tarmac at the start, but thankfully I was on the other side of the road and managed to avoid him. I moved up into a pretty decent position at one point, and was riding well, maybe around 52nd for the first part of the first lap. Exactly where I wanted to be. Throughout my numerous practice laps combined I was able to link up and ride <i>almost</i> all of the course, however once the gun went it was a completely different story. Unfortunately a dropped chain up the climb I was reciveing cheers on meant I had to stop and put it back on, losing all the positions I gained. I slowly managed to move back up, catching David the Norwegian, and we rode together for some of that lap.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TlUvUbYFfYROaVC2HLId2_xWSkvWj5M-EQQGNvC7jZJQMmtQbJjBOeWICbS3Ro0tnbseIul4UzyVkS0CO_MZPZw7xsNS_Yd0L_jBC7805QBS60PnnHumDUOLiBu0hncxBA-6XDb2VKM/s1600/tomprenen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TlUvUbYFfYROaVC2HLId2_xWSkvWj5M-EQQGNvC7jZJQMmtQbJjBOeWICbS3Ro0tnbseIul4UzyVkS0CO_MZPZw7xsNS_Yd0L_jBC7805QBS60PnnHumDUOLiBu0hncxBA-6XDb2VKM/s320/tomprenen.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Prenan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The sandy sections that I was able to ride occaisionally in practice became completely unrideable, partially due to my vision blurring from pushing way too hard, and partially from the lines all changing due to the mayham of the first lap. My dismounts were sloppy and I was an absolute mess. The running in the sand was simply destroying me, Im sure I would've hit max HR out there had I been wearing a monitor. My throat was on fire. And imagine amongst all of this, there are 61,000 people screaming and yelling as you struggle through the sand.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwo6GOVCu3lmZGGiPaYNMDPV0IV6sYy-Y3cH0iu9mRmWEtNAD2_rG1MR75nn13uSLpjPOiTkV_KMxN4A9-n0UoVPMvnob1m7CGrdqVSjAUuT8fZv0ELUkbI-T0sHyXov42w3qNAhNH8lo/s1600/tp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwo6GOVCu3lmZGGiPaYNMDPV0IV6sYy-Y3cH0iu9mRmWEtNAD2_rG1MR75nn13uSLpjPOiTkV_KMxN4A9-n0UoVPMvnob1m7CGrdqVSjAUuT8fZv0ELUkbI-T0sHyXov42w3qNAhNH8lo/s320/tp2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Prenen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I finally managed to compose myself somewhat, and settled back into a good rhythm. Whenever I passed the sandpit or the sandy climb, the crowd would erupt, especially if I ended up making it through smoothly. Thanks to a much cleaner second lap, I was able to catch and pass an Austrian rider, and put some time into him.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfyomoFvbXbQPFaEzD3x1DA8nwj7O9banemB4x5CFImtLSmATWU_J3sUiXcZirraDX6BYpBtem2X5jUC_vLhWICnKNzsd_POCOgWINAqBBn56bLb9mDnt6KP5ttRDFgEG4yDSgjgrIUE/s1600/6794078399_dc785a888d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfyomoFvbXbQPFaEzD3x1DA8nwj7O9banemB4x5CFImtLSmATWU_J3sUiXcZirraDX6BYpBtem2X5jUC_vLhWICnKNzsd_POCOgWINAqBBn56bLb9mDnt6KP5ttRDFgEG4yDSgjgrIUE/s320/6794078399_dc785a888d_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny Zelck</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I had another Austrian in sight after nearing the finish of my third lap, and I heard a roar behind me and saw something blue. There's a bloody Belgian behind me! Surely he got a flat and is just catching up! But no, it was Niels Albert and he was riding like an absolute mad man. I finished in 26 mins of riding time, -7 laps and 57th from 59 finishers. I beat two finishers, which was the initial aim. I was a little disappointed with the result, and certainly upset that I couldn't spend more time riding infront of that amazing crowd, but I would put it down to the nature of the course, as opposed to me having a poor race. Everyone looked bad on the results sheet. 24 riders finished without being lapped, and the riders I wanted to finish on the same lap as were 6 laps down. And these guys are very good riders. The exhilaration from riding in front of a crowd like that was something I'm likely to never experience again, but I will never ever forget it, such an amazing way to finish the trip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jo5F2LDADurw_f5wX5IxZwMSCjINtqgdXRZzjjAptxBktCf-dOKrCOHZZhIch0kuMxdzvmcaIKPOksMs5Gh7qh-O-dh8VUNpsxMvqjIQJ32hdLjsGIwFm4HgW4E7UuuecApVsF6XMuE/s1600/P1030300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jo5F2LDADurw_f5wX5IxZwMSCjINtqgdXRZzjjAptxBktCf-dOKrCOHZZhIch0kuMxdzvmcaIKPOksMs5Gh7qh-O-dh8VUNpsxMvqjIQJ32hdLjsGIwFm4HgW4E7UuuecApVsF6XMuE/s320/P1030300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMfYAYjApIAK_Ub4PCa6IrFZHS1362EThDsdUiUk8HRVNqQxYoVv9EEyWd5EdqZQzQ31zyvdbIxHgZtjmS9m0QkexRt4tS4DmwNSjfOBkcI6fF9pEZGydWPo8Ay4ppOXlagIxug6lgSE/s1600/P1030314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMfYAYjApIAK_Ub4PCa6IrFZHS1362EThDsdUiUk8HRVNqQxYoVv9EEyWd5EdqZQzQ31zyvdbIxHgZtjmS9m0QkexRt4tS4DmwNSjfOBkcI6fF9pEZGydWPo8Ay4ppOXlagIxug6lgSE/s320/P1030314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I now have 2 weeks left in Belgium. There is a GVA Trofee in Lille this weekend which I may do, but I'm also wondering if I should just finish my season on a high, and just relax for a while. We'll see. The Bruges Beer Festival is on Saturday night, so regardless of whether I end up racing, I will certainly be enjoying myself that evening. 250 beers from 65 breweries. You buy a glass and they simply fill you up! Proost! (Cheers)<br />
<br />
Again thanks to everyone for their support out on the course, on facebook and in the comments section on this blog. It's a great feeling knowing people are following you whilst you're racing. Thanks to my team for their help on the day, it wouldn't have been possible otherwise. Thank you to my primary sponsor Giant Australia, and associated sponsors Schwalbe, Sports2, Qoleum and St Kilda Cycles.<br />
Regardless of whether I race this weekend or not, I'll have a post with Sonoko's photos and the Bruges beer festival next week.<br />
Right now its time to shave off this ridiculous 'mo' and get a haircut. <br />
Thank you!<br />
<br />
I've also had a couple of interviews following the race, and I wrote a journal for CX Magazine.<br />
<br />
Most of the content on here you will have seen before, but it's cool that I can get it out to a bigger audience:<br />
<a href="http://www.cxmagazine.com/australian-racer-lewis-rattray-worlds">http://www.cxmagazine.com/australian-racer-lewis-rattray-worlds</a><br />
<br />
I was interviewed by Wade from CyclingTips that night over Skype, it came up really well! There are some new photos on there too...<br />
<a href="http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2012/01/lewis-rattray-australias-cyclocross-pioneer/">http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2012/01/lewis-rattray-australias-cyclocross-pioneer/</a><br />
<br />
This was an interview for a German CX website.<br />
<a href="http://translate.google.com.au/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fveldrijden.de.tl%2FInterviews.htm&act=url">http://translate.google.com.au/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fveldrijden.de.tl%2FInterviews.htm&act=url</a><br />
(There are pop up ads which you just need to close first)Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-66700160193090798732012-01-30T23:53:00.000-08:002012-01-30T23:53:12.633-08:00The World Championships in pictures and video.Well I'm about to go to Paris to see my sister off, who kindly came and watched the race, so I dont have time to post a report, but I'll write it up either on the way there/back. In the meantime, enjoy some videos and photos of the race.<br />
It was ridiculous. 61,000 people. A record crowd for CX.<br />
30,000L of beer. <br />
An atmosphere I will never forget.<br />
During the practice laps I was re-doing a few tricky sections where most of the fans were. Won a few new supporters after getting the crowd to give me a slow clap to get me through, and it actually worked! People were saying I was getting a better reception than the leaders during the race!<br />
This video is best watched without sound but you can see the crowd going crazy, thanks Dieter Meerts!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2mKq9W3WO24?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Then this one was a tricky sandy climb which I again had to redo a few times during practice. Michiel De Clerq filmed my last succesful attempt, you can hear the crowd go crazy in this one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HE7EQjf4dS8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Kristof Mellemans took this photo in the sand:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyfRZPQ3uP_aiH21V05IB54QolA-eaeQ-fyVhgN36q8eCer8o_szpNCjgv2kg1zNQLrl_fp-EJeeW3fJaCvcEK49GPbyiDeDLAfI_21q6fCIF-XV3Ra7bVkVuV2dHq4u8pqGpO8_46OM/s1600/402156_2877886701167_1079985652_2874067_253503852_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyfRZPQ3uP_aiH21V05IB54QolA-eaeQ-fyVhgN36q8eCer8o_szpNCjgv2kg1zNQLrl_fp-EJeeW3fJaCvcEK49GPbyiDeDLAfI_21q6fCIF-XV3Ra7bVkVuV2dHq4u8pqGpO8_46OM/s320/402156_2877886701167_1079985652_2874067_253503852_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="fbPhotoContributorName" id="fbPhotoSnowboxAuthorName">Lydia Van de Meerssche took this photo down one of the flyovers:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiGxSDWJf4pgS_r-d0BRkjpiSqDbeXc9XlDVN3Rhs_hw6qZwSEjEBiMIRQe6LOqRJHYwnET4jBxjb6TQNjebCCPIpxAqwdijf2uyDn_ZJRwo8ltaLy18NsUlSYiBCbVlMLaJL3sf465g/s1600/429406_2734208992309_1169826821_32274061_436492056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiGxSDWJf4pgS_r-d0BRkjpiSqDbeXc9XlDVN3Rhs_hw6qZwSEjEBiMIRQe6LOqRJHYwnET4jBxjb6TQNjebCCPIpxAqwdijf2uyDn_ZJRwo8ltaLy18NsUlSYiBCbVlMLaJL3sf465g/s320/429406_2734208992309_1169826821_32274061_436492056_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="fbPhotoContributorName" id="fbPhotoSnowboxAuthorName"><br />
</div><div class="fbPhotoContributorName" id="fbPhotoSnowboxAuthorName">Kris Claeye: The owner of the magnificent photo that is my title pic, took this photo of me right after nailing the sandy section in practice (just after that video)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkc2_MUcimDP6x9l2OYhl4Gs7K1W3Fjm5ZIffS3Ee5QXgdO2yDcevKxkRoPU5shmC_eiZ4RgntOHHVG9ln1pLwhpy1jdsGUfdIohyIL4weiMCsgozeXK7jd38nT9THWQz2cGOgvPcxmo/s1600/428895_3179480492751_1437825574_3203470_958561693_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkc2_MUcimDP6x9l2OYhl4Gs7K1W3Fjm5ZIffS3Ee5QXgdO2yDcevKxkRoPU5shmC_eiZ4RgntOHHVG9ln1pLwhpy1jdsGUfdIohyIL4weiMCsgozeXK7jd38nT9THWQz2cGOgvPcxmo/s320/428895_3179480492751_1437825574_3203470_958561693_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this one when I was thanking the crowd for their support.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadvsvOrNYfo34YNNtqb4q1BpGVtZcmP9EsCNuF0f6oyD-soEUNrjkGW60zXbhfjAc1AJJbZ5ZQzo1o8qbtX5gMCw494qaYKgJ9U289-UYMrY-xxJh2QUV1zr_bvL_8BscoXlyc-lfNfE/s1600/426769_3179475892636_1437825574_3203468_1725961033_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadvsvOrNYfo34YNNtqb4q1BpGVtZcmP9EsCNuF0f6oyD-soEUNrjkGW60zXbhfjAc1AJJbZ5ZQzo1o8qbtX5gMCw494qaYKgJ9U289-UYMrY-xxJh2QUV1zr_bvL_8BscoXlyc-lfNfE/s320/426769_3179475892636_1437825574_3203468_1725961033_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="fbPhotoContributorName" id="fbPhotoSnowboxAuthorName"><br />
</div><div class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowboxCaption" tabindex="0"><span></span></div><span class="fcg"></span>I'll save a few pics for the actual write up, but it was the best thing I've ever done in my life, and something I'll likely never get to experience again; that is a big tick next to "represent Australia at something" on my bucket list.Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-28530182890945385952012-01-28T01:17:00.000-08:002012-01-28T01:17:24.001-08:00Koksijde World Champs<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I am lucky enough to be staying with the Japanese team in Koksijde in the week leading up to the World Championships. Japan isn’t quite a powerhouse when it comes to Cyclocross, however they are very competitive across each category, and certainly not just making up the numbers. They have a team of 7 riders, and about 8 staff members including mechanics, a photographer and assistants. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We rode out to the course yesterday and immediately I was wondering what on earth I’ve gotten myself into. About 1/3 of the course was made up of sand dunes. That’s not to say I don’t like it, it’s simply unlike anything I’ve ever seen or ridden. For the somewhat less proficient riders such as myself, this means a lot of fairly exhausting running, and some treacherous descents. Things such as when to remount and how to shift your weight when riding the sand are completely new to me, but I am learning from watching the other riders, and speaking to Yannick and Keeichi who are more than happy to share advice. During official training the organisers had school groups visit to cheer on the riders. There would have been about 1000 students lining the exciting parts of the course, which was certainly a nice way to be welcomed to the World Championships. I stopped to take some photos with the children, and immediately was swarmed by them all trying to get my autograph. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqOvlvk2rNb3i1Jr6z_Pvz7p5v_lUsQSxlEnsw1XX7xbHKvpZAMPWpHp-20-wkoOIf4zabESsDnBVx0Gcspqzbl7O84c8pBQZbBvmOwSRGr87KxZizDvxAU_ATJM3dmsR4QiOISBiAwg/s1600/Photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqOvlvk2rNb3i1Jr6z_Pvz7p5v_lUsQSxlEnsw1XX7xbHKvpZAMPWpHp-20-wkoOIf4zabESsDnBVx0Gcspqzbl7O84c8pBQZbBvmOwSRGr87KxZizDvxAU_ATJM3dmsR4QiOISBiAwg/s320/Photo2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfTzWl37flc8lwQI60G56Jm3NVvIIt3OeKaL4RecAYnE5why8eAoGwg_U8ksXJ3_C3hA3E8Enfz5Znd9RyJTnGVJkp5GHAPkQXLw4zLKUq02XVR2M21tBlg2twztO3wDjFz_doF_wiGk/s1600/Photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfTzWl37flc8lwQI60G56Jm3NVvIIt3OeKaL4RecAYnE5why8eAoGwg_U8ksXJ3_C3hA3E8Enfz5Znd9RyJTnGVJkp5GHAPkQXLw4zLKUq02XVR2M21tBlg2twztO3wDjFz_doF_wiGk/s320/Photo3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Yesterday the course had dried up a bit, and the channels in the sand were a little more defined, making the tricky sections a little easier to ride, but still very difficult to link up, without having to dismount. Watching the professionals ride these sections is truly amazing, and I’ll do my best to emulate their skills tomorrow. <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<br />
Japanese freelance photographer Sonoko Yakana has some amazing photos she's kindly allowed me to use. If you wish to use her photos, please contact her first. <a href="mailto:sonoko_cat@me.com">sonoko_cat@me.com</a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYnrnlyZls-lbplJOuf8N1e5NBn4OPnn6sLPmz3TqFE1UtBqgujldmZ7phi1UGggdv4a90dSFjRFD5waq0_jvwYAmNtiORlY8lxfclUNCp2TKLsVkOFemWX66tuH1xYqDo3SXv_3JG8o/s1600/_DSC8894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYnrnlyZls-lbplJOuf8N1e5NBn4OPnn6sLPmz3TqFE1UtBqgujldmZ7phi1UGggdv4a90dSFjRFD5waq0_jvwYAmNtiORlY8lxfclUNCp2TKLsVkOFemWX66tuH1xYqDo3SXv_3JG8o/s320/_DSC8894.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll throw up a post of her photos next week, they're stunning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
The aim is to beat 3 finishers, and finish on the same lap as a few quality riders in front of me. Not a ridiculous wish, but the sand will wreck havoc, so anything can happen. Fingers crossed!Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965540124720676438.post-52475123052724096812012-01-23T10:38:00.000-08:002012-01-23T10:38:36.548-08:00Hoogerheide World CupThis was the final round of the World Cup, in the Netherlands. We went out on the saturday to do some practice laps. It was bloody cold and the wind was howling. The course was good fun with a few fairly sloppy mud sections and a cool run up a steep climb before popping back onto the pavement. On my 3rd practice lap I somehow managed to lose my front wheel down a very easy descent, and smash into the fence lining the course. Index (shifting/braking) finger took most of it, followed by my jaw where I landed on top of the fence, then both knees and finally my calf when I landed on the fence support. Bloody embarrassing! Felt like I'd bent my finger around and broken it, but thankfully it was fine. Certainly hurt to walk though, and I cut myself under my jaw, I think the beard hair cushioned my blow. Not a great start! Anyway, hopped on the rollers that night to loosen it all up, and thankfully I packed some tiger balm plus to mask the pain.<br />
<br />
Come race day we rolled in and before I knew it I was lining up for my 3rd World Cup. As soon as the gun went, adrenalin kicked in and I completely forgot about the pain in my knees, calf and finger. I did what has worked for me in every other race and stayed out of trouble to move up when the front runners came down. Of course they did.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeF5D_ReeeBU0PUstXyEbGfGGRPR7JptYqBodHyP9rs5QeEuhAdmcaJGy4_TdzOyZowp_0MkrjHDqwl0cAsArsJezXHQS-_Fu1j-I2-ehCHIcMDJ240tuwGC-NQEMkpSs0-mcTz8ZHWk/s1600/6744707505_7ba1c782d0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeF5D_ReeeBU0PUstXyEbGfGGRPR7JptYqBodHyP9rs5QeEuhAdmcaJGy4_TdzOyZowp_0MkrjHDqwl0cAsArsJezXHQS-_Fu1j-I2-ehCHIcMDJ240tuwGC-NQEMkpSs0-mcTz8ZHWk/s320/6744707505_7ba1c782d0_b.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny Zelck</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Stayed with a few other riders for quite some time, keeping them in sight for a few laps. I passed Keiichi out on course, he wasn't having a good day unfortunately. Neither was Joachim Parbo (4x Danish Champ), who managed to flat and roll his tubular (met him after the race, really nice bloke!). Anyway I had a very solid race and the dutch/belgian fans were extremely supportive. Coincidentally, I was still racing when the front runners lapped me, this was pretty cool because not only did I get to ride directly behind them and witness first hand how incredibly talented they are, I also got plenty of TV time! Of course I made the most of this, and milked it for all it was worth. The crowd seemed to enjoy my burst of speed as I tried to stay with them, but it didn't last long. I ended up riding for 50 mins before being pulled off, at which point I was about 7-8 mins down. Not bad at all.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrVj4u7qx-uytgXTaNhGxnslMRNYXK16_jvBmD9IkLgNKCOO8OqQbCqIjNnWLGBGoZLnRLk9HknylNCssIe8C8Ml5zxFSTxtnEknbnJPkuyt6wXiMzRgSMN8Adrt9K0VE-baoUrs2D4U/s1600/6744712029_9e2199cf7f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrVj4u7qx-uytgXTaNhGxnslMRNYXK16_jvBmD9IkLgNKCOO8OqQbCqIjNnWLGBGoZLnRLk9HknylNCssIe8C8Ml5zxFSTxtnEknbnJPkuyt6wXiMzRgSMN8Adrt9K0VE-baoUrs2D4U/s320/6744712029_9e2199cf7f_b.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny Zelck</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The result on the stats sheet wasn't my best, 55th, but 3 laps down (7 laps ridden) is a vast improvement for me, as most of the other races have been 5 or even 6 laps down. I'm learning to ride this deep mud properly, and for once I didn't crash either! It's nothing astounding, but I'm very happy with the improvement and I hope I can continue this into next week. I'm racing the World Champs! Koksijde, lots and lots of sand. Can't wait, apparently 40,000 tickets have been pre sold. That doesn't include people who will purchase tickets on the day, it's going to be World Cup atmosphere times 4 or 5. Amazing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_fYMzgcB9n1VaFrtEizvgVCU1amwxhYF-I0kpqqUKptBPb5524X8vLFpN8GNSde6xm04RFO_BBE8krsY9Pu8X774lupfi3V0-rAoC7BzTROySIb1jJUg1xt0lNt-p-Yl31lq2FmAHSs/s1600/6744559305_5394606f23_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_fYMzgcB9n1VaFrtEizvgVCU1amwxhYF-I0kpqqUKptBPb5524X8vLFpN8GNSde6xm04RFO_BBE8krsY9Pu8X774lupfi3V0-rAoC7BzTROySIb1jJUg1xt0lNt-p-Yl31lq2FmAHSs/s320/6744559305_5394606f23_b.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny Zelck</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Again thanks to my pit crew, Jeroen and Tom, Roeland and Rose for their superior organisation skillz, and all my fans for the cheers out on course, it's always cool hearing people scream your name! Post race dinner courtesy of Roeland's mum was pancakes, followed by poffertjes (mini dutch pancakes) for dessert. My kind of meal! (Sorry again Coach <a href="http://jonathanlovelock.blogspot.com/">Jono</a>)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJfWewAfJE0NBbKZQ2WUat1B1UBVUObMCpwXfAYfZGTQ_vlRjBl1wRu0hZlhNo9X1qtTob0AronLphfAEQUKaS5mfnOJ5UOXaFH60z8J8sBGWHn9ItuL1lQRdER8qDV9k7ij1RuFKQuE/s1600/Poffertjes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJfWewAfJE0NBbKZQ2WUat1B1UBVUObMCpwXfAYfZGTQ_vlRjBl1wRu0hZlhNo9X1qtTob0AronLphfAEQUKaS5mfnOJ5UOXaFH60z8J8sBGWHn9ItuL1lQRdER8qDV9k7ij1RuFKQuE/s320/Poffertjes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Rathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17497331871492277209noreply@blogger.com3