3rd March – TEAM CAMP, Terricina, Italy.

Hotel Fjordaliso is well known in Italian cycling culture, as it has played host to most of the biggest road teams in the world, both for training camps and also for major races, such as the Tirreno-Adritico (Pro-Tour stage race) It’s a three star hotel, which doesn’t look spectacular from the outside. But once you get to know the place and the people, you get to understand why it is so popular. As well as the standard nice hotel rooms and Italian cuisine, there is also a indoor and outdoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and sunbed. The family that run the business are fanatic cyclists, and really make us feel at home. It’s a nice feeling, and it’s a great environment to train hard in!

The weather this year was not great, but considering most of Europe was under snow, we were happy to be able to get the kilometers we needed. For me, I knew it would be a tough week. Normally my training speed is not too high, or slower then Thomas and Julian anyway! But the season is approaching fast, so it’s a good time to step up the pace, and force the body into a new rhythm. During the week we were there, we did 23hrs on the bike, and a lot of that was at a very decent tempo. Two rides were on the MTB, which included a test day on some new Michelin tires for 2006.

Coming home from the rides we would leave the dirty bikes with Gabrielle, give the muddy clothes to Silvano, take a quick shower and then lunch would be waiting for us. Having a team like this sure makes life easier! Each afternoon Silvano would give us massage, and the rest of the time we could do as we want… Internet, watch a movie etc…

We all had talks with Massimo about our objectives and the race calendar. For me, I am determined to return to the world cup podium, and allow myself the chance to possibly win a round at some point. I think in the past few years I have spread myself around too much, aiming for wins in the small races, and not focusing clearly on the big goals.

Overall I have come out of this years training camp with a good feeling. I am starting to learn how to relax in this family, and trust that I will be taken care of. Its hard for an individual like me, but it’s coming slowly. If I can save this energy and put it into the races, I know I will have a great season.