It was a few years ago now that my buddy Michel and I were talking shit that I should race the world cyclo cross champs... and now we've gone and done it! So I have (please correct me if I'm wrong!?) become the first ever New Zealand representative in Cyclo Cross Worlds!

Realistically, we were only there for the fun and to be part of the atmosphere. Michel and his friend Vincent came to be my mechanics, which is necessary in cross races because of the ability to change bikes 2x per lap! So, with such great support, two beautiful matching cannondale's and 'THE' tubulars... Vredestein 'Dugast Rhinos', I had no excuses!


















TEAM NEW ZEALAND ! (Michel, Vincent and I)



We stayed in Michels fathers house which was close by. It was very funny to watch an old video of Michels brother finishing 2nd junior in the 1979 cross worlds. It was without sound.. a real classic piece and showed the passion and history they have with the sport.

These worlds were on the famous track in Hooglede-Gits, a regular world cup site. It was of course a complete mad house with 30000 spectators all getting completely drunk. As usual many people wore clothing saying they were part of 'such and such' riders fan club... so cool.

It was quite different to line up at a world champs with absolutely zero pressure. I was dead last in the call up, due to my lack of any UCI points or starts. The course, normally famous for its deep mud, was in good shape. But there were still lots of slippery ruts which caused many crashes. I was trying as hard as I could, but couldn't help having fun and take a moment to appreciate the massive crowd.






















Considering I hadn't done any specific work and had only done 3 small local races before, I was very satisfied with my ride. I felt good and was passing people from start to finish. I made it without getting lapped (which was my main goal) and my 39th place was better then most of the USA team (always a bonus) and also the one Swede (hehe). Only, one Japanise beat me.. dam!

Its amazing that after all these years I had never been stuck in a major traffic jam... well until last week that is. I was stuck for 5hrs and moved 10km. It was some trucks fault, which makes me really pissed, as I generally think that trucks should all be banned. German roads seem to be pretty bad in my opinion. Sure they are free and you can drive as fast as you like... but it seems like there are way more accidents.

We were in Holland for some photo shooting and the 2007 team presentation, which was held in the Enschede Casino. It was a nice show with around 200 people, sponsors and media. We spoke a little about our expectations for the upcoming season, showed off the new team colours and ate from a nice buffet.




















The biggest change in the team is of course the addition of Roel Paulisson in the place of Peter Riis Anderson. We also have two new staff members.. mechanic Danie Rosedahl, and soigneur Rudy.

The teams biggest objective is world cup podiums and to be the number one ranked team on UCI points. Fredric has expressed his focus on the Beijing Olympics, with world cup wins as part of the preparation... Jacob hopes for better luck in the Euro and World U23 champs and my personal goal is to bring back the form of a few years ago, when I was capable of playing at the front of the world cups.

Sponsors remain much the same... Cannondale, Vredestein, Diadora, Met, Mavic, Sram, Fizik, FSA, Ten Tusscher, BMW, 2peak, Enervit, Polarod (who may also become my eye wear sponsor this year!)...

De Brink have become the title sponsor of the development team.


All in all its an awesome team and I can't wait to get started!the web site for more info go to www.cannondale-vredestein.com

Happy New Year!!!

Here we had a nice dinner with my friends, but I cancelled my going-out plans as I have been on the edge of sickness for a few days. Its just one of those things I guess when you train hard.. the body is always tired. We've had an amazingly nice December with very few cloudy days and temps around 5-10d. I've been doing a bit of weights and around 10-12hrs per week on the bike, including some good MAP work (Max Aerobic Power), which I hope will help my poor starts.

At the end of this month I will race the cyclo cross worlds in Belgium. Cannondale has spoilt me with two lovely sram equipped, Caad 9 cross bikes, so now I've got a little pressure to try and not embarrass myself too much! As far as I know, I will be the first kiwi to race in the event, so my goal is to finish in the same lap as the leader.. not necessarily an easy feat! I've recently done two local races (finishing 8th both times) and am getting the feel of the sram shifting.. its definitely different, but I'm starting to really like it.