So, the winter has been racing on by. I've kept myself busy as always with training and hanging out with friends. The weather has been quite stable so far, with mostly sunny days around 0-10dC. My intervals are getting harder and harder and the motivation is staying strong, despite no races since October. My decision not to race any cyclo-cross this winter has made me very itchy to race again. Its the longest break from racing I've had in many years, so it may be a bit strange to have to line up again soon.
Around the xmas period I spent some time traveling around europe to see friends and family. First stop was in Granada to stay with Mr23 (Martin Whiteley) and make a small training camp with Liam Killian. Liam's on his way back from Chronic Fatique, but is already strong, so I guess he will be back on the top again soon. Next up was a abnormal xmas with friends in Bruges, which is a super touristic belgian town, known for beer and chocolate.. was some really good fun. I also went to watch the cyclo cross world cup in Hofstade, where I have raced a few years ago. It was fun to see Michel and all the US riders that I know and to be able to watch and relax instead of prepare for a race! The photo is of Sven Nys bikes.. he won the race with such finesse!
Then onto Munich area for a big family reunion.. quite a change of scenery, but also very nice. Finally I spent New Years with Soren, Marie and Mickel in Italy... some super times and very nice riding in his area close to Feltre (north of Venice 1hr). One day I rode up the Mount Grappa, where I meet the others at the top for a coffee and a lift back down. This is a perfect ride in winter, as you stay nice and warm, plus get a good climb... but then don't need to descend and freeze again.
Later, two good old friends, Jan and Oli-yeah came for a week skiing chez moi. Normally I said I'd go for a day or two, but we had such perfect conditions that I ended up skiing 4 days, plus 2 days on snow shoes. We used a voucher that Marcus won this summer (for winning the Trans Maurienne MTB tour), so we had a nice apartment for free in a very cute little ski resort called Saint Sorlin d'Arves. We were amazed that despite its size, the slopes were incredible, as it was part of the Sybelles area, including La Toussier and Corbier.
I have now just a few weeks left before I start my first races.. I will begin like last year with the Coppa Catalyan in Banoyles on the 17th February.
Around the xmas period I spent some time traveling around europe to see friends and family. First stop was in Granada to stay with Mr23 (Martin Whiteley) and make a small training camp with Liam Killian. Liam's on his way back from Chronic Fatique, but is already strong, so I guess he will be back on the top again soon. Next up was a abnormal xmas with friends in Bruges, which is a super touristic belgian town, known for beer and chocolate.. was some really good fun. I also went to watch the cyclo cross world cup in Hofstade, where I have raced a few years ago. It was fun to see Michel and all the US riders that I know and to be able to watch and relax instead of prepare for a race! The photo is of Sven Nys bikes.. he won the race with such finesse!
Then onto Munich area for a big family reunion.. quite a change of scenery, but also very nice. Finally I spent New Years with Soren, Marie and Mickel in Italy... some super times and very nice riding in his area close to Feltre (north of Venice 1hr). One day I rode up the Mount Grappa, where I meet the others at the top for a coffee and a lift back down. This is a perfect ride in winter, as you stay nice and warm, plus get a good climb... but then don't need to descend and freeze again.
Later, two good old friends, Jan and Oli-yeah came for a week skiing chez moi. Normally I said I'd go for a day or two, but we had such perfect conditions that I ended up skiing 4 days, plus 2 days on snow shoes. We used a voucher that Marcus won this summer (for winning the Trans Maurienne MTB tour), so we had a nice apartment for free in a very cute little ski resort called Saint Sorlin d'Arves. We were amazed that despite its size, the slopes were incredible, as it was part of the Sybelles area, including La Toussier and Corbier.
I have now just a few weeks left before I start my first races.. I will begin like last year with the Coppa Catalyan in Banoyles on the 17th February.
