tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32999939227899253362024-03-14T12:44:08.816+10:00C Grade CyclistA family man in his early 40's, dreaming of cycling glory...cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-85747575963527600172015-12-13T09:56:00.002+10:002015-12-13T09:56:47.730+10:00I'm back!!Hello world!! :-)<br />
<br />
Funny how things happen in life. This time last year, I had some plans for the following twelve months. Sadly, they came nowhere near fruition...<br />
<br />
No point really on getting too deep and introspective about it. Work was super-busy and a bit painful, both my teenage girls had a very busy year (academically & sporting) which took up a lot of my focus and energy. Bottom line though is that I pretty much lost my cycling mojo. I did just enough to remember how to actually ride a bike, but I wasn't really enjoying myself too much - it seemed more like a chore...<br />
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<i>But that has all changed - and I'm excited!!</i><br />
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Funny how things happen, how a bolt out of the blue can ignite a fire that you didn't even realise was ready to off.<br />
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In late October of this year, I got an email. It was about the <a href="http://letapeaustralia.com/">L'Etape du Tour</a> event that had been slated to be run in Australia in 2016. Well - it was on!! It's being held in December 2016, based in Jindabyne, NSW, and will be 160+ km in the Snowy Mountains around Perisher and Thredbo ski resorts.<br />
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I didn't expect it, but as I read the (scant) early details in that email, my mojo welled up inside of me. I was genuinely excited, for the first time in a loooong time!! I resolved then and there that this would be my target, and I would be ready for it!!<br />
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<b>A Simple Plan</b><br />
<br />
I decided to start straight away with a simple plan - a couple of months of base training in November and December 2015 to get the body ready for some big mileage next year.<br />
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I have never ridden 600km in a month before, so I figured that I would get serious and make that my goal. I decided that would test me - was I really back? Did I really want this? Was I just momentarily excited or was my motivation back for real?<br />
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November came and went, and - 653km!! The best part about it was, even though it eclipsed my previous highest monthly mileage, and was almost double my previous best for the year, is that it was so easy. No ride was ever a chore. Every pedal stroke, even on the days I was tired or sore, felt like it was another pedal stroke closer to my goal.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1Ps12JiQqE/VmyzSRgSgRI/AAAAAAAAAN4/VrDzTJVGUhk/s1600/Strava.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1Ps12JiQqE/VmyzSRgSgRI/AAAAAAAAAN4/VrDzTJVGUhk/s320/Strava.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">All on track...!! :-)</span></i></b></div>
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Now here we are in December. Not even halfway through the month yet, but more than halfway to 600km again. It feels so good to feel this good, both physically and mentally... :-)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YOhTShirTc/VmyzSWLjkAI/AAAAAAAAAN8/PgD2NmvtuCA/s1600/strava%2B2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YOhTShirTc/VmyzSWLjkAI/AAAAAAAAAN8/PgD2NmvtuCA/s320/strava%2B2.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">More than a quarter of my 2015 mileage was done in the last 6 weeks!</span></i></b></div>
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<b>What's Next?</b><br />
<br />
Not planning too far ahead just yet. I just want to enjoy this mojo and motivation - it's been so long since I felt this way on the bike, so I'm not taking it for granted.<br />
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I have though had a bit of a look ahead at the <a href="http://cycleevents.com/category/australia/qld/">Gran Fondo & Charity Ride calendar</a> for next year, and pencilled in one each month for February to June. I'd like to do one each month - they are great for exploring new roads and routes, remembering how to ride in a group, and testing my distance limits in a supported environment.<br />
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I'm also keen to find a cycling social group again. All my riding so far this year has been pretty much solo or with my wife and kids. While I think that will always be the majority of my riding (which is great because I enjoy that!), I'd also like to reconnect in with a wider social group of cyclists. Luckily I live in a city (Brisbane) where there are plenty of options for me to try...<br />
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Thanks for reading! More updates, plans, and reviews to come... :-)<br />
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<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-77935633877158670382015-03-21T13:56:00.000+10:002015-03-21T13:56:54.364+10:00Milan - San Remo 2015: Preview & PredictionsWhile the cycling season technically began back in January with the Tour Down Under, the 'real' season (for me, at least!) begins on Sunday with the first of cycling's monuments for the year - Milan - San Remo (MSR).<br />
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Also known as "La Primavera" (Italian for the season of Spring), this race is one of five one-day races that holds a special, prestigious status. Along with the Tour of Flanders (the Ronde van Vlaanderen), Paris-Roubaix (the Hell of the North), Liege-Bastogne-Liege ("La Doyenne"), and the Giro di Lombardia (The Race of the Falling Leaves) - these Monuments of cycling are the most sought after one-day titles in the season.<br />
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On paper, MSR is a sprinter's race. But its sheer distance (an epic 293km) and a couple of short but nasty climbs at the end make it very difficult. For that reason, its always a very hard race to predict the winner.<br />
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The race really starts at the foot of the Cipressa, a 5km climb at the 270km mark. This where we'll find out who has anything left in their legs. Whoever is left then has to get over the Poggio, a short, sharp 4km climb with less than 10km to go. The victor is often amongst the first few over the top of this final ascent.<br />
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<a href="http://cdn2.coresites.mpora.com/rcuk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Milan-San-Remo-2015-route.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2.coresites.mpora.com/rcuk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Milan-San-Remo-2015-route.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
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As always though, there are a few favourites, and some smokeys that we'll be watching.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Who will win? The Big Three</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Alexander Kristoff (Team Katusha)</i></b> is the defending champion, and has started off the season in terrific form. Technically a sprinter, but his strength is, well, his strength. He is best in difficult sprints, where the pure sprinters have already fallen by the wayside. Will be very hard to beat again this year.<br />
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<a href="http://cdn2.coresites.mpora.com/rcuk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/KristoffSalute1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2.coresites.mpora.com/rcuk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/KristoffSalute1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kristoff winning ahead of Peter Sagan in the Tour of Switzerland last year</span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<b><i>Mark Cavendish (Etixx-Quickstep)</i></b>, a previous winner and more of a pure sprinter than Kristoff. He knows how to win this rce, and has been targeting it specifically. Rumour has it though that he's been a little unwell over the last couple of weeks, I actually think his team-mates, <b><i>Zdenek Stybar</i></b> and <b><i>Michal Kwiatkowski</i></b>, are a better chance for the win.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cavendish (far left), with team-mates Kwiatkowsky (world champ stripes) & Stybar (far right)</span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<b><i>Peter Sagan (Tinkoff-Saxo)</i></b> has the weight of expectation on his shoulders here. Arguably the most all-round talented rider in the entire peloton, but still hasn't broken through for a Monument win (which he so desperately wants). In a new team this year, we'll see if they've given him the guidance and strategy to finally get up on the top step of the podium.<br />
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<b><i>Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing)</i></b> is, without question, the strongest rider in the race. But pure srength doesn't win it, and Fabian has had a frustrating and cruel run of podium places here. Will be there at the end, but we'll see if he can snaffle the chocolates...<br />
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<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02517/Fabian_Cancellara_2517833b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02517/Fabian_Cancellara_2517833b.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fabian Cancellara, aka Fabs or Spartacus</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Who I'll Be Cheering For</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Michael Matthews (Orica-Greenedge) </i></b>has clear team leader status for this race with the injury to Simon Gerrans. A sprinter very much in the style of Kristoff, the young Australian is in terrific form and is riding with confidence. I'd love to see a great result for him here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ciclismointernacional.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/bling1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ciclismointernacional.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/bling1.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Matthews winning a stage of the Giro d'Italia ahead of Cadel Evans last year</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Heinrich Haussler (IAM Cycling)</i></b>, the current Australian road champion, almost won here a few years ago (losing by a tyre width to Cavendish). Started the season is great form, he is one of my all-time favourite cyclists. Fingers crossed he starts the race in good shape.<br />
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<a href="http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2015/01/12/1227182/432684-0dbfc45c-9a0f-11e4-8c80-77a34aef7ede.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2015/01/12/1227182/432684-0dbfc45c-9a0f-11e4-8c80-77a34aef7ede.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Heino!!!</span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Smokeys</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Geraint Thomas (Team Sky)</i></b> has been in outstanding form, and looked fantastic in the Paris-Nice stage race while riding in support of team-mate (& Australian) Ritchie Porte. <b><i>Juan-Jose Lobato (Movistar)</i></b> also looks good, as does former world champ <b><i>Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida).</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Where to Watch?</span></b><br />
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For my fellow Australians, the race is being telecast live (to Eastern States and South Australia) on SBS from 11:45pm on Sunday night. Have a thermos of coffee and some Timtams ready for what should be an outstanding night of racing!!<br />
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<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-32114794456659260582015-02-08T15:29:00.002+10:002015-02-08T15:29:58.571+10:00The UCI Hour Record - the next attempt!!The UCI Hour Record has had an incredible resurgence in interest over the last few months. After wallowing for many years (mainly due to confusing technical regulations and a lack of 'big name' interest), it has suddenly gained in its prestige.<br />
<br />
Let's be honest, we can squarely give all the credit in this department to the man so many of us love - the great Jens Voigt (Trek Factory Racing). He tackled the Hour Record as his farewell to cycling after a stellar road career, and it was terrific to see him hold the record for a while.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bicycling.com/sites/bicycling.com/files/articles/2014/09/voigt-hour-record12_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bicycling.com/sites/bicycling.com/files/articles/2014/09/voigt-hour-record12_2014.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since then, there's been a flurry of activity as riders tackled (or prepare to tackle) this newly prestigious event. Matthias Brandle (IAM Cycling) set a new record of 51.852km late last year.<br />
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Then our own Jack Bobridge (Team Budget Forklifts), or "Jacky Bobby" as we love to call him, had a red hot crack at the record two weeks ago. He was coming off some terrific form from the Australian Road Nationals and the Tour Down Under. Coupled with his vast track-racing experience, I expected Jack to smash Brandle's record - but he fell tantalisingly short, covering 51.3km in Melbourne's DISC velodrome.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cyclinglocations.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Jack-Bobridge-hour-record-470x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cyclinglocations.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Jack-Bobridge-hour-record-470x350.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Before...</b></span></div>
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There's been plenty of analysis of Bobridge's effort since then, by people with much more knowledge than me. But the consensus seems to be that Jack erred in his pacing strategy, starting out way too fast, and fading in the latter stages of the attempt (pretty much the exact opposite of Voigt's & Brandle's pacing strategies). I'm hoping he'll have another crack soon, as I reckon he'll beat it with the benefit of experience.<br />
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<a href="https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/01/bobridge-hour-WATSON_00004051-005c-630x420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/01/bobridge-hour-WATSON_00004051-005c-630x420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">...After</span></b></div>
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The next challenger is another Australian - Rohan Dennis (BMC). He is attempting the record tonight, at the BMC Velodrome in Grenchen, Switzerland. He is another rider in terrific form, with a strong ride in the Aussie Road Nationals, and then an outstanding overall victory at the Tour Down Under.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cyclingfans.net/2015/images/BMC-ROHAN-DENNIS_hour_record.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cyclingfans.net/2015/images/BMC-ROHAN-DENNIS_hour_record.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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In Dennis's favour is having watched Bobridge's effort - he can learn from where Jack went wrong. This may prove to be crucial tonight.<br />
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Looking ahead, Thomas Dekker will be the next attempt. There are a number of reason's why Dekker will be a hot favourite to lift the record even higher - he is attempting the record at altitude (in Mexico); he has given himself a long time to acclimatize for the attempt; and he is a rider without a contract, so he is riding to try and win himself a place on a new team. Dekker's attempt is on February 25th, so we'll have another look at that closer to time.<br />
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We can't write an article on this without of course mentioning Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky). The enigmatic British rider is starting to shift his attentions back to his track-racing origins after a hugely successful road career (including a Tour de France overall victory). No details yet as to when or where, but its likely to be mid-year.<br />
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<b><i>Where to watch Rohan Dennis</i></b><br />
<br />
There a few options for watching Rohan Dennis have the latest attempt tonight.<br />
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Australian Television - SBS2 will be telecasting the attempt LIVE at 11:50pm daylight-savings time (10:50pm QLD time). Check your guides to confirm!<br />
Internet streaming - The UCI are streaming the attempt at tv.uci.ch : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ucichannel">LINK HERE</a><br />
Twitter - follow the action using the #UCIHourRecord hashtag<br />
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Let's hope Rohan Dennis can bring the record home for Australia!!cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-71768788474765262862015-01-17T16:11:00.002+10:002015-01-17T16:11:48.878+10:00Tour Down Under 2015 - preview & predictionsArguably the biggest race of the Australian cycling calendar (our own road nationals are pretty awesome too!!), the 2015 edition of the TDU is about to kick-off.<br />
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The Santos Tour Down Under is a perfect early-season kickstarter for the World Tour peloton. Six relatively short stages (plus a criterium prologue) at a maximum distance of 151km. Three sprint stages, two hilly stages (let's not pretend they're mountains!), and a criterium to finish things off on the last day. Nothing too stressful (unless the weather gets hot!).<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">So - who is going to win???</span></i></b><br />
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Normally, the Australian Road Nationals, held a week earlier, are a great predictor of which of the Australians will do well. In fact last year, the same riders filled the podium in both races in 2014. However, this year's Nationals were a very different affair. The strongest team had no real leader, and the favourites didn't have much of a support team! So for the overall at the TDU, we'll ignore those results this time around...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Favourites for the Overall</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Ritchie Porte (Team Sky)</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://img.skysports.com/13/07/800x600/RichiePorte_2978897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.skysports.com/13/07/800x600/RichiePorte_2978897.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Tasmanian comes to the TDU in fantastic form. Healthy, riding well, and with a terrific team in support, Ritchie Porte has a terrific chance to finish the week on top! I reckon he'll take the leader's ochre jersey this week.<br />
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<b><i>Cadel Evans (BMC)</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/6/cc/cadel-evans_tyjscx2xexts1dpb0sz2kthil.jpg?t=-223079119w=500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/6/cc/cadel-evans_tyjscx2xexts1dpb0sz2kthil.jpg?t=-223079119w=500" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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The sentimental favourite - this will be the plucky Australian champion's final World Tour race before retirement. No-one can question his motivation, and unlike Nationals he will have a very good team riding in support. While I think Ritchie Porte will win, I'm hoping Cadel will come up with the win!!<br />
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<b><i>Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale-Garmin)</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Worst. Sunglasses. Ever.</span></b></div>
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The lanky Canadian, a previous winner of the Giro d'Italia, could go well here. There are no indications as to his form though...<br />
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<i><b>Michael Rogers (Tinkoff-Saxo)</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3waz6U6qmk/UZdGOQbpVmI/AAAAAAAAR_c/xoTBogI0LXM/s1600/Michael+Rogers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3waz6U6qmk/UZdGOQbpVmI/AAAAAAAAR_c/xoTBogI0LXM/s1600/Michael+Rogers.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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'Dodger' also comes to the TDU in good form. The Australian is a multiple World Time Trial Champion is coming towards the end of his career, so won't have many more chances to win this race.<br />
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<i><b>Domenico Pozzovivo (AG2R La Mondiale)</b></i><br />
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A young Italian rider who is emerging as a genuine Grand Tour rider (& contender), hopefully he'll be bringing some early-season form to Australia and will be racing for the win.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Sprinters</b></span><br />
<br />
The Tour Down Under is an early season feast for the sprinters. Four of the six stages are for them, not including the People's Classic criterium prologue. Andre 'The Gorilla' Greipel (LottoNL-Jumbo) has taken a huge number of wins here in the past, but won't be lining up this year...<br />
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<i><b>Marcel Kittel (Giant-Alpecin)</b></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">That hair!!</span></b></div>
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Probably the best road sprinter in the world right now (and also the best hair in the peloton!) - Kittel will unquestionably be the man to beat on the flat stages this year.<br />
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<i><b>Heinrich Haussler (IAM)</b></i><br />
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The newly-crowned Australian national champion, Heino will be looking to show off his new champions jersey with some stage wins. His experience will help him here.<br />
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Other names to watch out for will be Greg Henderson (LottoNL-Jumbo), Steele Von Hoff (UniSA-Australia), and the brilliantly named Roberto Ferrari (Lampre-Merida)<br />
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So that's it! Should be a terrific week of racing! Australian fans can watch it live on Channel Nine (& their digital channel GEM) - <a href="http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/the-race/coverage/tv-and-radio-coverage">the details can be found here</a>.<br />
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C'mon Cadel!!<br />
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<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-49266209400876207282015-01-06T21:15:00.003+10:002015-01-06T21:15:32.627+10:00A new year begins - the 2015 planSo a new year has begun!! Time for phase 2 of the "become an awesome Masters cyclist" plan...<br />
<br />
I've got a very rough structure to the plan, split into a few phases:<br />
<br />
Phase 1 (Nov-Dec 2014) - do whatever the hell I want, just so long as I'm doing some sort of exercise.<br />
<b><i>Phase 2 (Jan-Feb 2015) - start to bring an emphasis on 'cardio/endurance' exercise, specifically swimming, cycling, and running.</i></b><br />
Phase 3 (Mar-Jul 2015) - focus becomes more specific again, onto cycling and running.<br />
Phase 4 (Aug-Sep 2015) - Cycling, cycling, cycling!!<br />
Phase 5 (Oct 2015-onwards) - get my racing licence again...<br />
<br />
Phase 1 went fine, mixing up all sorts of exercises and just maintaining the rough habit of doing something most days.<br />
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Now onto Phase 2. While I still plan to keep things pretty mixed up and with lots of variety, I'm going to make sure I have a reasonably steady diet of cycling, running, & swimming in amongst it all. The focus will be on endurance in all of these, and slowly starting to build some length to these efforts over these two months (both in time and distance).<br />
<br />
I'm also hoping to sneak in some events. Mainly some <a href="http://www.parkrun.com.au/">parkruns </a>(I'm lucky to have a few close by), a cycling gran fondo, and maybe even a short triathlon. Nothing serious, but just to enjoy the vibe of 'events', be amongst other like-minded people, and feed off their energy!!<br />
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Now, I just need to cross my fingers for a few sunny days to make things a little easier...!!<br />
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<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-16535238300369156282014-11-10T20:27:00.000+10:002014-11-10T20:27:28.405+10:00Cycling Australia TdF Team of the CenturyTo celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first participation by an Australian in the Tour de France, Cycling Australia has come up with a great idea - the Australian Tour de France 'Team of the Century'.<div>
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Don Kirkham and Iddo Munro were the first ever Australians to participate in Le Tour, way back in 1814. Since then a further 48 Australians have also been a part of the great race. There are some amazing names in amongst these elite 50 riders.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cycling.org.au/News/All-News/ArtMID/2924/ArticleID/12904/Australian-Tour-de-France-Team-of-the-Century">Cycling Australia</a> have set a panel of experts the task of naming a 9-man Tour de France team from these 50 riders. But to further complicate - they have split the team into 6 separate roles to be filled!!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So here is my Australian Tour de France Team of the Century, as per the criteria laid out by Cycling Australia.</div>
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<b>Two General Classification riders</b></div>
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You cannot overlook our only Tour de France winner for this role - so my first pick is <b><i>Cadel Evans</i></b>. As the second overall rider, legendary Australian cyclist <b><i>Sir Hubert 'Oppy' Opperman</i></b>, who raced twice in the late 1920's & early 1930's, would have to be in the team as well.</div>
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<a href="http://www.bicyclehistory.com.au/MalvernStar/images/Opperman_congratulations_small.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bicyclehistory.com.au/MalvernStar/images/Opperman_congratulations_small.GIF" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">The great Oppy</span></b></i></div>
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<b>Two Domestiques for the GC riders</b></div>
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This is possibly the hardest class of rider for me to pick. I would lean towards <b><i>Phil Anderson</i></b> (who came 5th overall twice in the 1980's), along with <b><i>Russell Mockridge</i></b> (who raced in 1955, and was tragically killed before he could show off his huge potential).</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Phil Anderson - so wrong but so right...!!</span></i></b></div>
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<b>One Sprinter</b></div>
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This one is easy!! The greatest Australian Tour de France sprinter of all time has to be <b><i>Robbie McEwen</i></b>. Twelve stage wins, and three green jersey classification victories, makes him the best choice for this role.</div>
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<a href="http://images.smh.com.au/ftsmh/ffximage/2009/03/19/evans_mcewen_wideweb__470x300,0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.smh.com.au/ftsmh/ffximage/2009/03/19/evans_mcewen_wideweb__470x300,0.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cadel (l) and Robbie (r), after another Tour de France...</span></i></b></div>
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<b>Two Leadout Men for the sprinter</b></div>
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Its somewhat ironic that Robbie McEwen is the sort of sprinter that really doesn't need any leadout men! Nonetheless, he has the luxury of two domestiques to deliver him to the line.</div>
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Probably the best leadout man of the modern era is <b><i>Mark Renshaw</i></b>, so he is my first selection here. The second selection is much harder, and there are probably half-a-dozen choices that could equally work - but I have to make a decision, and will go with <b><i>Adam Hansen</i></b>.</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adam Hansen climbing Alpe d'Huez, riding thru 'Dutch corner'...</span></i></b></div>
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<b>One All-Rounder</b></div>
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A rider who can sneak stage wins in all-terrain. This is another easy choice from the modern generation of Australian cyclists - <b><i>Simon Gerrans</i></b>. He can win stages in a sprint, or in all types of hilly terrain. A great wildcard in any team.</div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gerro!!</span></b></i></div>
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<b>One Team Captain</b></div>
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A rider who can galvanize the team, who can draw them together to achieve a goal. And a rider who can lead by example in the mountains and the sprint train. For me, this has to be <b><i>Michael Rogers</i></b>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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After watching the way he marshalled his team in the documentary "<a href="http://chasinglegends.com/">Chasing Legends</a>" (back when Rogers was racing for HTC-HighRoad), I can't go passed him as a team captain. Just as an aside - if you haven't seen the film, do yourself a favour and get your hands on a copy!</div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">'Dodger' leading the Tinkoff-Saxo train...</span></b></i></div>
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<b>Reserves</b></div>
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OK, so this isn't technically a category!! But there were two riders who I really wanted to pick but couldn't find room for. The first was <b><i>Bradley McGee</i></b> - a cycling legend who could ride in the mountains and leadout the sprints, or be team captain. I loved watching him race.</div>
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The second is <b><i>Baden Cooke</i></b>. An incredibly aggressive sprinter, who 'stole' a fourth green jersey from Robbbie McEwen in 2003.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So that's my team: Evans, Opperman, Anderson, Mockridge, McEwen, Renshaw, Hansen, Gerrans, and Rogers. Very arguable in almost all selections!! I'm looking forward to sitting around with friends and arguing my selections over a few beers...</div>
cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-41106075982690004062014-11-01T14:43:00.001+10:002014-11-01T14:43:03.271+10:00The Plan - Phase 1Its the first of November today, which also happens to be day 1 of 'The Plan'. Its a long-term plan, with the goals I am working towards a good 14 months away - but you have to start somewhere...<br />
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<b><u>The Overall Goal</u></b><br />
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What I want to do is get back to racing again. I really miss mixing it up on the bike in a speedy peloton. But what I don't want to do is to just jump back in and take up where I left off.<br />
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I've held a Cycling Australia racing licence for the last 10 years or so. There is no getting around the fact that I have not been competitive in a race throughout that entire time. <br />
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Don't get me wrong - I have loved almost every minute of racing I've ever done. Whether I've been dropped in the first few minutes and ridden 95% of the race solo off the back, or wrung myself dry trying to just hold on and make it to the finish of a race, it has been a sensational experience and I wouldn't swap it for anything.<br />
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What I really want now though is to actually be someone who enters a race and is competitive. Someone who can mix it up near the front, and actually make some the racing. Someone who on the odd occasion even stands on the podium. This would be a very new experience for me, and I want to make it happen.<br />
<br />
So I've decided that the best way to be a competitive racer is (somewhat ironically) NOT to race in 2015...<br />
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The plan is to lay down a tonne of mileage and training time over the next 14 months, and focus exclusively on building myself up to be the best Masters racing cyclist I can be in 2016. Whether that's a competitive cyclist or not remains to be seen - but I'm going to give it my best shot and not die wondering!<br />
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<b><u>Phase 1 begins</u></b><br />
<br />
That brings up to Phase 1 of the plan, which covers the last 2 months of 2014 - November & December. These two months are completely unstructured. It doesn't matter what sort of training or activities I do during this time.<br />
<br />
What these two months are all about is time and consistency. The plan is to log as many hours as I can, and to try and do something (no matter how brief) every day.<br />
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I can choose whatever activity I want, whatever I think I'll most enjoy on that particular day. It could be cycle-commuting, mountain-biking, a long road ride, running, swimming, weights in the gym, core strength work, or whatever else takes my fancy (or presents itself as an opportunity).<br />
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I have a rough goal of logging 50 hours of activity over the two months. That isn't a hard & fast rule or anything, but just something to work towards...<br />
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<b><u>Let's get to it!</u></b><br />
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I've already started, with a 1-hour run this morning around my local suburb. I'm feeling excited, and looking forward to seeing how far I can take myself ability-wise over the next year or so.<br />
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I;m looking to sharing the journey with you all. See you out there!!cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-68053897086287805322014-10-24T20:09:00.000+10:002014-10-24T20:09:59.826+10:00C Grade Cyclist - v3.0Three weeks ago, I had the last surgery relating to the shoulder I broke back in December last year. I had the clavicle plate removed from my left side. Last week, I had my final follow-up appointment at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.<br />
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So that's it! No more surgery, no more hospital visits, no more nothing!! The surgeon advised me not to any heavy lifting or anything 'too strenuous' until the end of this month - but after that, I'm good to go...<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Insert cliched "it's a new dawn!!" picture here... ;-)</span></i></b></div>
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The overwhelming feeling I have is one of relief. It's nice to have all that over and done with. And having gone through this twice now in the last few years, I really hope I don't have to do it ever again!<br />
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I have a lot of things whirling through my head now. So many goals, so many possible plans... What to do?!<br />
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I've started drawing together a few ideas of how I'll train & race for the next 14 months (from November 2014 to the end of 2015). I'm trying hard to make sure I don't over-reach, and keep them all achievable, measurable, and specific.<br />
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Not sure how its all gonna look yet. Tossing up between (a) diving back into the cycle-racing deep end, and (b) taking a year off racing to really train hard without pressure, build up a huge mileage base, and crosstrain with both running & triathlon.<br />
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Either way, there are plenty of pros and cons. But I'll have it sorted shortly and start on the next phase of my 'cycling journey'...!!<br />
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<b>A couple of things you can expect to see on the blog over the next few months:</b><br />
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<i><b>I won a bike!!</b></i> Yes, seriously!! I was incredibly fortunate to win a brand spanking new <a href="http://www.cellbikes.com.au/Cell-Akuna-1-1">Cell Akuna 1.1</a> from <a href="http://www.cellbikes.com.au/">Cellbikes.com.au</a>. I've had it for a couple of months now, and you'll see a full review for it coming up soon. But let me tell you this much now - it is probably the best value bike you can buy on this planet...!! I am loving it... :-)<br />
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<b><i>Intermittent fasting</i></b> - I'm currently trialling an intermittent fasting protocol. 16 hours of fasting, from 3pm to 7am. I'm doing it 2-3 times each week, on non-consecutive days. There aren't any particular goals I'm trying to achieve with this, just giving it a try to see what happens (if anything!). I'm about two week s along now, and will give a bit of a write up about it after a couple of months of sticking with it...<br />
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That's it for now! Looking forward to finally being able to train again with some sort of purpose. See you on the road...!!<br />
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<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-27087559801851824202014-06-29T13:43:00.002+10:002014-06-29T13:43:31.424+10:00Events 1/2014 & 2/2014: A run & a bike ride...After a very long event-free 6-months, I pinned a number on twice this month! Certainly neither event could possibly even be considered a 'race' - but they were terrific participation events that were great fun to be a part of.<br />
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<b>Event 1/2014 - City2South 14km run</b><br />
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Sunday 15th June was my first fair-dinkum running event in years. Can't even remember last time I entered one of these. <br />
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I had been training for 6 weeks (off a base of zero!) with a group called "Hill's Angels" - we were the self-proclaimed 'fat & unfit', and were using the City2South event as motivation to start some regular training again.<br />
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Runningwise, we had been guided by Paul Trevethan from RifRev. He had shown us the 'run/walk' technique, plus demonstrated plenty of technique skills & tips over the course of the 6-weeks. <br />
<br />
As a quick aside - this was all done for free, and I'm incredibly grateful for the way Paul generously shared his knowledge. There is a wealth of information on their website, including around 150 short 5min videos on all aspects of running. It is well worth checking out - its probably the best free running resource you'll find on the interwebs...<br />
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I set out on the day with a few goals. Firstly was to finish, secondly was to get under 100min, and thirdly (my superstretch goal) was to sneak under 90min. I set myself up with a 2min run/1min walk strategy, which seems to be my current 'sweetspot' for my longer runs.<br />
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The short story is - it was a fantastic day! Weather was perfect (cool & sunny), course was picturesque and a little testing, and I felt terrific. I was able to stick to my race plan extremely well. According to Strava, my pace slowed fractionally around the halfway mark (just as we entered the University of Qld grounds in St Lucia), which did correspond with how I felt at the time. But I managed to pick up again in the last quarter and finish strongly.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Long socks are cool - just saying...</span></i></b></div>
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Most importantly - my finish time was 1hr:29min:28sec - I beat my 90min goal by the slimmest of margins! I was ecstatic, and it topped off the day nicely for me.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The evidence...!!</i></span></b></div>
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For those thinking about doing a running event - I can highly recommend the City2South. Incredibly well organised along a great course. I'm planning on making it a yearly event for me.<br />
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<b>Event 2/2014 - MS Brissie to the Bay 50km bike ride</b><br />
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The next Sunday I was waking up early and pinning on a number again - but this time for a bike ride, much more my usual style...!!<br />
<br />
This ride was about supporting my wife through her longest ride ever. She was attempting her first 50km, and so I was saddling up to escort her through the event.<br />
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It had been a very long time, probably almost 10 years, since I had done one of these big 'charity ride' type events. I have to say it was much, much better than my memory of them - I was super-impressed by the organisation and how well they catered for and supported the riders.<br />
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The course was a 50km loop, starting from & finishing at Musgrave Park in South Brisbane, and hitting its halfway mark on the Wynnum foreshore. Most roads were 'open' during the event, but police had cordoned off and/or were supervising a few of the busier choke-points.<br />
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Again, this was a terrific day. I had a great time cruising through the 50km on my mountain-bike with my wife, and we completed the course in just over 3 hours. I would definitely do this event again, I had a great time.<br />
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<b>What's next?</b><br />
<br />
No idea!! I'm still running regularly, and am starting to cycle-commute again too. I'm keen to enter another running event - I'll probably have a crack at the 10km Bridge to Brisbane in September. Plus I'll hit up another big community bike ride event too - maybe the Brisbane to Gold Coast 100km, or Robbie McEwen's Gran Fondo on the Gold Coast. I'll see how my training goes...<br />
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<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-15239284483935133902014-06-09T13:37:00.003+10:002014-06-09T13:37:44.419+10:00May 2014 ReviewWhere have I been, what have I been doing, what's going on...?? Questions which I'm sure have been for from your mind... (ha!) I've got some updates, but for now let's get back into 'normal programming' with a look at my numbers for May...<br />
<br />
<b>May Mileage:</b><br />
<b>Running - 92km</b><br />
<b>Cycling - 66km</b><br />
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Yes, I know - running!! Don't judge me...!!<br />
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There is a background story to this. After wallowing around for 5-ish months, feeling sorry for myself and my sore shoulder, gaining weight, and generally feeling angry about being injured - an unexpected opportunity suddenly presented itself.<br />
<br />
The Brisbane Times online news website, which sponsor the 14km City2South fun run, put forward an <a href="http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/blogs/up-with-the-times/calling-unfit-overweight-underprepared-citydwellers-20140416-36r2i.html">interesting proposal</a>. They wanted around 25 people who were unfit and overweight, who could commit to training for the City2South run, and would turn up at training every Wednesday morning before work. And all this only 6 weeks out from the event!<br />
<br />
I decided that this was the incentive I needed to kickstart myself back into a regular training routine. I put forward an application, and was accepted by the leader of the group. Now, I just had to remember how to run!!<br />
<br />
Training has gone surprisingly well, and I've actually really enjoyed it so far. Under the advice of Paul Trevethan from <a href="http://www.rifrev.com/">RIFREV Running</a> (who has led some of our training sessions), we have engaged a run/walk strategy. It has worked extremely well to-date, and I'm a convert to this method of starting off running. No injuries so far, and I've been able to do some decent mileage.<br />
<br />
At this stage, my long runs have been 2 minutes run/1 minute walk. This usually equates to around a 6min 30sec overall average pace (give or take). On race day, I'm planning to push that a little and use a 3 minute run/1 minute walk strategy.<br />
<br />
As I write this, the <a href="http://www.city2south.com.au/">City2South </a>is only a week away. I'm feeling really good, have trained consistently, and am looking forward to the event. I have three goals for the event:<br />
1. Finish!<br />
2. Stretch goal - Finish the 14km in under 100 minutes<br />
3. Super, highly unrealistic stretch goal - Finish the the 14km in under 90 minutes<br />
<br />
<b><i>What's next?</i></b><br />
<br />
I've got the City2South 14km run in mid-June. Plus I'm going to be riding with my wife in the <a href="http://www.brissietothebay.com.au/">Brissie to the Bay</a> 50km bike ride a week later! I'll just be cruising that on my mountain bike, helping my wife to get through her biggest bike ride to date.<br />
<br />
From there - who knows? I'll see how the body is feeling, and look to set a few new goals to work towards...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-27511964011789161482014-02-11T21:15:00.001+10:002014-02-11T21:15:58.032+10:00Product Review: Chia Pods (Mango)Superfoods and surfing - what an awesome combination! No wonder I was powerless to resist when I saw the new ad on TV for Chia Pods being endorsed by surfing superstar Kelly Slater...!!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Buy whatever this man tells you to buy!! ;-)</i></span></b></div>
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OK, well maybe I'm not that easily sucked in. But the ad did enough to peak my interest. I'm always interested in new things to try, and these new <a href="http://www.thechiaco.com.au/products/chia-pod">Chia Pods</a> looked like they might be worth a swing past my local supermarket for a test run...<br />
<br />
<b><i>What is Chia?</i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_hispanica">Chia </a>is a seed, and lays claim to being a superfood due to relatively high levels of Omega 3, fibre and protein compared to other plant-based foods. A quick google search shows its a huge favourite amongst health and diet personalities.<br />
<br />
Does that mean its great and deserves its 'superfood' status? Well, I'm not a nutritionist, so you need to do your own research there. But it does appear to at least be a nutritionally sound food that you could safely add to your diet.<br />
<br />
<b><i>What's a Chia Pod?</i></b><br />
<br />
So onto the focus of this review!! Chia Pods are a pre-prepared bowl of Chia seeds, mixed with coconut milk and (in my case) mango pulp for flavour. When I ducked into my local supermarket, they also had banana flavour and vanilla bean flavour.<br />
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The Pods come as convenient single-serve bowls, and include a surprisingly sturdy orange spoon to eat it with. Pop off the lid, and you are greeted with, well, I'm not sure how to describe it - so here's a picture:<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Looks like, ummm, mango chia?</span></i></b></div>
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It looks a lot like a chia seed pudding. The smell was definitely one of mango, but what made me happy was that its a very natural mango aroma - definitely not fake mango (which can be pretty distinctive!).<br />
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<b><i>How does it taste?</i></b><br />
<br />
More important than anything is the taste. Life's too short to suffer through inedible foods, no matter how good they are for you! There are plenty of tasty and healthy snack options out there, so any new products need to hit the flavour mark.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The moment of truth... Incoming!</span></i></b></div>
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Let's get this out of the way first - I really, really liked the Chia Pod. Yummy, delicious, tasty. A double thumbs up from me!<br />
<br />
Its a difficult texture to describe. It is definitely light, maybe a bit gel-like. Perhaps a little like tapioca, but in texture not taste.<br />
<br />
The chia seeds themselves are very bland. They are one of those foods that are a great carrier of flavour without having any themselves. So my mango-flavoured Chia Pod had a very pleasant, light mango taste. Very easy and enjoyable to eat.<br />
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<b><i>Nutritional Info</i></b><br />
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For those that love their numbers - my mango Chia Pod had 149 calories. This was made up of 9 grams of fat (including 3g of Omega 3 and 1g of Omega 6), 13g of carbs (including 11 g of sugar), 6g of fibre and 3g of protein. A full analysis can be found <a href="http://www.thechiaco.com.au/product/podmang170cpsrc">here</a>.<br />
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<b><i>The Final Word</i></b><br />
<br />
A small snack without too many calories that tastes great - all good. But the best thing about this product is its incredibly simple ingredients list - chia seeds, coconut milk, and mango. That's it, nothing else. For me, that elevates it above many other 'convenience foods' that have added sugars, flavours and preservatives.<br />
<br />
The only pressure point for this product is the price. I paid $3.60 for my Chia Pod at my local Woolworths supermarket. Not cheap, and possibly expensive depending on your budget. If money is no object, then buying this is a very easy decision. If you are on a tight budget - then use this as inspiration for buying bulk chia seeds and trying to 'make your own' at home!<br />
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<b><i>The Final, Final Word!</i></b><br />
<br />
Thumbs up! Buy it and try it - you won't be disappointed. Makes a fantastic mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack that is genuinely good for you.<br />
<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-65934675184540548562014-02-01T10:46:00.001+10:002014-02-01T10:46:09.728+10:00A February Challenge... #everydayfebIts been almost two months since my criterium-racing accident, and so its been almost two months since I've done any meaningful exercise. This simply won't do!<br />
<br />
If I wait until I can actually get cycling properly again, a few months will have passed of inconsistent training and I won't have made any meaningful gains. Common sense therefore dictates that I need to expand my repertoire to include other activities.<br />
<br />
<b><i>A challenge is born...</i></b><br />
<br />
So for the month of February, in an effort to start getting back into an exercise and training mindset again, I'm setting myself a challenge - do some sort of exercise or physical activity every day for the month of February.<br />
<br />
This activity really can be anything - cycling, running, power-walking, stretching, squats, planks, yoga, gym-work, long walks with the dogs, mountain-biking - pretty much anything that will have a positive effect on my body (and mind).<br />
<br />
To keep myself honest and accountable, I'm going to tweet what I do each day with the hashtag #everydayfeb. If I was smarter and wittier, I could think of something catchier. But I'm not, so I haven't... If you think of something better, please don't tell me - it'll simply highlight my deficiencies in this regard...!!<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Love love love this ad - it'll be my inspiration for #everydayfeb</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Feeding the challenge...</i></b><br />
<br />
As part of this month, I'm going to put some extra focus on clean, healthy eating. I do eat pretty well normally - plenty of fruit and vegetables, lean meat a few days a week, not too much refined sugar or processed food - but I'll be aiming to raise it a notch and be a little more conscious of what I am eating.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to be fanatical about it. But I'll stick with my general principles and use this to support my #everydayfeb activity.<br />
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<b><i>Baseline stats</i></b><br />
<br />
I weighed in this morning at 84kg. That's 3kg above what I was when I had the accident two months ago, and around 5kg more than I really want to be. So I'll be aiming to slowly and gradually bring my weight back down to where I want it.<br />
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<b><i>Let's go!</i></b><br />
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Feel free to join me. Adjust and alter the challenge to include/exclude whatever you like, come up with your own goals and activities, and start the journey with me. Best of luck, and let's see where this takes us...!!cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-61917855707010808892014-01-29T21:46:00.000+10:002014-01-29T21:46:22.498+10:00Diagnosis & Prognosis...Its hard being a cyclist when you can't ride your bike. Missing the beautiful summer months has been very difficult - both mentally and physically. So what exactly was the injury that has kept me off the bike so long...??<br />
<br />
Obviously,<a href="http://cgradecyclist.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/race-42013-twilight-criterium-hprw.html"> as previously posted</a>, I came a gutser on the last lap of a criterium in early December.<br />
<br />
The emergency doctors were a bit surprised at the amount of damage I'd done, and were saying that the injury was presenting more like a motorbike accident! I did point out that I'd been racing though, which probably accounted for some of that.<br />
<br />
The main concern on the night of the injury was that my shoulder was, well, growing! It noticeably swelled, even while in Emergency. The doctors were a little concerned, and so they kept me in overnight to make sure I was ok.<br />
<br />
I went home the next day, with an appointment slip for surgery in my hand. They'd be plating the distal fracture in my left clavicle.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Surgery</i></b><br />
<br />
Two weeks later, surgery day came along at Royal Brisbane Hospital (RBH). I must have been pretty out of it during the consults in Emergency, as it was only now I discovered the extent of the injury.<br />
<br />
I got wheeled into the pre-theatre waiting area, and one of the surgeons came out to see me for a chat:<br />
<br />
Surgeon: <i>So you understand the plan for today?</i><br />
Me:<i> Yep - plate up the collarbone...</i><br />
Surgeon:<i> Well, that's not entirely right...</i><br />
Me:<i> Uh, what??</i><br />
<br />
So as it turns out, the broken clavicle was only of secondary, minor concern to the doctors. The main issue (by far) was that I'd pretty much shredded some of my shoulder ligaments, which meant the bones had 'popped up' and needed to be drawn back into place.<br />
<br />
To do this, they basically needed to use what they call '<a href="http://www.arthrex.com/shoulder/ac-tightrope-technique">tight-rope</a>', wind it around the bones, and tighten them back up under tension. The clavicle would only be plated if they could do this first, main part successfully.<br />
<br />
I was caught a little off-guard by all this - but no point dwelling on it, the surgery needed to be done! After a chat with the anaesthetists ("<i>wow, another cyclist - I think every patient today is a cyclist...!!</i>"), I was wheeled in, knocked out, and rebuilt...<br />
<br />
<b><i>Recovery</i></b><br />
<br />
My only point of comparison was my first shoulder break a few years ago. The recovery post-surgery this time - even though the injury and surgery was much more serious - has been appreciably better and quicker. I had much more movement in my shoulder, and the pain (after the first few days) was much less.<br />
<br />
I was on Endone (oxycodone) for the pain, but managed to ditch that after a week or so. It was fantastic stuff, but I don't like using pain meds so was happy to be able to get off it relatively quickly.<br />
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<b><i>Post-surgery follow-up</i></b><br />
<br />
I headed back into the RBH at two weeks & six weeks post-op. All the dressings and staples were removed at the two week mark, which was a relief to get done (and surprisingly painless too!). Unfortunately, I was instructed to keep using my sling until the next visit.<br />
<br />
At the second visit 4 weeks later, I had x-rays done. The surgeon was extremely happy with how the bones were healing, and with the free movement I had in the shoulder. I was then handed over to the physio for a brief chat about some initial exercises to do for a couple of weeks - I needed to take it easy, particularly while the muscles were a bit wasted.<br />
<br />
<b><i>What's next?</i></b><br />
<br />
Next steps now involve physiotherapy. I do have another follow-up visit with the surgeon in a month or so, but that's more just a precautionary check-up to ensure nothing has gone wrong.<br />
<br />
The physio (from the last post-op visit) has said I can start back on a stationary windtrainer again once we tick over into February. Although she did say that was only if I managed to not fall off that too... ;-)<br />
<br />
I'm not a huge fan of using trainers. I have a magtrainer I bought second-hand when I was injured last time, but I only used it a few times. Since then though, the <a href="http://www.thesufferfest.com/">Sufferfest</a> videos have emerged - so I might buy a couple of those and give it another whirl...<br />
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I'm desperate to get back on the bike again, but am committed to making sure I follow the advice from the surgeons and physiotherapists to get the best long-term outcome. But hopefully that will mean sooner rather than later!!<br />
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<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-18073807162014737322014-01-20T21:26:00.000+10:002014-01-20T21:26:11.685+10:00Tour Down Under 2014 - preview & predictionsThe Tour Down Under (TDU) is far from the most prestigious event on the international cycling calendar, despite its status as one of the top tier World Tour events. But for Australian cycling fans, it is held dear as our own little Tour de France.<br />
<br />
Being in the 'wrong hemisphere' means as cycling fans we are used to viewing the professionals while trying not to fall asleep on our couches. We have to try and not cheer too loudly either, as the rest of the house is fast asleep...<br />
<br />
As a result, and due to its placement during the summer school holidays, the TDU is hugely popular here. Many fans make a pilgrimage to Adelaide, the capital of the state of South Australia, while others enjoy watching the racing with the sun still up.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Race Itself</i></b><br />
<br />
The TDU is a 6 stage race in South Australia. That doesn't include the People's Choice Classic - a pre-race criterium held two days before stage 1 that all competitors participate in.<br />
<br />
In recent years, the race has been a sprinters' paradise. German powerhouse Andre Greipel has feasted on the many flat stages, racking up stage wins and plenty of World Tour points. This year, however, the stages are little bumpier. Certainly not mountainous - far from it - but enough to level the playing field a little and give the roulers a chance to win.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Battles to Watch</i></b><br />
<br />
<i>Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) vs Marcel Kittel (Giant-Shimano)</i><br />
<br />
Two of the very best sprinters in the world, both hailing from Germany. The result from the People's Choice Classic (Kittel first, Greipel second) shows that they came to Adelaide to win. Will be fascinating to see who can dominate and take early season bragging rights.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Greipel & Kittel sprint to the line during the People's Choice Classic</i></b></span></div>
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<i>Cadel Evans (BMC) vs Richie Porte (Sky)</i><br />
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Two Aussies at opposite ends of their careers - Cadel having achieved so much already, and Porte on the cusp of stepping up as a Grand Tour contender. Both riders are targeting the Giro d'Italia this year, and the TDU provides us with a tasty entree to this battle.<br />
<br />
In reality, neither are probably particularly worried about each other this week. But as a spectator you can't help but feel that this race will be the first shot in a long 2014 battle between these two great competitors.<br />
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<i>Caleb Ewan (UniSA) vs Public Expectation & Potential</i><br />
<br />
Still a teenager, and set to join Orica-Greenedge late in season 2014, Ewan has bucketloads of potential. Many are expecting, probably unfairly, that he'll be able to match the World Tour sprinters in Adelaide.<br />
<br />
I'm a huge fan (already!) of Ewan, and am looking forward to seeing how he goes against the big boys. But let's let the young fella enjoy the experience, rather than suffocating him with any more expectation...<br />
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<i>Team Drapac vs The Race Organiser</i><br />
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Stepping up to the Pro-Continental level in 2014, Drapac Cycling Team have had a long running battle to win a spot (as a Continental team) in the TDU. They have finally gotten their coveted spot, and will be looking to justify it with a showy performance over the 6-day event.<br />
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<b><i>Who Will Win?</i></b><br />
<br />
The obvious choice is Simon Gerrans (Orica-Greenedge), who showed with his strong win in the Australian Road Nationals last week that he is in terrific early season form. He will be tested though by the likes of Cadel Evans and Richie Porte, who will be looking to rack up some early season victories to bolster their own confidence leading in to the northern hemisphere spring.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Was the Aussie Road Nationals podium a preview of the TDU podium?</i></b></span></div>
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For the other big names, like Frank Schleck (Trek), Robert Gesink (Belkin), and Jurgen Roelandts (amongst others) - well, we'll have to wait and see if they are treating the TDU as a week-long training camp, or as an early season target race.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Summary</i></b><br />
<br />
Australia's chance to briefly be the focus of the world cycling community. Home viewers can watch all stages live on the Nine Network's free-to-air digital channel 'Gem' - check your guide's for details.<br />
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Don't miss this chance to watch fantastic cycling at a civilised hour - I'll be glued to the set watching as much as I can. I'll be cheering loudly for Cadel for the overall, and young Caleb Ewan for a couple of confidence-boosting performances in the sprints. Enjoy!!<br />
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<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-84646300342724344162013-12-27T14:02:00.001+10:002013-12-27T14:02:49.644+10:00Race 4/2013 - Twilight Criterium (HPRW), Nundah Back on December 4th, I lined up for my fourth race of the year. The Twilight Crits, run by the HPRW club, are one of my favourite crit race series - a bunch of Wednesday afternoon races that turns 'hump day' from boring to something to look forward to!<br />
<br />
It would indeed be a race for me to remember for a number of reasons...<br />
<br />
Normally I'd punch some stats up for the race straight up. I'm not 100% sure what they are though - but thankfully Strava (<a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/98653110">ride link here</a>) helps me out... I raced in B2 grade, and I know that every single lap averaged over 40km/h - most in the low-mid 40's range. It was a quick race...<br />
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<b><i>The Story of the Day</i></b><br />
<br />
I rolled up to sign on for C-Grade (as usual) - but the current grading system used by HPRW has Masters C riders under 50yo racing up in B2 (with the Masters B riders!!). No worries of course - its all for fun and games. I handed over my $10 and pinned on my number.<br />
<br />
We lined up for the pre-race briefing at 5pm. Based on the numbers I saw, there were about 60 starters in my race - definitely a big one! The race format was a 'points race'. Basically, first across the line every lap scored points, and then on the last lap the first 5 scored as well. Most points would be the winner.<br />
<br />
As usual, my goals were a lot more modest (especially given I was racing 'up' a grade). I simply wanted to last the distance.<br />
<br />
The race went hard from the gun. The first 3 laps were actually the quickest of the day - all averaging above 45km/h (with the second lap up around 47.5km/h). We were hitting 50km/h along the home straight each time!<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I was struggling. I was giving absolutely everything to just hang on. I somehow survived those first few laps, but I was well in the red zone. The clock on my speedo had just ticked over 5min, and I thought that may be it for me!<br />
<br />
I started a simple game - just hold on to the next corner... I kept digging deep, and pushing on & on. A number of times I thought I was gone, but I managed to just keep a hold of the peloton. My mouth was dry, but I dared not reach down for my bottle...<br />
<br />
Time started adding up - 6min, 7min, 8min... When the clock ticked over to 10min, a wave of relief washed over me - I had at least made double figures!<br />
<br />
At around the 12min mark - something changed with me. Suddenly, everything seemed to adapt. I was still pushing extremely hard, but the pain disappeared and I seemed to find my rhythm. It was a wonderful feeling, and I dared to dream that I may make the finish...<br />
<br />
Finally, at around the 35min mark, the 2 laps to go sign came up. The bell went a lap later, and I was on the final lap. I was absolutely elated!! I knew I had never been in a race this fast before and made it to the finish. Having dug myself out of the deep hole I was in after 10min just made it sweeter again.<br />
<br />
I knew I wouldn't be sprinting at the finish, so I decided to get out of everyone's way. I was about a third back fro the front, and let myself drift back into the rear third of the field.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Suddenly, everything changes...</i></b><br />
<br />
Second last curve of the race. Some guy a few in front of me dramatically changes line and chops someone's wheel. Guy goes down heavily in front of me, spreadeagled with his bike across the track. I'm travelling at almost 50km/h with no-where to go. I hit him and think, "please not my collarbone..."<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Short Story</i></b><br />
<br />
Everything hurts - and then only my left shoulder hurts. Yep, the same one as last time. Oh no...<br />
<br />
Ambulance to Royal Brisbane Hospital. X-Rays and MRI's. Concerns over a fractured eye socket eventually dismisssed (phew!). Lots of concerns over a left shoulder that seems to be continually swelling, so kept in overnight.<br />
<br />
Final verdict - left clavicle fractured distally, and needing to be plated. More concern though over the ligaments, that seem to be 'shredded' (registrar's words - not good!). Surgery scheduled for the following week.<br />
<br />
<b><i>What's next?</i></b><br />
<br />
Normally, this section of a race report is about my next lot of racing and/or training. But I'll just leave things there for now, given that any cycling is months away (at least)...<br />
<br />
For the sake of posterity though - next post will cover off on what exactly happened with my shoulder...!!<br />
<br />
Stay safe everyone, and don't take the joys of cycling for granted. I miss it already...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-46067846978337999642013-12-04T12:21:00.002+10:002013-12-04T12:21:22.159+10:00Where have I been...?! (Oct & Nov 2013 Review)Life's been pretty busy lately - lots happening in all spheres of my life. Don't mistake inactivity in the bog for inactivity in life - quite the opposite!! I'm checking in here quickly to log a few stats for my ongoing record, and quickly run over what I've been doing, and what's coming up...<br />
<br />
Firstly - updated stats:<br />
<br />
----------------------------------------------------------<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">January - 300km / 13hrs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>February - 452km / 20hrs<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>March - 341km / 20hrs<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>April - 269km / 12hrs<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May - 201km / 10hrs<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>June - 437km / 21hrs<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>July - 71km / 4hrs<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>August - 518km / 26hrs<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">
September - 455km / 21hrs<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">
<strong><em>October - 386km / 17hrs<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em><span style="color: #660000;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>November - 245km / 13hrs<o:p></o:p></span></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>
</em></strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em><span style="color: #660000;">Year to date - 3674km / 178hrs<o:p></o:p></span></em></strong></span></div>
---------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Obviously things fell away mileage-wise over the last couple of months.<br />
<br />
The main culprit has been work. I had a sudden change of role due to some urgent priority stuff going on. This included some changes to my work location. So instead of working 4 days/week at my usual building (and 1 day/week elsewhere) - I'm now split 3 days/wk in the CBD, 1 day/wk in Milton, and 1 day/wk at my usual location.<br />
<br />
My cycle commuting (which has been the backbone of my mileage) thrives on 'habit' - and my new arrangements haven't been conducive to that at all!! It took me a few weeks to get access organised for my bike to underground carparks (and other annoying administrative stuff), and then some further time for me to work out the best way to carry a lot more than usual to/from work (the new CBD location doesn't have lockers available).<br />
<br />
Fortunately, things are starting to settle into a routine again. I'm managing to cycle-commute at least 3 days/week, which is (probably most importantly) is making me happy... :)<br />
<br />
Weekends have been a bit scrappy, as my kids' weekend school sport really ramped up over Oct/Nov as well. That's not a complaint though - I absolutely love it. Cheering my girls on and watching them improve and grow in confidence is one of life's great pleasures. School sport is on Christmas holiday break now though, so plenty of opportunity over the next couple of months to build up some time in the saddle.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>What's ahead?</em></strong><br />
<br />
In the short-term - club racing. A couple of HPRW club's twilight criteriums on a Wednesday afternoon (including my first one this afternoon), and a couple of my own club's Saturday morning criteriums. I had planned to race the Brisbane Blast Open criterium on 15th December - but I waited too long to enter and Masters C reached capacity. Lesson learned...<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Big News!!</em></strong><br />
<br />
June/July 2014. Northern Italy - riding the Stelvio, Gavia, and Mortirolo. France - spectating a stage (or two!) of the Tour de France. Looks like it will happen, but I dare not write anymore in case I curse my luck...<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I'm excited... :)<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Getting ready for 2014</em></strong><br />
<br />
Normally, I spend the week or two around Christmas/New Year off the bike. Then in January, I'll just do some sporadic riding to slowly get back into the groove of it all again.<br />
<br />
With some big plans for 2014 though, I want to be ready to start strongly in January. So December for me is about trying to rack up as many days in the saddle as I can to be ready for a big first 6-months of 2014.<br />
<br />
Ride safely!!<br />
<br />
cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-76747392720371719652013-10-27T15:53:00.000+10:002013-11-03T16:30:57.083+10:00Race 3/2013 - BBP Open Criterium, ToowoombaOnly my third race for the year, and I was lifting things up a level. I made the 90 minute drive west of Brisbane to Toowoomba, a large town sitting atop the Great Dividing Range. At the Glenvale Criterium Circuit, I was signed up for the Be Better Psychology Open in Masters C.<br />
<br />
After a few navigation errors once I'd reached Toowoomba itself, I arrived at the criterium circuit about 20 minutes before race start. I quickly signed on, grabbed my number, got changed, and squeezed in a few minutes warm-up before the call up for race start.<br />
<br />
The temperature was perfect for racing, however the wind was not. A fairly strong 'Toowoomba special' was blowing across the circuit. The commissaires called the role at the start line (there were 18 of us), gave us a quick run down (30 minutes + 2 laps, with 2 mid-race primes), and we were away!<br />
<br />
<b>Race time!</b><br />
<br />
The pace pretty much exploded from the start. I felt the lack of a good warm-up, especially as the pace nudged 60km/h with the wind at our backs along the first pass of the clubhouse. We swung around a corner, and the crosswind smacked us all across the width of the circuit.<br />
<br />
I was already red-lining - on the first lap!! We sprinted up the first climb, then swung around down the long back straight. Now we had a cross/headwind, and we were strung out in single file along the edge of the circuit. Half-way along and - KABOOM - my legs exploded and I was out the back.<br />
<br />
Dropped on the first lap - not quite what I was hoping for! The Race Commentator didn't miss me either, as I tried to regather my breath (and composure!) along the home straight, I heard him say, "<i>And here comes a Balmoral rider - he obviously forgot this is a race and not a coffee ride, let's see if he can catch back on...</i>"<br />
<br />
I laughed and waved, and decided to make the most of what looked like becoming a hard training day instead of a race.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI3RSBcq-b0/UnXs_dsNWWI/AAAAAAAAAFE/W96OJp4f9ps/s1600/1384067_562658617151438_1007325747_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI3RSBcq-b0/UnXs_dsNWWI/AAAAAAAAAFE/W96OJp4f9ps/s320/1384067_562658617151438_1007325747_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wait up fellas!! Disappearing off the back, on one of the climbs...</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In the end, what became apparent was that I am still a good level below Open racing ability. I did my best each time the peloton came around (another three times), but the best I could do was hold on for one full lap on one occasion. I just wasn't good enough.<br />
<br />
That said, a bad day on the bike is still, well, a good day! I learnt plenty about racing in crosswinds, and enjoyed watching my much stronger competitors as they went past. I basically did a set of intervals for 30min, working hard and making the most of my time on the circuit.<br />
<br />
<b>My final stats were:</b><br />
40 minutes of racing; Average speed of 29.5km/h; Top speed of 63.7km/h!<br />
My fastest lap of the 1.8km full circuit was 2min 56sec - my 3rd lap, and the only one I completed under 3 minutes...<br />
In contrast - the winner averaged 39.5km/h, and hit a top speed of 69.8km/h...!!<br />
<br />
<b>Glenvale Criterium Circuit</b><br />
<br />
If you haven't raced at Glenvale before, and get the chance, you should definitely do it. It is a very honest (and fast!) criterium circuit, and I highly recommend it.<br />
<br />
If you consider the most commonly raced, dedicated off-road criterium circuits in South-East Queensland, then Glenvale is probably the most balanced and fairest of them all. Murarrie and Nundah are flat tracks for the sprinters, while Lakeside and Nerang both have decent climbs in them that sap the legs and favour the lightweights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/c44.23.289.289/s160x160/320924_170428403043411_1793624070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/c44.23.289.289/s160x160/320924_170428403043411_1793624070_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Glenvale track (photo taken during construction)</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Glenvale is 'just right' - a couple of shorter climbs that favour neither the sprinter or climber. Add in some wind, and there is no way anyone can fake (or hide) their way through a race. A brilliant test of racing ability - I'm looking forward to my next opportunity to race there to see if I've improved...<br />
<br />
Finally - many thanks to the cycling community of Toowoomba (and the organising club, <a href="http://www.bikelineracing.org/">Bikeline Racing</a>). It was an extremely well-run day of racing, by a very friendly and welcoming crew. Thanks, and I'm looking forward to coming back again!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-65625758207190326982013-10-13T13:17:00.002+10:002013-10-13T13:17:41.682+10:00Race 2/2013 - C-Grade club criterium, MurarrieFinally!! Yesterday I raced my first criterium for the year. Felt fantastic to pin a number on and bump handlebars in a fast moving peloton again. Lots of fun, and stoked to reach all my goals for the morning!<br />
<br />
Felt very nervous when I woke up in the morning - actually tried to talk myself out of it and go and do a bunch ride instead! But I had pencilled this race down in my head, and forced myself to head out and test the legs. The 20min ride to the crit circuit definitely helped relax me and settle the nerves.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Goal 1 - get through the first 5 minutes...</i></b><br />
<br />
Around 40 starters for the 40min + 3 laps race. A good turn-up, and I distracted myself by checking out some of the carbon bling in the peloton as we awaited the start. My first goal was to get through the first few laps. I knew the pace would be a bit of a shock to the system, so the plan was to just keep my head down and work hard to stay amongst it.<br />
<br />
A hard start did ensue - with such a big pack, the stronger teams were obviously keen to shake things up a bit. I was happy to get through it and still be feeling OK...<br />
<br />
<b><i>Goal 2 - make the half-way prime...</i></b><br />
<br />
A prime sprint prize was scheduled for the half-way mark (20min) - that became my next survival goal. The wind was causing a bit of havoc, particularly along the '3rd straight' heading east. It was a head/crosswind, and I couldn't quite work out exactly where it was coming from - no matter where I positioned myself I seemed to be getting buffeted by the wind.<br />
<br />
Near the halfway mark, a flock of ibis in the sky caught my attention. They were 'hovering' in a V-formation - and it clicked in my head that they must be facing direct into the wind. So I used that to pick my position for the next lap, and it worked a treat... :)<br />
<br />
Twenty minutes came around, and I was still there! I moved forward when the whistle blew for the sprint, giving myself some buffer to drift back when the pace sky-rocketed for the sprint. I held well, and gave myself a little mental high-five for reaching the mid-race milestone...<br />
<br />
<b><i>Goal 3 - make it to the end!!</i></b><br />
<br />
The last 20 minutes to go - time to hang tough!! I had a few scary moments in the final half of the race, getting caught out a few times as I drifted towards the back. I was really working hard, but felt ok at the same time. I was lucky that the pace dipped at around the 30min mark when we were overtaken by B-Grade - it gave me a short, welcome rest.<br />
<br />
Finally, at the 38min mark, the "3 laps to go" sign went up. I had made it! A big grin spread across my face. The rest of the race was just cream now, I'd just watch the moves and follow what I could...<br />
<br />
<b><i>Position is everything</i></b><br />
<br />
Again, the stronger teams lifted the pace, and it was hard to follow. I pushed hard, and managed to move up to mid-pack. We reached the last lap, and I was trying to watch everyone at once to spot the winning move!<br />
<br />
I saw a line of "Ascot Racing" riders move up the outside. I jumped across, and buried myself to follow. We came flying along the 3rd straight, and I allowed myself to dream for a second that I could actually score place...<br />
<br />
Then my legs absolutely detonated, and that was that! I had reached my limit, but had exceeded my expectations for my first race back. Made it to the end, and put myself in a position to win.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to the next race, and seeing if I can repeat the effort!<br />
<br />cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-7441340538274507972013-10-04T14:21:00.001+10:002013-10-04T14:21:36.717+10:00September 2013 ReviewI've been quit blog-wise for the past month. Mainly because I haven't had anything exciting to say! I've just been consistently logging up my kilometres...<br />
<br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<em>January - 300km / 13hrs</em><br />
<em>February - 452km / 20hrs</em><br />
<em>March - 341km / 20hrs</em><br />
<em>April - 269km / 12hrs</em><br />
<em>May - 201km / 10hrs</em><br />
<em>June - 437km / 21hrs</em><br />
<em>July - 71km / 4hrs</em><br />
<em>August - 518km / 26hrs</em><br />
<strong>September - 455km / 21hrs</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Year to date - 3043km / 148hrs</strong><br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
So my last two months have been my biggest two mileage months for the year so far. Happy with that - now to see if I can make it three big months in a row...<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Sand, sun & surf...</em></strong><br />
<br />
One of the highlights of the month for me was a week down at Burleigh Heads for a family holiday. I took the bike down with me, and escaped for a couple of rides while I was there.<br />
<br />
On the Wednesday night, I headed over to the Nerang Velodrome for "Road-track training". This is a winter training session they do, using road bikes on the track (doable as the banking at Nerang is very shallow). Basically, its an hour long session of 100 laps, building to a sprint every 10th lap. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/images/facilities/directory/gold-coast-cycle-centre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/images/facilities/directory/gold-coast-cycle-centre.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<em><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nerang outdoor velodrome</span></strong></em></div>
<br />
It was one of the toughest sessions I've ever done on a bike!! I was clearly a level or two below most of the other dozen riders there, so I spent a fair bit of time circling on the upper parts of the track trying desperately to recover. I was completely wrecked by the end, but had a fantastic time. If you ever get the chance to participate in something like this, you should totally do it.<br />
<br />
I also squeezed in another ride, following the coastline north & south of Burleigh. There are a huge number of bunches riding the coast roads, so I just 'bunch hopped' for the morning. The views along the beach roads are stunning, and its no wonder cycling is such a huge recreational sport on the Gold Coast.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Finishing with a bang...</em></strong><br />
<br />
... but not a good sort of bang!! On the last day of the month, almost home on my cycle-commute, my rear shifting suddenly got very dodgy, very quickly. When I got home, I set the bike up on the stand to investigate, and the rear gear cable promptly snapped. D'oh!!<br />
<br />
I generally do all my basic maintenance and repairs myself, teaching myself what I don't know via the vast resources of Google, forums, and YouTube. But its actually been a few years since my bike has been looked over by a genuine professional mechanic, so I decided this was an opportune time to book the bike in for a full service.<br />
<br />
My bike is being looked after today at <a href="http://www.planetcycles.com.au/">Planet Cycles</a>, getting the full pro "<a href="http://www.planetcycles.com.au/service-packages">Saturn Service</a>". It basically involves the entire bike being pulled apart, everything cleaned out & regreased, bearings replaced, and then put back together. I'm getting all my cables replaced as well (they're all 4+ years old), and I've already gotten the call from the mechanic saying my headset bearings are in pretty bad shape, so they are getting replaced too.<br />
<br />
Its obviously not cheap, but Planet Cycles have a great reputation for their workshop expertise. Given its been around 4 years since a mechanic has touched my bike, and it'll likely be a long time before a mechanic sees it again, I reckon it'll be money well spent...<br />
<br />
Hopefully I'll get my bike back after work today. Will be good to give it a spin tomorrow morning and see how it feels.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>October plans</em></strong><br />
<br />
Racing! After this weekend, I'm planning to race every weekend for the rest of the month. Depending on how I go, I may even have a crack at the Open criterium race in Toowoomba near the end of the month - the <a href="http://www.qld.cycling.org.au/site/cycling/qld/downloads/Events/Flyers%202013/Be%20Better%20Psychology%20Crit%20-%20Flyer.pdf">Be Better Psychology Open</a> on the 27th October.<br />
<br />
So that's it from me for now - time to shave the legs, pin a number on, and see if the last couple of months of consistent training will pay off on the criterium track...!!cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-86516416910697255472013-09-05T12:44:00.000+10:002013-09-05T12:44:31.519+10:00August 2013 ReviewVery happy to be reporting last month's efforts. Finally managed to get some decent consistency together, and kick a goal worth cheering about!! Firstly, to the figures themselves...<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<em>January - 300km / 13hrs</em><br />
<em>February - 452km / 20hrs</em><br />
<em>March - 341km / 20hrs</em><br />
<em>April - 269km / 12hrs</em><br />
<em>May - 201km / 10hrs</em><br />
<em>June - 437km / 21hrs</em><br />
<em>July - 71km / 4hrs</em><br />
<strong>August - 518km / 26hrs</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Year to date - 2589km / 126hrs</strong><br />
<br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cyclingapprentice.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/2011_paris-nice_stage1_thomas_de_gendt_vacansoleil-dcm_wins11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://cyclingapprentice.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/2011_paris-nice_stage1_thomas_de_gendt_vacansoleil-dcm_wins11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Feeling awesome!!</span></em></strong></div>
<br />
Happy with this on a number of levels:<br />
<ul>
<li>Biggest monthly mileage and hours for the year</li>
<li>First month to crack through 500km (finally!)</li>
<li>First 150+km week (155km)</li>
</ul>
After missing the first 6-days of the month due to the lingering man-flu from July, I wasn't sure exactly how much I would be able to achieve. So I decided to just try and make sure I got on the bike as much as possible, and use August as a 'base rebuilding' period.<br />
<br />
That worked out really well! After a relatively easy first week back to make sure I didn't compromise my flu recovery, I was able to finish with three big weeks all clocking more than 130km each. The final week was my peak, hitting 155km to record my biggest weekly mileage of the year.<br />
<br />
I've derived a whole heap of confidence from August. While I'm still 'slow' after a month of base, I feel really strong. I've already started adding a few short intervals into my September rides, and the legs have handled them well...<br />
<br />
<strong>Looking ahead</strong><br />
<br />
Racing-wise, its all about criteriums for the rest of the year. I have two Opens on my radar in October:<br />
<ul>
<li>6th Oct - <a href="http://www.qld.cycling.org.au/site/cycling/qld/downloads/Events/Flyers%202013/Fusion%20Games%20Flyer%202013.pdf">Fusion Games criterium</a> at Newstead (inner city Brisbane)</li>
<li>27th Oct - <a href="http://www.qld.cycling.org.au/event.asp?ID=3448&format=popup">Be Better Psychology criterium</a> at Glenvale (near Toowoomba)</li>
</ul>
If the legs respond well to some harder riding and club racing in September, then I'll try and enter at least one of these races.<br />
<br />
<strong>September Goals</strong><br />
<br />
In the meantime, the month of September (& hopefully some good weather!) lies ahead. In simple terms, I just want to continue on and keep up with logging some decent mileage and time in the saddle. To that end, I'm hoping to keep on hitting 100+km each week, and break through the 500+km mark for the monthly total again.<br />
<br />
While I won't be adopting any formal training structure, I'll be gradually adding in some tougher efforts to my usual rides. These will basically be in the form of some hard intervals interspersed throughout my rides.<br />
<br />
Club racing is an important part of my September plans. I'm aiming to race every weekend, but of course that is tempered with the caveat of not knowing what the kids' sporting commitments are yet. So I'll squeeze in whatever races I can.<br />
<br />
<strong>Feeling great</strong><br />
<br />
I mentioned on Twitter that it really is amazing how consistent training really feeds confidence and motivation. I feel terrific after August's efforts, and I am really enjoying my cycling at the moment. I don't intend to lose or forget this feeling, and will use it to drive me forward for the rest of the year.<br />
<br />
Safe riding!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-10664068890499284242013-08-23T15:29:00.001+10:002013-08-23T15:29:42.078+10:00Vuelta a Espana 2013 - preview & predictionsThe final 3-week grand tour of the year is upon us - La Vuelta a Espana (or just 'The Vuelta' for those of us who are a little too fanatical). The Vuelta is arguably the least prestigious grand tour after the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. But that said, its still a grand tour, and as such is still a highly sought after prize.<br />
<br />
This year's Vuelta is very much a climber's race. Mountains and hills galore, with two-thirds of the stages having uphill finishes! Not much here for the sprinters, which is probably why most of the top fastmen (eg. Cavendish, Greipel, Kittel, Sagan) aren't racing this year.<br />
<br />
One of the unique features of the Vuelta compared to the Tour de France, is that the Vuelta has time bonuses for every stage. The winner gets 10 seconds, 2nd place gets 6 seconds, and 3rd snatches 4 bonus seconds. This definitely adds a new complexion to each stage, providing the overall GC riders a huge incentive to not just finish with the leading group, but to win the stage.<br />
<br />
<strong>So who is going to win?</strong><br />
<br />
<em>The favourite - Vincenzo Nibali (Astana)</em><br />
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<br />
<br />
Nibali is the deserved outright favourite. He already has a grand tour win this year - the Giro d'Italia - and has been in terrific form. His legs should be well-rested after having a long break while many of the others were digging deep in the Tour de France, and has shown some decent form in the lead-up races. Not an unbeatable favourite, but it will be a surprise if he doesn't win.<br />
<br />
<em>The young gun - Carlos Betancur (AG2R)</em><br />
<br />
Betancur is relatively inexperienced, but is developing rapidly. His breakout performance was at this year's Giro d'Italia, where he came a strong 4th. Very much a pure climber, this year's Vuelta route suits him perfectly. A bit of a question mark over whether he can peak twice in the one year, given his age - but I believe he will do well.<br />
<br />
<em>The homeland hero - Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha)</em><br />
<br />
'Purito' Rodriguez has plenty of grand tour podiums, but is yet to crack an overall win. He'll be super-motivated to do so at his 'home' grand tour this year. He is a great stage finisher, so one of his great advantages is the time bonuses - expect him to hoover up a few full 10-second bonuses. The question mark for him is whether he can back up from a tough Tour de France. I think he will podium - but the fresher legs of Nibali and Betancur will be too much for him to win...<br />
<br />
<em>One last chance - Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) & Ivan Basso (Cannondale)</em><br />
<br />
With both at the tail-end of their careers, they will be keen to notch up a win to go out in style. Both riders will do well, but won't quite match their efforts of previous years. Definitely top 10 riders, but both will miss the podium.<br />
<br />
<em>The Colombian Armada - Sergio Henao and Rigoberto Uran (both Team Sky)</em><br />
<br />
A strong Sky team for the Vuelta, led by the Colombian duo of Henao and Uran. Both skipped the Tour de France, so should have fresh legs. While both had excellent Giro's, Uran had the better result with a terrific 2nd place. Henao has been given leadership status here though, most likely because Uran is leaving for another team next year. However, expect both in the Top 10.<br />
<br />
<strong>The sub-plots</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Farewell Euskaltel-Euskadi</em><br />
<br />
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<br />
After 20 years in the pro peloton the 'carrots' are finishing up due to sponsorship difficulties. It won't be the same without those bright orange jerseys racing! Euskaltel have fielded a great team, stacked with their best climbers - including Sammy Sanchez, Igor Anton, and Mike Nieve.<br />
<br />
Sanchez has a chance at the overall, and you can expect the others to go all out for stage wins as well. Hopefully the carrots can animate this year's Vuelta and go out on a high!<br />
<br />
<em>Farewell Vacansoleil-DCM</em><br />
<br />
Another team departing, it will be the final grand tour for Vacansoleil. Again, expect them to animate with attacks - mainly as attempts by the riders to secure contracts for new teams next year. The irrepressible Johnny Hoogerland will be the most visible, he is a breakaway specialist...<br />
<br />
<strong>How to watch</strong><br />
<br />
In Australia, free-to-air broadcaster SBS will have a half-hour highlights show every night at 5:30pm. They are also showing eight stages live - <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/event/vuelta-a-espana-2013">click here for details</a>. Not sure how many of these I'll catch after the Tour de France wiped me out - but I'll pick a couple of the big mountain stages for sure...<br />
<br />
<strong>Well, c'mon, who is actually going to win?!</strong><br />
<br />
As always, I'll finish up with my predicted finishing order. With some luck, I'll get close this year...!!<br />
<br />
1. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana)<br />
2. Carlos Betancur (AG2R)<br />
3. Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha)<br />
4. Rigoberto Uran (Sky)<br />
5. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)<br />
6. Sergio Henao (Sky)<br />
7. Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel)<br />
8. Michel Scarponi (Lampre-Merida)<br />
9. Domenico Pozzovivo (AG2R)<br />
10. Dan Martin (Garmin-Sharp)cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-24496871292042072952013-08-16T15:40:00.004+10:002013-08-16T15:40:59.467+10:00July 2013 ReviewA very quick post to update and record my stats for July 2013.<br />
<br />
I could probably subtitle this month's post as "Blame it on the Tour"! What did I do? Nothing!! I discovered that I am well-&-truly not a teenager anymore that can 'rock-&-roll all night and party every day' - staying up for the Tour de France all through July absolutely destroyed me during the day. <br />
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<strong><em>Just because I want to, doesn't mean I can... ;)</em></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
I was able to do just enough at work to not get fired (luckily my boss is a fellow Tour de France fan!). I slept as long as I could in the mornings, waking up just in time to madly get changed, kiss the wife & kids, and catch a bus to work. And I spent the rest of my time in a sleep-deprived daze. It'll come as a massive shock that I also managed to catch "man-flu" not long after the Tour ended in my fatigued state...<br />
<br />
Anyway - here are the embarrassing stats...<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">January - 300km / 13hrs</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">February - 452km / 20hrs</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">March - 341km / 20hrs</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">April - 269km / 12hrs</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">May - 201km / 10hrs</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<strong><span style="color: #4c1130; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">June - 437km / 21hrs<o:p></o:p></span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><strong>July – 71km / 4hrs<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">Year to date - 2071km / 100hrs</span></strong><o:p></o:p><br />
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<br />
Pretty disastrous in terms of what I was planning and preparing for. But hey, I love staying up and watching the Tour - it was an (unplanned!) sacrifice that I willingly made.<br />
<br />
So what now - how does one recover from an unscheduled month-long break from the bike? Well, you get straight back into it...<br />
<br />
Apart from a work trip to Canberra and the lingering effects of the man-flu in the first week of August, I've managed to rack up some decent mileage again already. This month will be very much a 'base' month, rebuilding some mileage again.<br />
<br />
The new race targets are a couple of months ahead in October. There are three big Open criterium races, and I'll hopefully be able to schedule in 1 or 2 of them. In the meantime though, I just need to focus on some consistent training.<br />
<br />
Halfway through August, I'm already on track for it to be the biggest month of the year so far. If I can keep that up, that should set me up for some harder, more intense work in September leading into the October races.<br />
<br />
Let's see if I can finally get through a 3-month plan!! I've had a few aborted attempts for various reasons this year - but I can't see impediments ahead. Fingers crossed!! cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-77967410977465001952013-07-31T15:16:00.003+10:002013-07-31T15:16:57.674+10:00A New Model for Cycling Stage RacesChange happens slowly in professional cycling - whether it be bike regulations (6.8kg minimum weights??), spectator-friendly technology (live rider telemetry??), or anything else that may involve a change to the status quo. The UCI seems very loathe to make any changes unless huge pressure is applied.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, I was very surprised when I read some previews for two races - the just-raced Classica San Sebastion one-dayer, and the currently racing Tour of Poland stage race - and discovered some minor tweaks had been made.<br />
<br />
The key change made is an experimental reduction in team size - only six riders per team, down from the usual eight (Grand Tours have teams of nine riders). This is something I really like and have advocated before, as it makes it harder for one team to control the race. <br />
<br />
In the Tour of Poland, they are also doing some funky things with time bonuses, and creating an "attractivity jersey" for the leader of a combined classification that takes into accounts intermediate sprints and mountains points. All a bit confusing and arbitrary - I just don't quite get what they are trying to do...<br />
<br />
So with all that in mind, I started wondering -<em> if I got the chance to make up a new model for stage races, what would I do......??</em><br />
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Firstly, let's start with the premise that if you are going to make some changes, let's do it properly. Don't just fritter around the edges, but get stuck in and shake the system up a bit.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>1. Teams of eight riders - six on-the-road, and two substitutes.</strong></em><br />
<br />
Each team nominates a team of eight riders at the start of the race. However, only six riders can race at any one time. Substitutes can only be made between stages.<br />
<br />
All riders are eligible for any points-based competitions (eg. sprint jersey or mountains jersey). So sprinters can sit out mountain stages, and mountain climbers can be subbed out for an extra lead-out train specialist on the flat sprint stages. <br />
<br />
The team competition is still calculated by the best 3 riders on each stage, and is unaffected.<br />
<br />
I think this would make the riding 'harder and faster', but without increasing the load on individual riders. Mountain goats could save their legs with extra recovery days, and the sprinters could go flat out and not have to save themselves to survive the tough days.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>2. Designated team leaders, and only they can win overall.</strong></em><br />
<br />
Before the race begins, the team must nominate who is racing for the overall win. They may nominate any two riders for this (a third may be nominated if they are also qualify for the 'young riders competition').<br />
<br />
The "designated team leaders" MUST start every stage, and may not be substituted at any time. They should also be easily visually-identified - either by having a uniquely coloured number, or maybe even a jersey-feature.<br />
<br />
The overall classification will only feature these designated team leaders, and only they are eligible to win the race overall.<br />
<br />
I believe this recognises the 'team' nature of cycling. In most other team sports, competitors fill specific positions that have a definitive role to play. This would give cycling the same structure.<br />
<br />
Another benefit would be for the spectator, especially those that are relatively new to the sport. It would be much clearer who the team leaders are, and to understand why different strategies are employed.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>3. Anyone can win a stage, but time bonuses are distributed to the team leaders.</strong></em><br />
<br />
The stage winner is still the first rider to cross the line each day, that doesn't change. However, if a time bonus is applicable to the stage winner, then that time bonus is automatically equally split between that team's "designated team leaders".<br />
<br />
As an example, if the Team Wheelsucker sprinter wins a stage and gets 12 bonus seconds, then the two "designated team leaders" for Team Wheelsucker are automatically given 6 seconds each (or 4 seconds each if their are three team leaders).<br />
<br />
This is another change that emphasises the team aspect of the sport. It would also make for some interesting strategic choices with the substitutions for different stages...!!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Would this make 'better' racing?</em></strong><br />
<br />
I have no idea. Racing is pretty exciting now, this would simply make 'different' racing.<br />
<br />
What I really like about this model is the shift to a more well-recognised team structure. You have your team leaders known and recognised, and riders can be subbed in and out as it suits the team best.<br />
<br />
I also suspect this would lead to a spreading of the talent pool. Even if a team loads itself up with potential winners, it must nominate who its leaders are at the start, and only they can potentially win. So riders looking for glory will need to go to another team in order to have a chance to fulfil their ambitions. Perhaps a disincentive to joining a 'super-team'??<br />
<br />
What I think might be lossed is the 'glorious uncertainty' of racing, when an unknown rider can snatch an overall victory by surprise. That said, this happens less often these days as riding becomes much more controlled and less happens by surprise.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Conclusion</em></strong><br />
<br />
I am still, even some weeks later, suffering from post Tour de France fatigue. So maybe what seems like a good idea right now may not seem like such a good idea later when I'm better rested! However I think it would make for some interesting, different racing and strategy going forward into the future...<br />
<br />
Please note though - if the UCI decide to make these changes, I thought of it first!! ;-)<br />
cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-29707052307536404392013-07-16T16:10:00.002+10:002013-07-16T16:10:53.672+10:00Tour de France 2013 - the business end...As a cycling fan, July has been absolutely exhausting. I must be getting old too - I remember (just!) when I used to be able to stay up night-after-night, watching multiple stages. These days, it takes me a week to recover from just one late night!<br />
<br />
I tweeted earlier this week that one of the great ironies of the Tour de France is that you actually get very little cycling done yourself. That's OK though, I love watching the race, and suffering through my work days in an exhausted state is all part of the 'labour of love'...<br />
<br />
So today, after the 2nd rest day, here is a few brief notes on the winners & losers so far, along with who is poised to do something special in Week 3 of the great race.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Winners</u></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Chris Froome (Team Sky)</em></strong> is obviously the first person to mention here. He has lived up to his pre-race favouritism, and absolutely dominated in the mountains and the individual time trial. There are cynics out there, but I am a believer in a new age of clean cycling - that might make me naive, but I don't care. For now, I am just enjoying watching Froome's ungainly style as he launches himself off <strong><em>Richie Porte's</em></strong> wheel and up the hills to victory.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Bauke Mollema</em></strong> and<strong><em> Laurens Ten Dam (Team Belkin)</em></strong> have been fantastic this year. I wondered before the race who their team leader would be, expecting <strong><em>Robert Gesink</em></strong> to be part of their strategy. Mollema, in particular, is showing himself as a possible Grand Tour winner of the future. As always, the proof will be if he can back up in the years to come.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Orica-Greenedge</em></strong>, as a team, have no pressure leading into the 3rd week. Arriving at the Tour this year having never won a stage, they have racked up two stage wins (thanks to <strong><em>Simon Gerrans</em></strong> and the Team Time Trial), plus have held the yellow jersey for a few days. Its all upside for this team!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Nairo Quintana (Movistar)</em></strong> is also having a great race. The relative newcomer is leading the white jersey classification, and has been the only one to seriously challenge Froome in the mountains. Even if he struggles into the third week, he has gained mountains of experience (pardon the pun) which will have him well-prepared for future Grand Tours.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Peter Sagan (Cannondale)</em></strong> has locked up the green sprinters jersey race, winning points when most other sprinters have been dropped on some of the hilly stages. He is a class act on the bike.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Losers</u></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)</em></strong> was bitten by karma when puncturing at a very inopportune time, and fell away as an overall contender. He was looking great, but is now out of calculations as his team shifts its support to youngster Quintana.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Team BMC</em></strong> has had its overall strategy go completely pear-shaped. Both <strong><em>Cadel Evans</em></strong> and <strong><em>Tejay Van Garderen</em></strong> have come up short, and <strong><em>Phillipe Gilbert</em></strong> hasn't featured as a possible stage winner. They need something good to happen in this last week.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Who To Watch</u></strong><br />
<br />
There are a few riders who have an opportunity to do something exciting in the 3rd week. I'll be keeping a close eye on the following to see if they can snatch a stage win in the mountains:<br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Thomas de Gendt (Vacansoleil)</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>Andy Schleck (Radioshack)</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>Pierre Rolland (Europcar)</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>Thibaut Pinot (FdJ)</em></strong></li>
</ul>
The overall general classification also has thrown up some riders who have shown potential in the past, but now seem to be coming through with real form. Keep watching the following to see how they handle the big final week in the Alps:<br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Jakob Fuglsang (Astana)</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>Roman Kreuziger (Saxo-Tinkoff)</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>Michel Kwiatkowski (OmegaPharma-Quickstep)</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>Andrew Talansky & Daniel Martin (Garmin-Sharp)</em></strong></li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Summary</u></strong><br />
<br />
A fantastic race so far, with so much more to come in the final week. A tricky individual time trial over two big hills, plus the unbelievable double-ascent of the fabled Alpe d'Huez, will be just two of many highlights throughout the week.<br />
<br />
I have no idea what's going to happen, but am looking forward to a few more nights on the couch, wrapped in a woollen blanket and sipping a hot mug of tea, and watching these amazing athletes fight their way to the finish in Paris.<br />
<br />
<br />
cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299993922789925336.post-40356130074053094572013-07-08T14:53:00.002+10:002013-07-08T14:53:36.254+10:00June 2013 Review (& "Half Year Reflection")I've had a great start to July - a week off work to have some time at home during the school holidays, which has been great fun. Plus perfectly timed to match in with some late nights watching the Tour de France.<br />
<br />
The bike has been left in the garage for the week while I slept in each morning after my late-night TdF watching, and my days were taken up with family day trips. Not ideal for race prep, but perfect for mentally rejuvenating family time.<br />
<br />
Sadly back at work now, and so no more rest for the wicked! Before we get too deep into July, here is a quick review of how I went in June...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">January - 300km / 13hrs</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">February - 452km / 20hrs</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">March - 341km / 20hrs</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">April - 269km / 12hrs</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">May - 201km / 10hrs</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">June - 437km / 21hrs</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">Year to date - 2000km / 96hrs</span></strong><br />
<br />
Finally some signs of consistency. I only missed one week due to rainy weather, and a few small runs of days due to a new role at work. Very happy to log my biggest month of the year in terms of 'hours on the bike', and my 2nd biggest in terms of mileage.<br />
<br />
Probably the best news (in a weird way) is that I could very easily have done a lot more. I allowed myself a few indulgent sleep-ins on the weekends, for-going a lot of bike time. So I'm super-confident of being able to keep the momentum going and building further and longer for July.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Six Months Down, Six Months To Go</em></strong><br />
<br />
A nice round figure for the first half of the year - 2000km (and 96 hours). Not enough there to be a solid "Masters C" competitor in Open Racing, but at the very least a basis to build on.<br />
<br />
My modest aims for the 2nd half of the year is to increase that by 50% - so knock out another 3000km and 150 hrs by the end of the year. In simple terms, that's only a consistent 500km a month. And a very modest 100-150km per week. <br />
<br />
My very basic plan is to be on the bike for 3 weekdays every week - which'll be 3 days of commuting with some extra mileage or intensity thrown in on 1-2 of those days. That alone will carry me over 100km. On top of that, at least one weekend ride as well - either a race or a long bunch ride.<br />
<br />
That basic week-long structure will give me 150-200km every week. If I can hit that most weeks, I should see some solid improvement all-round.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>What's Coming Up</em></strong><br />
<br />
I've mentioned it before, but looming large ahead is the <a href="http://www.qld.cycling.org.au/event.asp?ID=3434&format=popup">Cunningham Classic</a> - a 96km hilly road race on the 3rd August. My initial plan was to build to this as my A-Race for the year, and give myself a short one-week taper leading in to the event.<br />
<br />
Since then, I've started looking closely at the <a href="http://www.qld.cycling.org.au/event.asp?ID=3443&format=popup">Charles Coin Memorial road race</a>, being raced two weeks later on the 18th August. Based at Mulgowie (near South Laidley), it is run on an 18km country road circuit. My grade - Masters C - will do 4 laps, or 72km (other grades do more laps for a greater distance, with Elite A racing furthest at 7 laps/126km).<br />
<br />
I'm thinking that the Charles Coin race will be more suited to me. So I'm going to treat the Cunningham Classic as a hard training day, and not alter my training volume/intensity around it. Instead, I'll taper in to the Charles Coin as my A-Race for the year.<br />
<br />
Once those races are done, the rest of the year will be all about criterium racing. I might make some changes to my training focus for that, but there is no need to consider that until after the two big August road races.<br />
Plenty of work to do now for a big 6-week build into the Charles Coin Memorial. With a bit of luck, I'll reach it with plenty of mileage in my legs to give myself every chance of finishing with the main peloton...!!<br />
<br />
cgradecyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14338564675997630077noreply@blogger.com0