Quick Update

Whilst I watch the live coverage of the 2011 Willunga Hill Stage of the Tour Down Under I thought I would fill my Followers in of my 2011 racing plan! I've been working pretty hard recently with DS Dan Bennet and Coach Nigel Job to come up with the perfect compromise for my 2011 programme. Arranging the calender is a slow process with lots of different sites to scout, and races all over the country to consider. Well to shorten it down the major races are the National road series, seen here http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/road/article/roadst_Road-Major-Events-Calendar. The National TT Champs, National 10, National 25 and National Team Time Trial. These are the most important races for myself so the remainder of the calender is based around getting me in the best possible form for these big events. I will also be racing In France and I am hoping for around 5/6 weekends with a mixture of racing in the north and south of the country! This is in order of me building a Palmares for an application to a French team for the 2012 campaign.

Haven't got a picture a picture of myself so I am afraid I will just say how Beautiful, Light and Stiff my new Keo Carbon Blades are and here is a picture!

This is a video explaining why they are so goods so I don't have too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqAl9tB16Qo .

A quick update on training, well this week will be my longest week so far this year and will come in around 15/16 Hours. I have a 5hr and a 4hr ride to do this weekend, but not sure yet what order depends on how I feel. I am looking forward to a good catchup with Dante Carpenter tomorrow who last year was part of our Squad however has moved to ASFRA Flanders as he wants to focus his racing priorities on the Belgium Kermesse scene! Sunday I will be accompanied by Brock, and hopefully Will Kemp, Tom Copeland (Sigma) and Josh Cunningham (Royal Antwerp Bicycle Club). Will be a tough weekend for sure!

Once the Calender has been finalised I will post the 2011 agenda and fill you in on any further updates! another off topic blog is on the agenda just bare with me only 2 exams to go.

Cheers Tom

Jobster and a bit more power

Yesterday afternoon I was greeted with a visit from my coach (Nigel Job) he has more knowledge on coaching and everything bike related than anyone I know. He started his Career in Accountancy and has a Degree to his Name. He has also raced a bike at a High standard including races such as the tour of Israel. He has worked as a Coach and Scout for Glendene and can been seen at pretty much every Circuit race in London!

I have been working with him since last March and I really am starting to feel the benefits and my results will prove this, this coming year. I started working with power on Christmas day and after reading 'training with power' and with the knowledge of my coach guiding me in the right direction I have been able to analyse my training and this data will become ever more important with the season coming up! From are last meet my coach thinks that I may be able to challenge the Juvenile 25mile TT national record which Currently stands at 50m 40s which is around a 30mph average! We also concluded that he thinks my build is going to credit itself to both time trails and climbing and thankfully all apart from 2 of the national series include climbs! I can comfortably say I am not going to be a Chris Hoy and put out 2000 watts! My First Appearance will be at Hillingdon on the 29th however I shall be playing a team role but I am excited for some competitive racing!

Any how Using power has so many advantages As I mentioned yesterday I rode Ditchling Beacon and I got a new 4min max power output which was 378 watts. How does this compare to the pro's? this shows Horner's data from stage 17 of the 2010 TDF compared to my Sunday ride data:

Max Power (W)	Chris Horner	Tom Laker
5 Sec	757	705
1Min	469	391
4Min	408	378

you can see that my 4min average is 30 watts less than Chris Horner's however Chris was doing a more sustained effort (the Tormalet) so his will still be considerably higher! However it makes good reading as I am by no way at full strength so expect to see this rise. I can't wait to compare my own data from the Tormalet this summer! (watch this space) Any how the data makes promising reading!

Did a quick 30mins on the rollers to loosen up the legs today and they certainly feel looser I am sure 30mins stretching also helped. Bike felt awesome on the rollers and can't wait to take it for a spin on the road and really feel its benefit, the kinesis is feeling like a shopping trolley (real winter bike)!

Next update won't be till Thursday evening as I have a number of exams in the coming days so need to focus on the college work.

Solo or Group?

This weekend has included some heavy mileage indeed! Thought I would separate the blog into two halves! I don't normally blog on rides but I feel quite obliged to blog about today's fast Sunday run and a lonesome Saturday outing!

So, Saturday I knew what I was faced with! 4hrs on the road... the weather, windy and a little damp! never have I felt so uninspired to jump on the saddle! with Most the squad in Newport for a track session (read this blog to find out more http://brockduncumbrogers.blogspot.com/) and Dante electing out of the ride last minute to race at Hillingdon. I had no option but to go it alone! 3hrs 45mins to go and I was already counting down the time! not a good sign to say the least. Well I ended up riding around the Dunsfold road Circuit and if you want more data look on Garmin connect http://connect.garmin.com/activity/63693640 . Enough of the ride details But it got me thinking are there any pros of riding on your own. For shorter rides its nice to have your own company as it allows you to do some thinking of what is going on in your life and also what next to blog about or if your doing intervals then you can do exactly what your coach has allocated you! but there really is nothing enjoyable about a level 2 endurance ride alone! The ride wasn't too bad but what would one do without the company of an Ipod, I don't know! Still a good 4hrs in the legs!

Sunday, well It started at Chez Drew in Bolney and I had another 4 hours on the agenda. The plan was to meet Brock DR & Will Kemp (PCCDS) and Tom Copeland (Sigma Sport) in Ditchling around half 10. But we were fashionably late so we ended up meeting them in Hassocks. We were then on our way to Lewes to meet the Mc Namara's this made me wonder how my legs were going to hold out from yesterdays slog as this training ride was rely going to include some strong cookies! So off we went and it only had to be Via the beacon! Seems an age since I last rode it, but it seemed to have got easier? well not rely! I managed to stick to the Wheel of Tom Copeland (Sigma Sport) the whole climb which is a little achievement in itself! looking back on the data we averaged 350 watts for the complete climb! at one point I was certainly grimacing as my computer read 450 watts 3/4 of the way up! We reached lewes after going past the most amazing building in the UK! I couldn't quite contain myself and the ALBION chants had to be Sung! for those of you who don't have a clue what I am talking about, it is the magnificent stadium of Falmer, the new home of BHAFC. After being homeless for 13 seasons every time I see the stadium I rely getting a huge feeling of pride and excitement and can't wait to get my season ticket!

We met an assortment of riders including Chirs Mc Namara (Corley Cycles) Simon Mc Namara & Rodger Smith (South Down Bikes) and Paul Barnard (Team Terminator). They didn't hang around and with Tom and Chris doing the majority of the work it was pretty fast! A mention must go to Brock who Rode extremely Well after a week long Illness. He finishing 3rd up the Beacon and he Hung on comfortably in a tough ride! For myself It was a bit bizarre riding with the Mc Namara's. When I first started racing a bike at Dunsfold Aerodrome they were always in contention for the win so It felt a bit of a honour to be in such company and talking to experienced riders is always nice as you can never learn to much! So Back to the title of the blog and I think by the amount I have written for Sundays ride shows that the pros of riding in a group really excel those of riding alone! I am quite a social person so riding for 4hrs with company is far more enjoyable for me than being alone! Here is the Garmin data for Sundays ride. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/63693540

This coming week I have got exactly the same training wise as the previous week. I shall blog about some of the Power Data from Sundays ride in an attempt to help followers understand the utility of training with wattage.

Thanks for reading

Its more important than you think

Ultimately my results this year are going to determine where and at what level I will be riding a bike in 2012! For myself this adds motivation to each training ride. I know I have to follow the most professional lifestyle possible in order to overcome my opponents this includes making sacrifices including minimal alcohol , not going to parties and not eating crap food. This is all in order of building up a sufficient Palmares. So.... (in the words of Charlie Fawke) the ball is in my court! What has made me think about this? it is that I am currently sitting exams and the thought of Uni at the moment really doesn't appeal and the realisation of the importance of this season just has hit me and my results are the same as a person aiming for a number of UCAS points in order to get to the uni of their preference! I have began to sort out logistics already for the following season and am beginning to tally up costs and work out which teams I will be applying to! come June I will be a full time cyclist (scary prospect) and have a part time job trying to gather as much money possible to race abroad! this excites me so much and I really cant wait to get racing and start impressing people so all I can do atm is everything I am told by Nigel Job (coach) and I have a lot of confidence this Is going to be a good season!

Progressive Cycle Coaching Development Squad 2011

From yesterday's blog, opinions have been coming in and I am rely happy about this! I had a great response from http://keitharussell.blogspot.com/ and I like how it has caused people to express their feelings on the topic! As I said today on twitter I will blog about my own performance as a cyclist, My interest in the world of professional Cycling, My football Team (Brighton) and sometimes an incite of my personal life if I feel it be relevant to my blog! please feel free to respond via twitter or blogspot with your own opinions!

Thought I would add a picture. So..... here is a picture of my TT bike for 2011, I apologize that it is currently cassetteless its not quite a speed machine yet! Bike spec is below the picture.

2011 Time Trial Bike (Pro-Lite Espresso Aero buster)

Frame: Pro-Lite Espresso Aero buster (57cm)

Chainset: Shimano Ultegra 53/39 175mm

Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace Bar End 10sp STI Shifters

Brake Levers: Crane Creek 200TT

Derailleurs: Shimano 105

Brakset: Sram Force

Handle Bars: Easton Aero Force Mod Base bar & Extensions

Stem: Ritchey WCS 4Axis Stem Wet White

Cables: Jagwire Racer Orange

Chain: KMC X10 SL Gold

Saddle: Fizik Tundra

Training Wheels: Cyclops Pro+ Hub, Ambrosio Excellight Rims

Training Tyres: Vittoria Open Pave EVO CG 290 TPI

Racing Wheels: Hyper Sonics 50mm/Novatec Hubs

Racing Tyres: Continental GP 4000

Thats all for now, may blog later tonight If I can't sleep!

Who to support, team or rider?

Cycling is an odd sport! For the outsider it's impossible for them to understand how cycling could be a 'team sport' but those who do understand the game do know that team work is paramount to success! Therefore the fact of having a favourite team doesn't appear to be support for a brand but the support of a group of riders! but how can a fan like all 25 to 30 riders on a squad? will they find the kit presentable? will they find the bikes Beautiful? There are so many variables that consist in simply supporting a team! I wouldn't lose passion for Brighton if Elliot Bennet decided to wear pink boots! and this it what makes cycling a complete opposite from other team sports, I as a football team fan would never now lose support for the Albion and change teams this isn't the case in pro cycling!

The Leopard- Trek presentation was extremely bizarre this included a talented Fixie and a Zebra rolling around in a large wheel! The team is looking like a real dream team for 2011! With a team with Strengths in all fields of the sport! Will they have my support? Not sure yet, Andy Schleck will always have my support as a rider! After following him in the 2010 tour I will never stop having a passion for the rider when I see him climb! the question remains about the team! Do I like the bikes? Honestly, not really I think that the paint job on Madone's are not easy on the eye. Do I like the kit? Well the kit design is nice however I prefer a jersey with larger logos and sponsors covering all sides! Leopards jersey is 'elitist' and for me too plain however the colours are nice! When I watch team leopard race I will support Andy. This may sound odd that I will not support the other individuals on the team, but fans support winners and Andy has my support. There are other riders who I will continue to support from Saxo-Bank Include Dominc Klemme, Jens Voight, and of course Maxime Monfort from his Cofidis routes. Most fans have support for a number of riders all on different teams and would support them regardless of the colour of their jersey!

Many fans support teams because of their nationality this is evident for example by Euskadi-Euskatel! Passionate Basque Fans covering the Pyrenees in Orange so that they can see Samu Sanchez ride passed! they will love this team regardless if they win or lose! Much the same can be said for the Italian Tifoso! With there only being one Large British Pro Cycling Team (Sky) you would think I would follow sky and I do but as It stands atm I have a larger affinity for Cofidis!

For me to support a team you have to fall in love for the atmosphere created by the infrastructure of the team and the riders and what the brands mean for you and the nationality of the team! All though Cofidis are now only Pro Conti Status, in my eyes they are my favourite outfit! A lot of the riders come from Pau! the first rider to inspire myself was Stephan Auge his courageousness in breakaways in the tour inspired me and since then I have owned 2007 Cofidis kit. I like the french nationalistic approach, the French Riders, the French bikes and the Passionate French fans. With my Mother living near Pau I feel a tiny part of that! and I have an affinity with the team and hope each day they race it will end in a Cofidis win regardless of the rider!

However let's be honest, as a rider I would ride for any team who is prepared to pay me money to race bikes!

Buonanotte

Questions and Answers

This has been taken from my page on the team website, a few Q's and A's you might be interested in!

• What is your favourite ride? My favourite ride is in the south west of France in the Hautes Pyrenees department. The ride starts at Argeles Gazost finishing in Lourdes. The ride includes the ascent of the Tormalet from the Luz St Saveur side and includes the ascent of both sides of the Col dAspin. The ride is about 130km.
• What are you doing when you're not cycling? When I’m not cycling I watch Brighton Hove Albion Football Club, and occasionally go to away matches. I have the odd kick about, and chill with my mates. I go to the cinema and play a bit of poker. Alternative exercises include spending time in the gym as well as jogging and swimming.
• What do you like about riding for One Life Development Squad? I like the organisation of the squad. This includes the infrastructure of the team Also I like how the riders are committed and how we are a recognised as a strong unit. The team is also full of friendly individuals who work together as a team. It is also evident how the squad cares for you as a rider and your progression to your maximum potential.
• What is your ultimate goal in cycling? My ultimate goal in cycling is to one day become a professional rider. However that is the dream of every young bike rider in the world So I realise how competitive it will become as I continue to progress. My approach to the sport is dedicated and professional, and if I was to fall short of my dream I would still be able to re create these aspects in everyday life. If I become professional my dream would be to race for a French outfit. If not successful I would like to Gain a BSC in sport science and hopefully coach either footballers or cyclists to future champions or become an agent in either of the sports.
• What is your greatest memory on 2 wheels? In 2009 I raced in France for the summer. I was racing in a criterium at the foot of the Pyrenees in a small town called Montaut. There were around 80 starters in the cadets race (under 16’s). The race started off at a furious pace with constant attacking, which is the style of amateur racing on the continent. With 20km to go I was in a chase group of nine riders including 3 regional champions. However there was a sole rider of the front. Then With 5k to go I attacked and left the chase group, I ended up pulling back 20 seconds from the leader but just fell short of catching him. By around 5 seconds and had him in my sights and the end of 78kms. For me it was the first time I realised my potential in the sport and being on the podium abroad with flowers and a small trophy was inspirational.
• How did you get into cycling? In 2007 I was in France for July living with my mum. Le tour de France passed near our house so we decided to take a trip and watch the race. For me the spectacle of the race was awesome and the size of it was incredible. Then throughout that summer I did 10 miles on a old MTB every day, and on my return to the UK I bought my first racer a Specialized Allez and joined AD cycles.
• What is one of your most memorable moments? Greatest moment not on the bike would be the play off final against Bristol city when we were in league 1. We were given a penalty around the 70^th minute and held on for the win, and were promoted to the championship.
• Favorite Musical Artists? Jme, Devlin, Coldplay, Inna and Shakira
• What are you favourite films? Green Mile, Planet of the Apes and Shaw Shank Redemption
• What is your favourite food? Starter: Bruschetta Main; Confit du cunard and chips; Pudding; Tarte aux pommes

Creeping Up

So it's the11th of January and the season is almost upon us! the first day I intend to race this year is the 6th of March so I have around 8 weeks to go, to be where I need to be! I shall be at Hillingdon only once for the winter series to gauge my fitness. Then I shall be In France from the 17th to the 24th of February, this will consist of two long days in the saddle at sea level and 4 days skiing and altitude training. Cycling shall consist of Mountain reps on the Col du Portalet. Its 29km in length averaging about 5% with about 1300m of climbing in total! I will be Skiing with my step Brother at http://www.formigal.com/ probably the best resort in the Pyrenees and needless to say I am rely excited about it and about spending some time with my stepbrother (Ed). We spent a lot of our childhood together but as we have grown up and now living in different places we don't see as much of each other so it will be a great catch up!

Profile Col Du Portalet

Enough of the boring bits I have got myself thinking what is a blog? is it the telling of a story or telling people your thoughts? well for myself reading listed facts is not interesting. So I am now going to attempt to include more feelings and emotions! however of course I will update you on my cycling developments but is there anything worse than updates on the latest turbo session? isn't that what twitter is for? If you want to hear about my training and latest purchases follow my twitter http://twitter.com/TomLaker !!! However I shall still blog about races, extensive training blocks and I would also appreciate your comments on each post!

Rant over, this month is going to be a long one! 6 exams and lots of riding on the agenda.When February comes I will be able to relax more and with the lighter evenings coming our way, fitting training in will certainly be easier!

Some other blogs you may want to check out:

http://brockduncumbrogers.blogspot.com/

http://joshcunninghamcycling.com/

http://charliefawkeridersblog.blogspot.com/

bonne nuit

2011 Race Bike

2011 Race Bike (Flanders Pro Team)

Frame: Flanders Pro Team (L)

Groupset: Sram Force 2010

Race Wheels: Fast Forward F5R Tubulars

Training Wheels: Cyclops Pro+ Hub, Ambrosio Excellight Rims

Saddle: Selle San Marco Regal Racing Team

Racing Tyres:Continental Sprinter Gatorskin Tubular Tyre

Training Tyres: Vittoria Open Pave EVO CG 290 TPI

Seatpost: Fizik Cyrano Seatpost

Chain: KMC X10 SL Gold

Handle Bars: FSA Wing Pro Compact White Road Handlebar 42cm

Stem: FSA OS-150 XTC White Oversize Stem 120mm

Cables: Jagwire Racer Orange

Bike Looks very smart, thanks to @Patrick_Harris for building the machine. Time Trial bike images still to come!

Pedalling, Vendange Tardive, Revision and more Pedalling

So in brief training is going well and to plan, with 2 months to go the start of the official racing season I am getting excited and eager to turn the pedals competitively once again in what seems like such a long time! My Christmas holiday's consisted of mainly revision and riding! Had a 10 day spell in France which was a nice way of escaping sub zero British Temperatures! Never have 10c temperatures felt so tropical!

This also consisted of doing the 'Vendange tardive' which translates to English as the 'late harvest' this is where the grapes have begun to become dehydrated as they are picked so late in the season resulting in a sweet wine which usually accompanies desert. Myself, Patrick Harris (Friend and Mechanic), Caroline Laker (Mum) and Greg Morley Smith (Step Dad) all embarked on helping the local farmers/wine growers! early morning rise and a coffee around the table and we were off! Nets were first taken of the vines (protecting them from insect infestation) then the grapes cut with care. Now grape picking may sound easy but running up and down a hill several times and being bent over all day certainly isn't as easy as it sounds. Any how we were treated to a huge meal, and enough alcohol to satisfy anyone's demand! However I had to decline as I needed a couple of hours in the saddle before darkness. Turns out the grapes we were picking sell for 20 euroes a bottle! and he sold 1200 of them! Sounds the business to be in!!! However maybe not so, a quick mention to my mum who works on various farms, 5 days a week doing an 8 till 6 shift, this is extremely physical work, which deserves credit, as you don't realise how labour intense farming is, So hats off to you mum and lots of respect for that!

Since returning to England temperature's have increased and..... I have a new toy ooo yes a Cycleops power meter. My reading whilst in France was 'training with power' written by Hunter Allen Phd. Its a very in depth book but at the same time very use full and its a necessity to gain an understanding of the figures and then being able to use them to aid future performance! However I will soon post some data from the WKO+ 3.0 software however certain tests still need to be undertaken, and then I will begin to post rides to twitter.

Well what else, in the past few days with Patrick I have visted Sigma Sport and GB cycles to get the final parts for the 2011 race bike and to finish of the TT bike. The TT bike is near complete, the sonic wheels are just being built with new Novatec Hubs, to replace the Broken sonic hubs! which are currently in the Hands of Andy Duffin (AD Cycles) who has done a brilliant job of building up my power tap into Ambrosio Excellight rims. Also I am waiting for a 14-25 Ultegra 6600 cassette from wiggle however due to Christmas I accept the delay! this will then be put on the FFWD 50mm Tubs on its arrival. However bikes atm are looking extremely smart and thanks Patrick for doing a great job in building them. (pictures coming soon).

So training is going well, revision could do with a little improvement, Seagulls are top by 6 points and bikes looking smart! Lets hope for a fantastic 2011.

Ciao for now

Looking on to 2011

So 2011 in two words 'Can't Wait'. The winter preparation is going perfectly unlike last year, and if progress carries on at the same rate then its all looking good! I have very high goals for next season as my results will determine where and at what level I will ride in 2012! So my goals are:

1)Finish it the top ten overall in the National road series.

2) Top ten in every stage/round of the series.

3) Podium in national 10/25 mile TT.

4) Podium in BC national TT

5)Target top ten in every Foreign race.

So tough targets but that's the plan! Go into every race with the mentality 'I can win'

Below is a picture of my race wheels for 2011:

Review 2010 (Up's)

So on a good note. After returning from the broken elbow and after the end of my AS exams, I left the UK and was based for 6 weeks in France. Last year I raced there and I really loved it, the racing aboard is a completely different kettle of fish for a first having a crowd is a really nice addition! Also the races were interlinked with the village Fête's which are a spectacle in themselves On results note i have to admit the best came in France with 3 podiums and a a Victory!! . My moment to fame this year must be motor pacing behind the saxo bank car on the wheel of Andy Schleck!!!!!

It ended with me being the sole rider and Bjarne riis asking me to stop so Andy could concentrate!Well that was a once in a life time moment!!! Hats 0f to Patrick Harris who kept up at 30mph for a respectable length of time. Also myself and Patrick were in the Wall Street Journal after meeting John W. Miller in an Irish Bar he also got us a meeting with Brad Wiggins and a tour of the Bus which was quite cool!

On a national scale I didn't race enough due to injury and a late start which was a nuisance. However I did improve my 10 mile TT record now going sub 21mins, I certainly improved my knowledge into reading a race and I am becoming much stronger each week! Next season's looks promising, my next post will be looking forward to 2011 and my goals for next year and they are big, on a national scale!

The 2nd Love, the Seagulls

I thought I would mix up the cycling a bit for a quick mention to my second love, Brighton and Hove Albion FC. I have been a Brighton fan for around 10 years now, and it all started when a friend (Billy Greening) an avid fan convinced me to follow a local team instead of a glory team eg. Chelsea. My first memorable moment was the play-off final at the millennium stadium in Cardiff. 1-0 win to the Albion and we were in the championship. Well it seems like history is repeating itself again and we head league 1 by 8 points! and are favourites to get promoted to the championship. This season I have been more dedicated than ever travelling everywhere to watch the boys! Southampton away will be my 8th game of the season and I love it. The Passion of the fans inspire me as an athlete and every time the team walks or a goal is scored it reminds me of the tdf when the race passes through. The football league is full of passion and there are no ridiculous sums of money and week in week out, passionate fans turn up come rain or shine. Watching football also gives me an interest outside of cycling and I believe this is extremely important in keeping professionalism in my approach to the sport. I will talk a bit about brighton on the blog when i go to games as the team is important to me and it helps my approach the the overall goal .

Peterborough away, 0-3 victory to the Albion.

Review 2010 (Low's)

2010 was a tough year for me, injury was a constant setback and I was extremely unlucky. In this blog I am going to talk of the low's of the season and the next the high's.

The season started late for me and I hit some form late march and was contending the sprints up at hillingdon on Tuesday nights. With 300m to go in 5th wheel parallel to the 'barbadian national champion' I was feeling confident for a top 3. However I was switched and this resulted in a 55kmph crash!!! ouch!!!! I layed in the road with riders swerving and riding over me!! After the sprint had past I stood up not feeling in too much pain (the adrenaline affect) and walked back to the van. Within 5 minutes I couldn't move my elbow and I went straight back to the ambulance who let me know I had broken my elbow FAB!! so missed 2 national series and the Nat champs and 7 weeks of riding!

That is not all for poor luck, in August a week before the tour of Wales desecending lieth hill after returning from France in the form of my life. Crunch the bars slipped after hitting a pothole hard and I couldn't reach my brakes and hit a tree head on and was unconscious!! Ended up with internal bruising of my buttock and a ass like Beyonce and my lower back was unbelievably sore That called for a premature end to 2010. Well Thats it for the low's basically I missed the 2 most important races of 2010 but I will have another shot next year! On the positive June/July were good!

So 2010

Well its been an patchy start to the delayed 2010 season. After a late start to the season I hit some form around march,after a week in france training on various pyrenean cols.

I Finished 4th at hog hill and 11th at Hillingdon. Things were looking good setting myself up nicely for the nationals and the regionals as well as the Serrl three day, this coming weekend. But just my luck I broke my elbow in the run into the sprint at Hillingdon because of the 'Barbadian National Champion' riding like a 4th cat. Well that took out May from the calender and I return to racing this weekend at Hog Hill looking for a win in the 3rds.

I am expecpting the arrival of my 2010 race bike soon, a Flanders pro team, accompanied with Sram Force and FSA and Fizik components. Which should be nice considering I have been riding on my Alloy Kinesis for around 8 months now. The new kit has also arrived and it is very smart and much nicer than last years plus it fits.

Here is the plan for the remainder of 2010, it includes a large spell in france over summer where I hope to repeat the results of last year.

Rapha Condor Hoghill 3/4 29th may (Sat)

Hog Hill 3rds (thr)

Fowlmead 3rds 5th June (Sat)

Bidderden 1/2/3 13th June

Tom Simpson Nat Series 20th June

Horsham 10 TT 22^nd June (Tue)

Rollegem-Kapelle 1.14.3 or GHS Regional Heat 26th June (Sat)

Edenbridge 2/3/4 27th June if I ride GHS

Tenderten 1/2/3 4th July

WXCRL Horton 2/3/4 10^th July (sat)

Omloop Lendelede 1.14.3 18th july

GP Orthez France2/3/J 24^th july

Auch ZI Engachie france 2/J 25th July7

Gabaret Nocturne 27^th July

Izegem – De Mol 1st August or Carrese prix de fetes 2/3/J

Nocturne de Navarrenx France 2/3/j or Dax Nocturne 2/3/J 7th August

Oriel france 2/3/j 8th August

Salies De Bearn Nocturne 2/3/J or SERRL Kennardington 3/4 15th August

SERRL ChilhamRoad E/1/2/3 22nd August

Tour of wales 28th-30^th

BC National TT Champs 5^th September or Fowlmead 3/4

GHS final 11^th September

Serrl Benerden 19^th September

Serrl Champiohips 1/2/3 26^th September

This promises to be a brilliant season and I can't wait to get back into racing and getting some victories along the way.

GHS onto 2010

The end of the 2009 after my 2nd in france was pretty average coming 7th in my age group at the GHS national time trial, but that was due to illness in the weeks before and this marked the end of my racing season. I was very disappointed but next year will be my last shot at the GHS competition so I will only be happy with a medal.

Onto 2010, the squad has been made a lot more compact with some of the boys moving onto the One Life Fuga Squad. However in our Junior team we have (myself,Jake Martin,Charlie Fawke,Elliott Tabraham Dowers and Bongo Jamieson) and we will soon be joined by current youths (Dante Carpenter,Milo Burdeau). The team looks extremely strong and I Look forward to riding with our talented team. The 3 older riders (Jay,Adam and Josh) are moving to Belgium to race in Flanders colours. Which I hope one day I will be able to follow. Next year we have two new sponsors coming on board, firstly Holmes Couriers and Flanders Bike shop who's bikes look Beautiful and I look forward to riding next year as I have out grown my current Fuga.

I shall update the blog soon but there isn't much to talk about during the winter block but I will upload any pics I have of the squad during training ;)

Race and Day of My life

After my awesome experience of racing in France at the start of the summer and watching the tour de France which was truly inspirational. I had the worst nationals at Hillingdon but I then return to France for what was the best race of my life.

I raced at Montaut in a 75 km criterium around the streets during the village fete. It was the hottest day I can remember of the summer and my legs were extremely strong after 150km of motor pacing thanks to my mum and Greg the week prior to the race. The race started fast with myself attacking from the gun to separate the 50 field on an extremely tight circuit. After constant attacks throughout the race I found myself able to latch onto the back of every attack and by the 50km mark there were only about 20 left in the lead group. Then Kevin Lago attacked extremely strongly and he went alone and I did not react thinking it would be impossible to ride alone to the finish for 25km (to my mistake). Then with 15 km remaining I knew us stronger riders could not give him anymore time as he made himself a 1.30 min lead.

So I launched the most powerful attack of my life bringing 3 riders with me. I tried to get the group to work well together but they did not want to know and after having an argument with fingers flying with the departmental champion I decided if I wanted a result I needed to do the pulling. So with 10 km to go as we hit the final straight I attacked form the front (tradition Cadel Style) and managed to gain 50 meters in no time at all. So the next task was to bury the head and ride alone to the finish in pursuit of Kevin. by the time i got to the finishing straight Kevin beat me by about 10 secs and as I crossed the line I Sat up and marked Lago's quality ride clapping towards him as a mark of recognition, however I put 1 min 30 on the break of 3 and finished in 2nd place.

After the race I was treated like a pro, with all 300 people watching, wanting to shake my hand and the feeling was unbelievable and I hope to repeat that again in the 2010 campaign but maybe get a 1st place abroad. After the race the first person I went to was my mum and gave her a Hug as I needed to share my excitement with someone, and as a way of saying thank you as she could see all the hard work we had both put in, as it had came evident right in front of her. Then there was the podium where I was interviewed in french which was pretty cool and got a bouquet of flower.

France So far

Well To be honest I have had a great time this summer so far. It all started off with two long days in the Pyrenees including 6 major cols, then watching the tour de France climb the Aspin and climbing the last 3km behind the end of the race car. Following van Hummel from skill shimano at 26kmph quite fast for the slowest rider.

Below:Nocentni in yellow


Above:Kern in polka dot and Brice Felliu

Then my 1st race around the streets of Tarbes and not knowing what to expect I got a good 7th just missing out on the break not knowing who's wheels to follow.
However the weekend after I had a disaster I through my chain, and had no chance of getting back on with the main group riding just shy of 50kmph on the flat.

Below: me at tarbes leading the peloton



So then I went to the nationals back in England and my aim was to not miss the days break and guess what there one wasn’t. I lasted just shy of 2 laps out front with one other rider but typical English youth racing it came down to the mass sprint. And after recovering at the back of the bunch I could find no way to get through as the whole field wanted to do the same thing. It was a really poor race at the end I was hardly tied and felt really uninspired as there was no atmosphere that you would expect, and like you get at a Cadets race (under 16's) in France. There were very few people watching and I got a rock thrown at my bike by one of the local lads. The race may have been quite fast but because it was at Hillingdon people were able to sit in the bunch all day and get towed around and the race never strung out so I had no chance, and feeling on top form I was quite annoyed with it. The race would have been much better at hog hill where the 13% climb would have really showed the stronger riders.

Moving on I have 3 races in France left this summer with my next tomorrow at Montaut. The race is 70 km and that’s all I know so I will aim for another top 10 and I would love a podium before I return to Britain the more hills the better. I feel really strong at the moment and with 3 motor paced session done this week two 40km's and 0ne 80km's with an average speed just shy of 40kmph I feel strong and confident going in to the race.

To be honest I can't wait to return to England as I will be 16 and be able to road race and with the races in France under my belt maybe I can bag some results as a 3rd cat. And hopefully in the long term future after my A levels and 2 years of being a junior I can race as an espoir in France :)

Adios

Horsham TT

Tonight I did the Horsham 10 on the g10/57 course. I was hoping it was going to be calm however the wind was really strong with a head wind down to Crawley. I was hoping to go under 23 Min's but it wasn't to be my day. Got stoped at the first round about by a lorry almost coming to a standstill. Then had to slow at the 3rd roundabout. On the return it was really quick i hit the return round about around 12Min's and i knew i had to dig deep to save my pride. I was going what i thought was fast but with a 50*12/27 (climbing gears) i spun regularly at 130rpm. i came home in 23:09 a new PB but was hoping for better. All seems well prepared for Saturday my biggest race thus far, GHS regional Qualifiers. I will be riding a full carbon Pinnacle TT bike with deep rims and a TT helmet. so that will save some time and if i don't get held up by LORRIES i should be able to do a 22:30 easy.
Next Event is the Worthing 10 on Thursday, according to my good friend Keith he says the course is around a minute faster so i will aim for around low 22's got to beat 22:30 tho.
Quick mention to Patrick who rode a strong ride achieving his PB and I am glad Keith had a good trip to the alps and Patrick and myself bet he rides before Sunday!
Also I can't wait for my 3 days training in the Pyrenees!!!

Below: tour on the Aubisque

Feeling Strong

I have just returned from the Kalas 2 Day a exceptional event in Somerset. 5 riders form the development squad and 5 from the one life squad participated against some of the country's strongest, and we came away with a collection of top 10's in every stage. Not bad considering the field included Sports beans and Pendragon. I took part in the 2/3 support race. Starting with a field of about 50 the race split up into pieces. However I missed the break of 8 and came in for 11Th or 12Th coming 3rd in the bunch sprint. I feel much more confident now about my ability and now you can be sure of some attackive riding!

Below: Fuga One life and In gear Development Squad at the Kalas 2 Day.

Also on Wednesday I took part in the In gear TT and did the course in 11:50 and won the event. Although not pleased with my time I found out i was just 30 secs of the course record. This is the same course i will be doing the regional GHS heat this Saturday. I should get a win as it is well within my capabilities and also I would win a medal presented at the rttc presentation evening. I am aiming for the record as I will be doing the event on a TT bike, (thank you Patrick) and I will be 100% in the zone and I know I can push myself much harder as the course is very short and I did not realise this last Wednesday.

This week I will be doing both the Horsham and Crawley 10's and i hope to break 23Min's. Not an easy target but if you do not set hard goals you do not get better.

That's All for now, my next blog will be on Monday and I will let you know About the start of my continental experience, beginning with a 3 day training camp in the Pyrenees!

Let the games Begin!

Well I finished my gcse's yesturday. SO that is great news as the riding will be full on from now. Havn't done much racing recently because you only get one shot at exams. But I got a 3rd at hove park, i stuipidly didnt go with the break(didn't dig deep enough) but i won the sprint. Last night i did my first ever time trial on the G10/57 course. I did it i 23:11 on my training Bike with clip ons. I was real happy with this time as i havn't done as much training as i would have liked to lately. But the rest of the season is looking good and this is what i have lined up:

Minet Grand Prix hillingdon e123 12th June

Horsham 15 mile tt 15th june

In gear 5 mile tt Laughton 16th june

Crawley 10 mile tt 17th june

Hove park 4th cats 19th June

Horsham 10 23rd june

In Gear 5 mile tt 24th

Crawley 10 mile tt 25th
GHS regional heat 5mile tt 27th june
Then Off to France

3 day training Camp through pyrenees 4th 5th and 6th
Atheze Race 12th july (Pyrenees Atlantique regional Champs)

Igon race 19th july

Back To england

National Circuit Champs 25th july

Then Off to France
Montuat 2nd August

Back To england

8th to 17th ?

Then Off to France

Oloron 23rd

Serres Castet 30th

Back To england

british cycling tt champs 6th sepetember
or
Warick Town center races

GHS National Final 12th September
Then Some Road And Hill Climbs

So the season looks really good from now on, i will try to keep the blog updated weekly!

Adios