Hi just a wee update on what I've been up to..
I had a top competition UCI 1.2 yesterday the IWT Otengin which went up some of the famous climbs of the tour of Flanders and also along some of the course. Was a hard day out with high temperatures, wind, and lots of cobbles. Made it too the finishing circuits then ran out of steam with 30km to go. Felt good but probably should've eaten and drank a bit more as it was caught up to me in the heat. The week before that I had another 1.2 Fleche ardenaais. Really full on race with over 3000 vertical meters of climbing over the famous Liege Bastogne Liege climbs. Didn't really suite me but it was a good experience. Also pretty cool how Fellow kiwi and friend Jeremy Yates was a past winner. Tough guy! After Fleche Ardenaais I had an Interclub in Belsele. This is just with the Amateur teams. I was feeling strong all day and after not covering the only break I didn't go with I finished 18th. Lesson learnt but that is racing. It was a miserable day out with thunder storms and constant rain. The performance was a lot better then the result however it would've been nice to break at least a top 10.
On Saturday I have another UCI 1.2 the Omloop het neiwsblad. 180km with 18 'difficulties', being cobbles or climbs. Looking forward to it..
Have been training pretty hard so not hitting these races too fresh but still getting amongst it.
Time Trial bike from NZ arrived! which I am very happy about! Took it out for a spin today and already feel good on it. So will be campaigning to get a worlds TT spot over the coming few months.
Have a pretty tough and busy race calender coming up with the Omloop het neiwsblad on Saturday followed by an interclub on Monday then the Tour of Liege early July followed by the Tour of Vlaams Brabant that also has a time trial as one of the stages so I will be targeting that..
These UCI 1.2 races are pretty full gas and it's good to race the top amateur riders in Belgium along with some of the Pro teams. Learning a lot and becoming a better and smarter bike rider after everyone.
So now I am just training and racing and recovering. Standard lifestyle for a cyclist. Hanging out for summer in Belg and catching up with kiwi friends who are over here in there Olympic build up. Still haven't cracked mentally after being here for almost 5 and a half months :-)
Have become pretty domesticated around the house also, laundry, dishes cooking and fending for myself. Also managing to keep the room tidy, tough life.. ha ha
will put some pictures up sometime soon
Cheers
Fraser
