Letter from Brisbane

I have been in Brisbane for over a week now and have settled in nicely. I chose this place on the internet as it said it was near two 50m pools and was ‘clean and affordable’. Affordable – just, clean – not so sure about! I’m out here as the first world cup race is in Mooloolaba on the 30th March. I usually come out in Jan time but as I’ve now got a mortgage and have had my funding cut I can’t afford to spend months abroad preparing for the season.

Training has been going well and I should be able to put in some decent performances early season. However, whatever happens the only race that matters is the Madrid world cup on 25th May as that is the Olympic qualifying race. We have only one qualifying race this year as it is supposedly about ‘performing on the day and not about consistency……’? The thing is, my consistency (and world ranking) has earned Great Britain one of only 2 Olympic slots but I have no right to this slot. To me it’s like working really hard for four years and then seeing someone else get your bonus!

Anyway, back to Brisbane. I thought the riding might be disappointing as I’m staying in the city but it’s amazing how many cycle paths there are here. We could definitely do with more traffic free routes like these in GB. I’ve been settling into the feel of my new Focus Izalco bike and so far it rides like a dream.

Enjoy the Easter weekend; I’m off to scoff my special low fat sporting Easter eggs (as if).

Andrea