English
With the weather appalling for riding outside, I’ve been looking for alternatives to kick start my 2010 plans. I mentioned last time that Wiggle have loaned me a fantastic Focus Izalco Pista track bike and that I live less than 15 minutes drive away from the indoor Veledrome at Calshot. So I arranged an hours session to re familiarise myself with track riding and hone my skills with a view to a more regular programme.
Calshot allows you to ride alone on the track as long as you have a non riding partner present at all times (presumably to fetch help should things go wrong). I enlisted the help of my Dad for chaperone duties and took to the boards. The Calshot veledrome is a tighter track than those at Newport or Manchester, the 45 degree bends are no steeper but the fact that the track is only 145 metres long makes controlling your line at speed more of an effort.
In the past I have been nervous of the track, but what a difference a quality machine makes. I found myself relaxing into each bend with increasing confidence and was soon able to hold a steady line. I had an enjoyable hour and could really “feel the ride in my legs” afterwards. A few days later I had an excellent opportunity to return with a couple of friends and once again found the bike an absolute dream. I’m looking forward to riding at the track regularly throughout the winter both on my own and in a group. It will certainly compliment my training programme as I work towards my goals in 2010.
A visit to my nutritionist in early December confirmed that I had not been adhering to the healthy eating standards that I have set for myself. I was not shocked but I was disappointed with myself and am now “back on the wagon”. I can no longer play the ignorance card where nutrition is concerned. I know exactly what works for me and how to execute it, but willpower is another demon! I wrestle with the “go on have a beer” chimp a lot more in the Autumn for some reason and if you lose that fight the “eat what you want today mate, you can start on Monday” chimp already has you in a head lock.
The basic facts are though that many of the sportives I want to do well in next year involve some challenging climbing. If I’m to achieve the best results I need to be leaner. I did learn that I’m not so good at hydration as I think I am. At the suggestion of my nutritionist I began to chart my water intake on a daily basis and found that on some days I was falling a long way short. I have sorted that out now so hopefully when I return in January, things (measurements) will be moving in the right direction.
Thoughts are firmly fixed on next season for everyone now. Bradley Wiggins has finally signed up for Team Sky. Ben Swift hasn’t (or has he?). I do hope that cycling doesn’t go all “football” on us and become a mess of transfer gossip and turmoil. At the end of the day the riders want to be the best that they can be and get paid the most that they can do for their efforts. They have a short time span to do this in so they have to take every opportunity. Obviously contracts have to be signed and an element of protection needs to be in place for both rider and team, but let’s not get this confused with loyalty please. If we’re not careful we’ll have riders crossing the line kissing their team badge!
I’m looking forward to seeing the season kick off in late January. I think that 2010 will be a very exciting year for the cycling World. Let’s get Xmas over first though.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. Ride safely and upright.
Rich