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One season wraps up, planning the next begins

This year has been another very long year, but again a year that I can happily call a big success. It all kicked off back in January at Strathpuffer where I won the mixed pairs along with Rickie Cotter. From there on, although I fitted in lots of races they were all just training for the 24hr UK and European Championships which was my major goal of the year. With the help of my superb pit crew, namely Ben from Wiggle and also my Mum, Catriona and now wife Nia we came away with the top prize, both UK and European Champion. A recap for anyone who wasn’t there on youtube:

It took me some time to fully recover from the 24hr race, the remainder of May and most of June, but that is only what I ever expect. My attention turned to overseas racing as I headed to the Alps for all of July, taking part in 3 very different events. First up was the Mega Avalanche, the first time I have ever tried anything on a DH orientated bike on board the Rocky Mountain Slayer. I was a little disappointed not to make the ‘A’ final race, but experience is very important and that is what I was lacking. I loved the experience and know what I will do differently next time. My kit was perfect and faultless, but a different approach to race practice and qualifying is needed to do well.

The day after the Mega Avalanche I once again found myself at Alpe d’Huez, this time on board the Focus Izalco during the Etape du Tour. Despite being very short for the Etape, only 109km it has 2 of the most famous road climbs in the World. First up was the Galibier followed shortly after by Alpe d’Huez. It was a fantastic event and I really enjoyed it, although during the final 4km of Alpe d’huez I was suffering big time! I finished in a respectable time despite starting well back finished as one of the fastest British riders.

After a manic weekend I had a little time out to train and relax before heading to Italy without really knowing what I was letting myself in for. Iron Bike, quite simply the hardest event I have ever done and most probably the hardest Mountain Bike race in the World. Riding the Rocky Mountain Element RSL, the 3rd bike in 3 races! 8 days of torture mixed with the most amazing riding ever! Each day was roughly 8 hours of hard riding with some days nearer 10 hours. I loved it and ended up finishing in 5th position, which is pretty good for a newbie racing there. I made some big mistakes, one being that my gears were far too big and I struggled on the steep, loose climbs but I now have the experience I need to go back next year and do even better!

Not long after Iron Bike, after the long drive back to the UK it was time for another stage race although significantly easier but still very enjoyable. Trans Wales is something I have always looked at doing but after writing an article for MBUK I knew it needed to be done, especially as it would be the final time in the current stage-race setup. The riding was good throughout and I learnt some new tracks, even close to home. The short racing stages were a bit of a shock to the system, but I put everything into them and managed to come out on top, narrowly beating Ajay from Nepal, largely due to a balls out descent down the Climach-x where I risked quite a bit but put it together when it mattered. Winning Trans Wales was one of my highlights of the year and an experience I will always remember.

I felt I was due a bit of a break following several tough months of training and racing, but that would have to wait as the next major event in the year was my wedding day! After almost 10 years together and proposing on the finish line at Mountain Mayhem in 2009 after winning the solo event we finally got married. It was a superb day and as everyone will tell you, it flew by in no time at all. A brief honeymoon in the lake district followed before heading down to London to get my visa for the next and final race of the season.

Who would ever think of going to ride a Mountain Bike in Pakistan? Well that is exactly what I did, along with fellow GB team members, Rickie Cotter, Mel Alexander, Mark Spratt and Rob Friel. We all had a fantastic adventure, seeing a different culture and there was also the small matter of the race. The Tour of the Himalayas is a 3-day stage race held in massive Mountains with the Kaghan Valley, Pakistan. The sight were mind blowing and the altitude, going up to 4500m meant that it was truly a breath taking experience! Each day had altitudes over 3000m and we all struggled at times with the thin air but out technical skills made the difference, as on stage 2 held at 3200m we pulled a massive lead on all the other teams and managed to hold it during day 3 to win the team competition overall. Notable individual performances from Mel wining the female race and Rob finishing 3rd in the Men’s.

Coming home and I could finally relax. The season was over and what an amazing time it has been. I’ve had a few weeks off to relax, recuperate and start planning next years adventures. Some things are starting to be put into place, but first up I have the major challenge for me of completing the Endurance Life off-road  marathon. For a runner it might seem like nothing, but I am not a naturally good runner and struggle to push the mileage above 5-7 miles. I have just over 1 week to go and still yet to run more than 8 miles or so.

Next year the main event will be a serious attempt at the 24hr World Championship, being held at Finale Ligure, Italy. Being within continental europe will mean I can drive there, taking everything I normally would for a UK race. I am still planning the remainder of the season, but I am hoping to have another crack at Iron Bike and also the Andalucia Bike race, held in Southern Spain in February / March. The event has UCI stage race status for 2012 and the early season date will be a real draw for the very top racers in the World.

My training all starts properly next Monday. Roll on 2012!