03.03.10 In Belgium and feeling good. Have done a couple of races, 27.2, Saint-Severin, 12th, not bad from 200 very twitchy riders. 28.2 Oud Heverlee, was in front group of twelve or so but the race was stopped due to VERY bad wether conditions, I've never had hot aches in my hands like that before! I'm currently riding as an individual for the province of Vlaams Brabant, though anticipate being with a new team shortly.
I'll be making a diary entry to explain what I've been up to and whats coming up, have a look soon.
02.11.09 Training again! Though for now it's pretty steady, the only thing that I've been consistently doing till now is the core muscle training, which seems to be working...
I've put up a summary of the better results from this year on the profile page, take a look.
11.10.09 Boom Kermis, 28th, LAST RACE! The back trouble that has blighted the whole season did the same again today. Glad the racing is done, had enough of riding with one arm tied behind my back. Time for a rest and to get to work on my core. There'll be a diary update soon.
09.10.09 Zwevezele Pro-Kermis, 10th. Good but not top. Will probably be like 10 men for the last two races, but the form's come just too late for this one. Was a fun race though, hard fought in the wind, tough to stay forward and keep going with 'likely moves'. Tried a suprise jump with 300m left up a drag into the wind, it was neither a suprise nor a good idea and when you're struggling it dosen't take long for them all to come round you. Nearly stopped at 100m to go!
Received a nice pic from the race in Oudenburg; demonstrates well my handlebar chewing ability.
07.10.09 Zele Pro-Kermis, 46th, a little better than sunday but still doing puffing billy impressions.
04.10.09 Rumst Kermis, 2nd. Heavy legs, only felt good the last 10k, battled round the whole race and got a bit lucky at the end, pretty much the opposite of what normally happens! The only thing that was working well was crossing 50-100m gaps, hopefully its a sign of form coming through just in time.
30.09.09 Berlare Pro Kermis, DNF. Was in peleton which was stopped with a lap to go. Felt good to start but then noticed i was loosing a metre out of the corners and kept having to wipe my runny nose on my arm! It's 'kantje boordje', balancing on a knife edge between getting sick and coming into top shape.
27.09.09 Gooik Interclub, 51st, the last stage of my little 'Ronde van Belgie'. Was in the main break of the day, strong as ever and with more nerve could have had good position in the eventual bunch sprint, it's frustrating to come over the line fresh. 1150 kilometres in the previous nine days. Couple of days easy now before Berlare....
26.09.09 Tienen Pro-Kermis, 10th, caught out by a counter attack after a big effort of my own, probably never felt so consistently good on the bike, race after race, and had so little to show for it. Am certain the work will pay dividends very soon, it has to, I've only 10 races left!
24.09.09 Stekene Pro-Kermis, ~70th, legs seem to be getting better and better, just missed break again!
22.09.09 Vichte Pro-Kermis, DNF, missed crazy split, legs still very good so stopped 30k to go as there were no prizes to win.
21.09.09 Viane Pro-Kermis, ~ 80th, was probably 30th in bunch sprint 500m to go then had to nearly stop to JUST avoid big crash, phew!!
19.09.09 Dilbeek Kermis, 51st more of a training effort ready for the upcoming races.
15.09.09 Desselgem Pro-Kermis, 19th. Hesitated at the moment when there was a 50m gap that needed a determined effort to put me in the front group. Had an okay day out though, good to ride with stronger riders, can feel it bringing me on. A really busy period of racing the next two weeks, determined to make it a good one, so now for a bit of recuperation, some speed work and a big deep breath...
12.09.09 Nieuwekerken-Waas Interclub, 4th. This time was TOO awake, did too much in finale. Felt extremely good on the bike, rode 230k in total and on getting back to Harry's felt as though I'd only just set off.
10.09.09 Izegem pro kermis, 72nd, felt very good, good leg speed and almost got into position to make a sprint, encouraging signs. After a testing couple of weeks, some good training, recuperation and recent motor pace sessions have sharpened me up, confident of a good day on Saturday in Nieuwekerken.
06.09.09 Molenbeek-Wersbeek kermis, 29th, attacked or chased the whole race, good work out.
05.09.09 Zutendaal kermis, DNF, punctured after 20k.
03.09.09 Kortemark pro kermis, DNF. Struggled to hold bars with right hand due to rough roads and a bit of rain.
29.08.09 Sint Truiden - Bousalle, 15th, point to point, long straight roads, wind, climbs, like a proper race in minature. Was fun, would have been more so, had I not been a bit tired and lazy. Another 200k day, now its time to spin my legs off behind Jef's motor, not TOO heavy, want to be top for Kortemark. Unfortunatley have had to pass on Geraardsbergen, my hand/wrist still not great for cobbles.
27.08.09 Baardegem kermis, 27th, pas de stress! Fun day out and pleased to have good legs, with extras clocked 380k for the two days. Another bash on Saturday (all being well; more finale practice) and then a couple of days to get good and loose for Geraardsbergen amd Kortemark.
26.08.09 Memorial Danny Jonckheere, Oudenburg, 4th. Had a very good chance to take a nice win and didn't, £$%^!!! Note to self; in the last 5k - WAKE UP!
23.08.09 Haaltert kermis 3rd, snapped a spoke 8k to go and sprinting etc. was out of the window. One of the advantages of being away in a group of three from half race and having a good gap is at least third place is safe! Was a good day out; did the race and 80k on top. Good practice too, was away with a Lithouwer and a Kazakh, they may have each worn different kit but it was certainly them versus me, was fun to cover their one-two attacks. Got a new spoke in, hope I'm as well recuperated as the wheel for tomorrow in Memorial Danny Jonckheere.
Nice pic.. in Vivegnis
20.08.09 Mere Pro-kermis, 23rd. Another red hot day! Very happy with my ability to cross 15 second gaps alone, not normally my forte, it's a good sign. A puncture on the moment that the race was decided meant it was time for some training efforts, though seemed to go flat after half race, perhaps a bit fatigued. Going to take it steady the next few days. Probably just the one race this weekend in Haaltert before Memorial Danny Jonckheere next week.
18.08.09 Wervik Interclub 109th, once I realised it wasn't going to be my day took it steady with an eye on Mere, thursday. Kemmelberg cobbles and knackered concrete roads made my wrist *%£&! sore!
15.08.09 Tielt-Winge kermis 1st, you wait for ages and then two come along at once... Planned to wait for a sprint from the break but the little climb 2 kilometres before the finish was to good an opportunity to miss. Nice to perform 'voor eigen publiek'.
11.08.09 Heusden Pro-kermis 80th? in the peleton. Felt good at times despite the sensation of having a light cold.
09.08.09 Vivegnis kermis 1st, nice hilly race, good 'finale' practice as pictured below in the sprint for the line. Aim to make it the first of several wins over the next weeks.
Bit of catching up to do, it's been a busy week or so, moving house and racing.
06.08.09 Halen kermis, 3rd. Paid for intense motor-pace training a couple of days before, up and down with a sprint at the top of each hill. Will pay dividends for next week...
02.08.09 Buggenhout Pro-Kermis, 18th. Great legs, still a little hampered by shoulder, rib and wrist. I suppose in the circumstances I should be content however it was a good opportunity that I didn't take; I don't like 'losing'!
30.07.09 Internatie Reningelst, 12th. Very windy, my prediction before the start that only 20 riders would finish came true. A dicky tummy took my edge off and not 100% recovered from previous efforts. Stayed upright though when many didn't; saw quite a few climbing out of ditches!
27.07.09 Westrozebeke Pro-kermis, 41st. Day six, despite the rain felt great the first 50k, seemed to miss-time all my attacks and when the break went the lights went out. Emergency feast time! Emptied my pockets, not on to the road of course but into my mouth. Did the trick, still had dead legs but was able to scuttle along the gutter for another 100k to finish. All in all a good few days of conditioning after my crash a couple of weeks ago. Very surprised how strong I felt, perhaps the enforced rest did me some good? Next up, Internatie Reningelst, 30.07, Buggenhout Pro-Kermis, 02.08.
Found a picture of me from Schaal Schoeters....
22-26.07.09 Ronde van Vlaams Brabant, stage by stage, 25th, 74th, 141st, 6th, 138th. Much better than expected, though a bit uncomfortable at times, especially over the cobbles! Took it really easy in the time trial on a standard bike and went for it on the day after, trouble was I couldn't get enough force through the bars to make a sprint but felt very good when it came to forcing the pace. Needed some forcing too, don't think I've ever ridden to the line with such a negative and disorganised break. Big thanks to Annick, she went beyond the call of duty in getting my shoulder and upper back in order throughout. I think her wrists must have been almost as sore as mine after five days.
21.07.09 Going to race again. Could have said 'time to race again' but I'm not sure it is! Still pretty sore but have been able to keep fit and feel straight enough on the bike. The Ronde van Vlaams Brabant starts tomorrow and goes till Sunday. All being well I'll ride it out and judging by the my effort behind the motorbike the other day, will be good again soon enough.
06.07.09 Schaal Schoeters, Beveren. This time didn't manage to avoid the bodies flying everywhere, riders really need to look where they're going!!! No where for me to go except up in the air and down on my head and shoulders. Really thought I'd finally broken something but thankfully not, just a lot of swelling and very friendly, efficient nurses. The stitches were done in 30 seconds flat. Will be 12/14 days before the next race, ice and home trainer for me!
04.07.09 Melle kermis, 12th. Just avoided a crash 3km from the finish that split the front group, pity but glad not to be on the floor. Also a bit blocked in the lower back again, this continuing background problem requires a solution; so am now working with Tom Dupree from 'Move to Cure'. In the meantime some manipulation and massage and I'm all set for Monday.
28.06.09 GB National Championships, 11th. Not great first 50k, battled over the tumble but in a moment of weakness passed up chance to get back to the group with Ben Swift. Was very good once on the circuits, though the time had already been lost and we didn't have the fire power behind to catch anyone other than those who were struggling in front. Results are heading in the right direction though, very determined to make the most of the coming month's races. This weekend it's a couple of amateur kermis' then a series of pro-kermis and interclubs; Melle, Pittem, Willebroek, Vilvoorde. It's cracking the flags out too, just the way I like it!
Thanks to Martin and Ed for bottles and pic's. Speaking of bottles and heat, I did six and a quater hours in the Ardennes on Wednesday and drank ten of them!
On the rivet, or a stroll in the park? Abergavenny 2009.
23.06.09 Ruddervoorde Pro-kermis, 18th. Great legs but gambled my chances away in last lap, resolved not to do that again, happy with the feeling though.
21.06.09 Lede Pro-kermis, 33rd. After feeling good in training all week, surprisingly heavy legged, battled round to finish.
16.06.09 Chamionship of the Waasland, Interclub in Belsele. 6th. After plenty of ice, massage, stretching and taping I'm glad to say had no real problems. Took it steady first 80k to be sure, the sensation in the legs and power in the races is steadily improving week by week, roll on Lede and Ruddervoorde pro-kermis'.
On the attack or hanging on??!!??
13.06.09 Moorsele Interclub, DNF. That isn't the whole story though. Felt very good and was up the road from the start, the first 100k in a group of twenty. When we were caught I clipped away again with 8 others for another 10k. Caught and attacked again escaping with one other for 30k. We had a minute and a group of five bridged across, it was at this point that I started with a muscle strain and shortly after stopped with 10k to go, a pity but overall very encouraging.
06.06.09 Ghoy amateur kermis, finished last man. Bit of a cold has put paid to plans for this weekend, make sure to be healthy and be good again in a week??
02.06.09 Gullegem Pro Kermis, DNF. Improving it may be but I'm not yet good enough for another tough day. Could probably have thrashed round to finish but my judgement was that due to the previous months problems I may have over-reached in hanging on, so pulled the pin instead. All being well it's the same plan through the week and then go for three good results next weekend. Provisionaly that will be in Ghoy 06.06, Gits 07.06, Kester 08.06. Three kermis', would be good to be on the top step a couple of times.
01.06.09 Liedekerke Interclub, 16th. Another good day out in the sun. Maybe it was that which put me to sleep so that I missed the move which went early. Made good effort trying to get back to them later in the race. Condition is quickly improving,
31.05.09 G.P. Etienne de Wilde Interclub, 3rd. Not quite cassa, cassa, cassa but still nice to get some flowers, Peter was pleased too.
Next races; 31.5 G.P. Etienne de Wilde Interclub, 1.6 Liedekerke Interclub, 2.6 Gullegem Pro-Kermis
24.05.09 G.P. Claud Criquillion 21st. Felt even better despite previous days' efforts. Was in numerous attacks from the front group but missed the final selection, was a bit outnumbered and should have ridden more cannily. Had to jam on the breaks due to a rider 'bollarding' 50m before line which lost me 5 spots. Have 650k from the previous 4 days so now's time for a little rest, some motor pacing, osteopathy, massage, core exersises and then next weekend cassa, cassa, cassa!?!
23.05.09 Heist-op-den-berg Pro-kermis, 125th in peleton sprint. Better again, best feeling of year so far, was able to finally make some attacks.
21.05.09 G.P. Raymond Impanis, 115th in peleton. Much better than the previous few days, still with similar problems for first 40k
17.05.09 Walhain, 25th, continuing back issues, seemed to cause my left leg to block completely, not convenient when there's 50kmph wind and narrow roads! Had to wait for chasing group, flet much better and made a good training pusruit. Despite these further problems there's room for optimism, honest!!
13.05.09 Puivelde Pro Kermis, 81st in peleton. Was good for first 100km then started with back pain, after which couldn't press on. Struggled to get from the car to the house afterwards.
10.05.09 Willebringen, 3rd
09.05.09 Mariakerke-Bornem, 26th in bunch sprint.
04.05.09 Sinaai, 60th
03.05.09 Ardooie, 20th
01.05.09 Hoboken, UCI 1.2 Belgium, 57th in peleton bunch sprint, again suprisingly good feeling.
29.04.09 Laarne, ~60th in peleton, better than expected given how rough I'd felt the previuos two weeks.
19.04.09 Rund um Duren, UCI 1.2 Germany, dnf, full of a cold, only went to sign and enable the team to start, real pity it's a very nice race.
Coming up, this weekend, 11/12.04, Twee Daagse van de Gaverstreek and Aarschot Pro race on monday 13.04
05.04.09 Tourinnes St.Lambert, ~70th in peleton from 152 starters
04.04.09 Ottergem, 66th in peleton from 252 starters
01.04.09 Brugge St. Kruis, ~100th in peleton from 240 starters
29.03.09 Florennes, 15th from 104 starters
28.03.09 Chaumont-Gistoux, 19th from 108 starters
22.03.09 Challenge de Hesbaye - Trognee, Interclub Belgium, 49th. Continuing problems with pelvis made this a difficult race, it was already hard enough, with wind and tough little climbs meaning only about 50 finishers from the 190 starters. Frustrating too, as had I not made all my attacks in slow motion I could well have had a good result. Going to keep working at it.
15.03.09 Omloop het Waasland, UCI 1.2 Belgium, 119th
11.03.09 Wanzele Prof Kermis, Belgium DNF
08.03.09 Lillers, UCI 1.2 France DNF crash at 20 kilometres
07.03.09 Result/uitslaag Vlaamse Pijl, UCI 1.2 Belgium, 60th
01.03.09 Race result; Oud Heverlee, Belgium, 9th
28.01.09 Race result; Beverbeek Classic, UCI 1.2 Belgium, 50th
30.01.09 Finally some news!
I'm pleased to say that I have signed with Yawadoo Mobile-Colba-ABM for 2009. My team has a training camp in Spain this week so there will be more info and pictures very soon, including the new kit. Have a look at my diary page too, that's where I'll put most of the stuff.
23.10.08 No news yet, any minute now perhaps?
Well maybe this week anyway, signing with a team for 2009?