Tour de France - Stages 9 & 10 / Charles Coin Memorial

Tour de France

McEwen x Cavandish, Giro 2008

I am glad they have a rest day, not that I went to bed at 8 pm last night. Somehow, I stayed up late, eyes glued to the box and hoping they showed something tour. How disappointed I was...


Anyway, "they" need a rest after the Pyrenees. I just sit here, trying, unsuccessfully, to "borrow" a couple of pictures to illustrate Ricardo Ricco's great performance and superior ability to go up the mountains on Stage 9. Also, to descend like "The Falco" and time trial to the line at Bagnères de Bigorre for his second Tour Stage win. That was huge!!! Sure, there wasn't much of a chase as Team CSC (Ha!)wasn't interested on catching the youngster.


The stars: Ricco, Ricco, Ricco and The Cobra.


Then, comes Stage 10. Great race again, a break away and a solo attack on the Tourmalet by "even younger" and now 5,000 euros richer Remy Di Gregorio. Don't forget Cancellara, a 80 kg timetrialist going up the mountain like a 65 kg climber (I do think he was told to wait and help Jens "the animal" Voigt).


Voigt and Cancellara get together and smash it. Di Gregorio turns right and attacks in one of the toughest climbs in Europe getting caught shortly after by a very "light" groupetto. At this stage, Valverde and Cunego were miles back. Voigt keeps going like a wild boar launching Frank Schleck up the mountain with the Saunier Duval duo on his wheel. He is now against Piepoli and Cobo on a 8 km climb... He did well not to blow up completely, I reckon, choosing to go for the Yellow Jersey and not the stage.


Further back, Cadel is loosing time but plays cool and gets Menchov to work with him. Clever in the short term, he wears the yellow by 1 second and for the first time in his life. It brings tears to his eyes... In the long term, I am not sure. To defend that jersey now will take a huge effort, at least until the penultimate day on the 59 km ITT where he can shine.


The question: is he going to get a yellow Ridley too?


The stars on that stage: Vande Velde, Di Gregorio, Saunier Duval climbers and Frank Schleck.


I hope Cadel Evans can win a stage, it would be good for his morale and he would be seeing as a true winner by his peer, not just as a rider sitting in and counting the seconds.


And, lets not forget McEwen. The guy is about to throw a tantrum at any time. If he doesn't win in Paris we will see that Ridley flying over the barriers. That brings me to USA/UK hero and good boy now, David Millar. Is he still in the race?


Bring back the Time Bonus!
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The Charles Coin Memorial
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That's my next race. No, I am not prepared for it so I don't expect anything great in terms of results. I will use the 104 km event as a hard training ride and work my guts out to help a mate. Having said that, I might surprise myself with my fresh legs and do a crazy attack and stay away. The good thing, I have been looking forward to this race and now it is just days away.
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Charles Coin Memorial
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The Tour the France

All right, I wasn't going to watch the Tour stages live on tv and planned to get back on the bike and start training in a very serious way. Then, a range of circumstances changed all that... The mornings got cold again, there was a bit of rain, days off work, I didn't received my new program. There was a couple of nice bottles of red brought home by Sandra... And there was the Tour de France. Conclusion: I have watched all but one stage and only watched the last fifteen min of the ITT. Can't watch time trials.

As my own cycling has been put aside for a while, writing some of my views on the Tour would be the obvious thing to do for this blog. But having found so many articles, forums, blogs etc. I decided to post some of my favourite images only. They are the images that show the final seconds of some very intense finishes. Images which represent all the work these riders put into their cycling, all the commitment and their passion.

Valverde's killer attack and Kirchen's determination

Kirchen again and this time under the eyes of Tour veteran Zabel

The enormous effort that payed off

Everything on that lonely ride

All that power and from a long way back

The ultimate climber

What can I say?

Zabel knows where he stands now

All photographs: http://www.cyclingnews.com/

Easy week really and Lakeside Race

Another week just gone. For a couple of reasons (excuses really!) it feels like the training didn't really happened. I did two sessions on the bike, one on the trainer, a race and a River Loop & coffee ride with Sandra and Mark, a good friend of ours. Just over 250 km kms in total, not enough training I am afraid...
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One of the rides was a little effort up to McAffes Lookout on Mt Nebo road. I consider it to be one the best training rides around here as the road climbs up and flattens four or five times before you get to the lookout. Great for some intervals and from there you can keep going and make it a 19 km ride to the Mt Nebo township (550 m) if you wish or turn around and head straight back (a 40+ km ride for us).
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I chose to stop at the lookout this time. I rode hard but kept my HR at around 83% (161 bpm) and did the 6.5 km to the lookout in 17'40" (I think!). It didn't feel like I was going fast but it didn't feel like a struggle either.
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http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Mt-Nebo111394
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I have done this ride so many times in the past, sometimes two or even three times in one week. It was great to be back there and to realise how good it is as a training ride. I will try to implement it to my new training program.
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Saturday was race day. I got up early, had a light breakfast and headed out to meet friends for the ride to Lakeside. About six of us left Zupps just after 7, making it a good warm up session for the race ahead. I was feeling very good so I hit the front with Adam Harrison and pulled the group for most of the way. I even did an effort or two on the small inclines before getting to the circuit just to get the system ready for the race.
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There was about 16 of us in the 60 min A grade race, promising to be a fast and exciting race. And it was! From the word go the attacks started and within a few laps a breakaway group was formed. There were four of us for a lap, then a fifth came on just to get dropped again. A few other rides try to come across but they couldn't stay.
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At around 15 min a final group was established and I managed to be in it. The five of us rode pretty hard as we were all determined to make the gap bigger and bigger. That turned out to be a mistake for me. I kept going hard on the climb and started to struggle with still 30 min to go. A couple of laps later I looked at the computer and realised I wasn't going to survive another 20 min and I sat.
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I waited for a group of 4 chasers (including Adam) and hoped that together we could pull the breakaway back. Bad news, I was a goner again after 3 or 4 laps. It was then a matter of just finishing the race. I ended up in eight place, or last as everybody else had pulled out.
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Although I felt disappointed with my race, I realised the group of young guys in the break was fairly strong and that with my present form I will only survive rides like that if I take a more "conservative" approach.
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Now, it is back to getting a training program together, a few more Open events, the State Titles and the big one in September - Grafton to Inverell.

Toby / Club ITT cancelled / Corima Wheels

This weekend was a little different. I had planned to travel to Rockhampton (650 km north of Brisbane) to do some racing and to visit my 13 1/2 y.o. son, Toby. The plan changed a little and we decided to fly him down instead so we could race the HPRW ITT Championship.

Toby got here last Thursday night and with all the chatting and catching up after dinner, I could not get up for the River Loop & Raisin Toast Ride next morning. That was a shame as I later found out it was the last one as our friendly host, Kevin, couldn't negotiate a new lease and had to shut down. Terrible for him as he worked hard to get it going and the business was certainly growing. Well, we wish him well and hope he can find another shop and start brewing his good coffee again.

Friday was a day off the bike and with lots off walking in a shopping center. At least I was keeping my legs moving for the ITT next morning. Saturday comes and the alarm went off at 6:00. Having done all the preparation the night before, it was just a matter of having a light meal and a strong coffee, pumping tyres and meeting Daniel and Mark for the ride to Closeburn. We were on the road at 6:30, ten minutes later I was calling Sandra for the rescue, as I got a puncture. Sure, I could have repaired the tyre with a can of Pit Stop but there was a chance that it wouldn't have worked. Sandra showed up with my FSA wheels and her Corima Aero. How lucky is that, not just having Sandra coming out with the spares but also letting me race her Corima Aero.

In a few minutes we were in our way again and I now had a chance to feel how those Corimas roll. We went via Bunya Road, an undulating stretch of country road in typical Australian bushland. We even happened to ride through fog on our way to Closeburn. It is an unique road, quiet, undulating and picturesque.

It was also a cold morning. When we got to the start, I was told the temperature got down to 7 C. But that wasn't the real news. Soon, I was told that the race officials had forgotten to pick up the trailer with all the equipment (signs, paperwork, chronometers, permits, witches hats, etc). Although we were all very understanding that everyone is there as volunteers, the question was: How the hell does someone forget to pick up a trailer?

It looks like this one but it is higher and painted white....

Anyway, turning the situation into a positive, we got a bunch together and headed off to Dayboro . Some thought it was going to be an easy ride but others decided to take a TT Training approach and we did get to Dayboro fairly quick - we average 38 km/h for 2/3 of the way. Once in Dayboro, some opted for a coffee stop and others to do the 7 km climb to Ocean View. For me, it was a good opportunity to test the Corima (I only had the rear one) and the Continental Tubular as I normally run Vittoria KS.

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On Sunday, I had another day off the bike. Toby and I went to the markets in Redcliff and then met Sandra , and Daniel, for lunch. In the afternoon, I managed to start fixing my wheel as I want to have a go at gluing the new tyre myself.

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Step One: Remove the tyre

We even made it to the cinemas, after a removed the tyre and cleaned the rim, and watched Agent 86. A good laugh! That night, I got into making a few pizzas, had a couple of glasses of red wine and that was it. Obviously not planning any training for the next morning.
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Home-made pizza and red wine, perfect for a cool night

Monday was Toby's last day before heading home so we decided to spend as much time as possible just "hanging together" as he puts it. We ended up doing a bit of bush-walking and had lunch at a cafe in Mt Glourious. I guess it counts for a bit of cross-training...
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Corima Aero and Continental Competition Tubulars
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It rode pretty well and fast on the rough road, it felt stiff and fairly responsive also. Although, I might not have had the correct pressure in the Conti, it felt comfortable and with grip. I do think the Vittoria gives a smoother ride and the impression that it has a little less rolling resistance = goes faster. On the climb, the wheel/tyre combination proved to be a good one. I decided to push a little doing the climb on the 53 for a bit of strength work. They responded really well and I could not notice the extra weight. Definitely a good choice of wheel and tyre if someone is looking for an aero and stiff wheel. One factor to have in mind with the Corima Aero is that you have to remove the tyre to work on the spokes, a definite negative for me.
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Sandra and her Corima Aero wheels

On training now, I am about to start a new phase of the program and should be getting a new program from Iain soon. I am looking forward to get on the bike and Train & Race again!

Training: Adapting to different situations / University trash

There are many things happening in our lives which, and unless you are a professional sports person, will interfere with the training and even with the possibility to attend races you have been training for. In fact, some of them will even stop professionals of doing their jobs.

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As a sports person (always wanted to call myself that..) one must be able to change and adapt, trying to efficiently use the time we have to maintain form and hopefully keep improving a little.

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Work

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Some of us have to work. Firstly, because some of us like to work. Secondly, because some of us have to finance our sport but that is a matter for another topic. With work comes odd hours, travelling, lunches, Friday night drinks, etc. There is no perfect formula to juggle all that and keep the training going as efficiently as possible.

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It might be training at odd hours of the day, I remember doing my rides in Cairns under the heat and humidity, in between 12 and 1pm and I know someone that was getting on the bike at 3 am in preparation for a 24h MTB event. The best example of adaptation I can recall is of a guy working on a navy ship while preparing for the Crocodile Trophy (toughest MTB race in Australia) where he raced as a domestique for Adam Hansen, the winner. He did most of his training on a wind-trainer while sailing the Pacific. So, it can be done.

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Tips: shorter and higher intensity rides; wind-trainer; stationary bikes at hotels; swimming in hotel pools (or Pacific ocean); don't join the Air Force; get a part-time job; become a professional cyclist.

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Sickness/Injuries

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This is a harder one because often means being off the bike, loosing precious form gained over weeks of hard training and having to make a decision of not racing that main event for the season. Looking at your program and seeing that I am down by 235 kms for the week takes me close to depression... Ok, been dramatic here but it is like: - S...t, how am I going to catch up?

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Firstly, we shouldn't try to catch up on those kms. Remember, we have been sick, a 235 km ride will probably put us back in bed and in a sicker state than before. We need to get better before doing any intensity work and/or long km's. I still do sessions on the trainer, just to keep my legs moving and to sweat a little. It makes me feel better, physically and mentally.

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With injuries, if you can get on the bike and ride, ride! I remember being advised by more experienced cyclists than me to even race as soon as possible. I did that after a really bad crash a couple of years ago and worked, kind of made my recovery faster. Just remember to drop a grade if you do that... Crashes also do play with your mental state (specially on day 3).

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Tips: Eat well to stay healthy; drink heaps; sleep more than 8 hours; take supplements; dress appropriately when in cold weather; take something to put on before you start your descent in cold days; eat more vegetables, fruit and nuts.

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Weather

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I will get on the bike if there is a VERY light drizzle, and after checking with BOM, but will stay in bed if it is rain what I can hear on the roof. It is one thing to get caught in the rain, I do enjoy riding in those conditions, but leaving the house when it is raining is something I leave for the real hard core riders and professionals. What's wrong with the wind-trainer, anyway?

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We need to look into the safety aspect of it as well. Slippery roads, windy conditions, low visibility, equipment, are some of the factors we need to take in consideration when getting out in adverse weather conditions. But, as they say, it will make you a better rider as you might have to race in those conditions one day.

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Tips: Get on the wind-trainer; check with BOM; dress appropriately; take lights;drink during the ride; drop tyre pressure in the wet; have a super feed when home; clean the bike well after the ride.

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Family commitments

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That can be hard. Although, I am 30,000 km away from my family, I do find the time to get on Messenger now and then and have a little time with my parents. Because of the time differences, I do miss out on some time on the bike now and then. Time to compromise. Family members have to be aware of what we do and why we do it. Let them know about your goals and how much will take to get to them. Let them know that we also miss out in things that we could be doing and they will be a little more understanding and supportive.

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Tips: Move to a different country; ride to their place and/or family gatherings; let them know about the events coming up; ask for advice if you have someone in the family with mechanical, nutritional, medicinal, sports, witchery or any sort of knowledge you can relate to cycling.

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University of Queensland and Trash

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I took this photo last week while riding at the back of the Uni, in St Lucia. I just thought it was an odd site which made me think of so many different things at the time but I won't write them down and will leave it open for interpretations.

Tour de Suisse / Why cyclists shave their legs? / Sunday ride / Time Trial

Tour de Suisse
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Cancellara does it AGAIN!!!!
This time in his home town, stage 9 of the Tour de Suisse.
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http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2008/jun08/suisse08/?id=results/suisse089
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Still, I have to feel sorry for Philippe Gilbert. He put an amazing attack in the final 1.5 km, only to get chased by an animal (O'Grady's description of the Swiss rider) getting caught with 100 m to the line.
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As many of us, I have been in that situation. In my case, not even getting second place. The one I will never forget was in my first, or second, A Grade club race at Nundah. I got away with 10 min or more to go, hung there for 6 or more laps and got caught by one guy at about the same distance as Gilbert. The worse thing was seen a couple of guys coming pass in the final meters, one of them being a club "mate" after getting a lead out by someone also in the same club. I finished fourth and very unhappy!!!
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Why cyclists shave their legs?
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I could write a fair bit and tell all the excuses I have came up to when asked the very same question. I decided to save you of reading my often feebly words and guide you to an often well written blog where the writer came up with the best answer (or excuse?):
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"It's traditional"
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Dave Moulton's Blog: http://davesbikeblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/why-do-cyclists-shave-their-legs-only.htmllegs-only.html

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Sunday Ride

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To finish the week off, Sandra and I got on the bikes around 3:45 in the afternoon. The plan was to do the usual River Loop (as in the Brisbane River), meet Daniel and have coffee somewhere in town. I know, we have done it so many times, but we still love it. Perhaps for reminding us of one of the reasons we decided to move to Brisbane 3 1/2 years ago. Cycling!
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It wasn't too cold to start with but, by just going down the first hill from our place, we felt the chill in the wind. I was glad to be wearing my old long pants and an under-shirt. We did the loop, took a few photos, comented on the huge number of people walking, running and cycling around town and how great it is to be doing this together and in this beautiful part of the world. A little cheesy but nice!

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We met Daniel an hour later and decided that we deserved a hot chocolate for our efforts and before the "cool" ride home.

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Time: 2:00h; Dist.: 47km; Av. Speed: 22+Km/h and MaxSpeed:49km/h

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Sunday afternoon in Brisbane

Sandra, back of the Uni, St Lucia

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Time Trial
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Aiming for a good result in the ITT Club Championship, I will start the week doing an Easy ride but will already have my TT bars on. It is going to be at Closeburn, on the road to Dayboro. I have done a lot of training in that area but that was before I started my present training program. Still, I think I might be able to do well against the club A Grade riders, if that's where the club handicaper will place me next Saturday.
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Tomorrow and Thursday, I will be doing a few time trial efforts, perhaps even go to Closeburn for a hit out.
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Anyway, it is going to hurt!

Another week of training / Tour de Suisse

With no racing scheduled for the weekend, a bit of rain and working odd hours, it became a bit hard to keep focused on the training for the week. So, I changed a few things (again, Iain!).
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I jumped on the trainer one night, rode to work and did two rides yesterday. With that, I am at least close to the 375 km I had to do this week:
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Monday
11:45 am - Commute to work, 26 km, 1:00, Easy.
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Tuesday
8:45 am - Hill Sprints with Daniel, 55 km, 2:10, Hard.
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Wednesday
4:30 pm - On the trainer, 30 km, 1:30, Easy.
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Thursday
3:50 pm - Ride with Adam Harrison plus ITT efforts, 64.5 km, 2:12, Hard.

Friday
5:00 am - Coffee ride with friends, 40 km, 1:30, Easy.
9:30 am - Breakfast
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10:30 am - Long solo ride, 95 km, 3:13, Easy.

Saturday
6:30 am - Commute to work, 26 km, 1:00, Easy.

Tomorrow
I will do an easy ride with Sandra and will have coffee somewhere, 40 km.
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Tour de Suisse

Just a few remarks:

1- Igor Anton's great climb up to Flusemberge
2- McEwen wins two stages
3- Frank Schleck incredible crash
4- Cancellara repeats Sam Remo finish!!!
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McEwen beating the youngsters in Switzerland
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Now, that's worth more than gold!

Campagnolo goes eleven!

Just a quick one!

It is official, Campagnolo Super Record, Record and Chorus will have 11 sprockets cassetes in 2009. It is all on cyclingnews.com.

Perhaps, it is time to convert to the italian made groupset. I could do with an 11-25t and even a 12-27t for my Mt Baw-Baw attack next year.

Better look for a second job.