15 May 2006
Its World Cup time again and like the last few years we have 3 Euro legs in a row. The team is coming along well, despite a cRazy period of bad luck. Ok, I admit I was somewhat guilty of stupidity for leaving bikes overnight in our van in Italy, but since that nightmare, we've had a car break down on the way to Heubach, our truck break down on the way to Madrid, then 2 nights ago some mongrels broke into the team van again, stealing parts, tires, almost everything inside. Still, credit to our team management as everyone is still positive and racing well. And hey, we're number one on the team rankings so that's the most important thing, right!
Actually it was the first outing for the team truck, as it was only just finished last Monday! They have made an awesome job building a nice living area with a small kitchen, flat-screen tv... all the bling. With everything so new in the team, there are still lots of bugs to sort out, which is frustrating at times. But it also means that we can do things a lot how we like it. I'm really happy to be able to eat lunch at the truck, as I hate to eat restaurant food the whole time. Allan is taking charge of this, buying good food and cooking it up for us so that after training we can relax and eat the perfect stuff. Fredrik and I eat very similarly, and Peter and Jakob are not fussy, so its working perfect.
I have felt tired for the past month, and was starting to wonder if I could wake up in time for the world cups... but I think my body sensed something and I started feeling better already on Tuesday. Another thing that probably helped was a big adjustment from Benoit. He treats me on a regular basis when I am in Annecy, but as most osteopaths, he prefers to work gently and does not force things too much. This can mean that he doesn't always resolve problems immediately... but then sometimes I have a treatment when everything just clicks into place.. like this Tuesday. After a session like this I feel completely different on the bike, a little weak, but after a few days its amazing how much it helps.
So finally I had good feelings during the race. I felt smooth and had OK power. Madrid is always fun with so many passionate spectators and a flattish course that keeps the riders in big groups. I stayed in a group and around the same general place throughout the race, finishing 17th. It was hot and the short climbs took there toll as always, making the last lap super tough. Julian and Susi have shown that once again they are the best in the world... nice for Specialized who put a lot on the line to bring Susi in. We need to get Cannondale up there again. I'm sure Fredrik can win one soon, but he just needs a little luck. He had a small mechanical this week and finished 7th.
Actually it was the first outing for the team truck, as it was only just finished last Monday! They have made an awesome job building a nice living area with a small kitchen, flat-screen tv... all the bling. With everything so new in the team, there are still lots of bugs to sort out, which is frustrating at times. But it also means that we can do things a lot how we like it. I'm really happy to be able to eat lunch at the truck, as I hate to eat restaurant food the whole time. Allan is taking charge of this, buying good food and cooking it up for us so that after training we can relax and eat the perfect stuff. Fredrik and I eat very similarly, and Peter and Jakob are not fussy, so its working perfect.I have felt tired for the past month, and was starting to wonder if I could wake up in time for the world cups... but I think my body sensed something and I started feeling better already on Tuesday. Another thing that probably helped was a big adjustment from Benoit. He treats me on a regular basis when I am in Annecy, but as most osteopaths, he prefers to work gently and does not force things too much. This can mean that he doesn't always resolve problems immediately... but then sometimes I have a treatment when everything just clicks into place.. like this Tuesday. After a session like this I feel completely different on the bike, a little weak, but after a few days its amazing how much it helps.
So finally I had good feelings during the race. I felt smooth and had OK power. Madrid is always fun with so many passionate spectators and a flattish course that keeps the riders in big groups. I stayed in a group and around the same general place throughout the race, finishing 17th. It was hot and the short climbs took there toll as always, making the last lap super tough. Julian and Susi have shown that once again they are the best in the world... nice for Specialized who put a lot on the line to bring Susi in. We need to get Cannondale up there again. I'm sure Fredrik can win one soon, but he just needs a little luck. He had a small mechanical this week and finished 7th.
In the evening we hit the hustle bustle of the big city and a tapas bar for some new food experience and nice wine. Peter had obviously done this before, as he navigated his way through the menu like a local. Basically tapas are simple... small toasted sandwiches with different fillings. Its kind of snack food, costing just 1 euro each, but with 100 options on the menu, and all in Spanish so I had no clue! Finally we had a great mix of hams, local cheese, salmon, gambas, patatis tortilla , which were super tasty with a glass of Rioja. Great to be on a team that enjoys being cRazy.. as Allan says :)
