Just a quick thank you to cyclingtribe.com for their recent support on my writing. My interview with Heinrich Haussler can be seen here: http://www.cyclingtribe.com/article/post/show/id/84-Heinrich-Haussler-Cycling-Tribe-Interview

Also, thanks to cyclsportnews.com  for publishing my article on Hausslers World Championships withdrawal / exclusion. This article can be seen here:http://www.cyclesportnews.com/aus/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7499&Itemid=48

Training-wise, and today i did a great 4 hour ride to Kinglake with Danny Cohen, Tristan Pohl, and co. Great ride guys, loved it! 

 A Tour De France rider.

A win on Stage 13 in front of millions of viewers worldwide.

A podium in both Milan San Remo and Tour of Flanders.

A possible selection to represent Australia alongside the likes of Cadel Evans. 

Removed from the selection process for the Australian Worlds Team due to ongoing rehabilitation after extensive knee surgery. 

Here is my interview with the one and only...

Before his dream was broken.

It's admittedly been longer than usual since I last had the time to sit down and update my site, and more importantly keep you updated. But there's no lacking news, that's for sure...

I always like to keep people in the loop as to what's going on in the more 'public' aspects of my life. (Although recently, the more private parts of my life seem to have been deemed 'public' - but that's another story)

I was recently taken on board by a cycling website called cyclingtribe.com - fresh local and international cycling news is their focus. But my focus is learning as much as I can, and utilising the chance to have some input from the very people I would want to work for in the future. It's early days, but things have gotten off to a great start, with me lining up my first interview with a certain Rico Rogers. A top gun sprinter who showed the young pups how to play like a big dog, in the recent Tour of Gippsland. (the very race that turned my face into raw salami, and destroyed my bike only 15km in to the 550km event)

Rico Rogers kept it upright, and even had breathe for an interview...

With a lung infection grounding me for over 2 weeks, I started training again 4 days ago, then missed a day out of fear of falling sick again. Then training a day, and missing yet another - just to make sure! The slightest sniffle, or headache or cough (especially) had me sh*!ting myself at the thought of yet another week off the bike. But today I rode with the Mt. Eliza group and I felt amazing. So now I'm offiially back on track.

After a good result in the Northern Combine Three Day Tour, I was looking forward to building on my form going into the following races. Events such as Tour of Gippsland, Preston Mountain Classic and a few others... But a came down with a sniffle, which turned into something far worse.

Wow... It's been an intense 2 weeks, regarding both work and training. Actually the biggest burden was falling ill and feeling really worn down in general. What was just a minor cold soon turned into losing my appetite, not sleeping and slowly sliding down a slippery slope. But I've reached the bottom of this particular slope, turned around and looked to the top and realised it was a pretty small hill. Time to start climbing to the top of the hill again!!

Just a brief update on Phillip Island, because I'm sitting in bed sniffing and coughing. It's really great... The TFM AVANTI guys headed down to Phillip Island this morning, for the annual teams race - a 110km race taking place on the world famous Phillip Island MotoGP track. Although the motorbikes go a fraction faster, our racing was just as exciting and a little less predictable. (And no grid girls unfortunately)

Heading down to Rutherglen early Saturday morning, and I was looking forward to a weekend away. As they say, a change of scene is as good as a holiday. But this little holiday was going to be much more fun than sand castles and seagulls! We were going racing...

With my first race behind me in the form of a small Northern Combine event, I was hoping to wade into the Tour of Coleraine with good legs, and a happy mind. But after the Northern Combine I've really had to rethink my approach!

After all the ups and downs in the past 3 months, my need to find a team has been met. But in this instance, I'd be more inclined to call it a family, and my need has now turned into a pleasure.

It's taken me a month to feel content with how things have panned out - but better late than never! I've been in Melbourne for almost a month, and things are coming along nicely. My job seems to have become more and more stable by the day thanks to putting in the extra few yards of effort. I'm fortunate to have landed a job with such an accomodating group of people; people who are also willing to put in that extra bit of effort.

Cycling has taken a turn for the better (yep, crazy... I know!) - I found I'm not the only one who's been graciously overlooked by prospective teams. Speaking of teams, there are several small scale local teams here in Melbourne who focus on the Criterium series. All the guys on these teams also have full time jobs etc. So we're one in the same!

I've been doing my best to get in some training before my 8:30am start at work - this just means leaving at 5:30am, and getting home at 7:30am - let's just say I sleep well when I get home. Well I just got my pay cheque for the week, and it's put an even bigger smile on my face. Money isn't everything, but it sure pays the rent.

I've been having some good riding over the past few days, managing to get around 2hrs in each day. It might not sound much, but it's quite a rapid recovery considering I was struggling to stand up only 2 weeks ago! I've been riding quite gently so as to not aggrevate my knee any further, while it tries to heal. Although it is frustrating spinnin alon like a funrider, while some young buck goes hammer and tongs up a hill... I think age is catching up to me ;-)

It's been close to a month since I hurt my knee training on Barrengary Mountain - a month filled with doctors appointments, X-rays, and little riding. But what have I gained from this whole experience? Quite a lot actually...

Leading up to what has become my most important race to date - the 2010 National Championships - I've been feeling pretty focused, motivated and confident in my ability to bring home my goal. (Earning that spot with that team) But it seems just as in the past, just when things are ticking over and everything appears to be going to plan; something always has to trip you in your stride...

I've been informed that I have a 33.3% chance of earning a spot with a very reputable Australian Cycling Team. The deciding race is the 2010 National Championships, held in Ballarat. Regarding my last post below, it seems I will be doing the National Championships, no questions asked. A race I had fluctuating interest in has just become my most important race to date...

All the best to the other athletes vying for this one remaining spot.

For those of you who have followed my updates throughout the year, you'd know what I mean when I say it's been a long year! From February 2009 to November as we speak - it seems I've stumbled from one chaotic phase into the next without much of an interlude between these phases.

Waking up to clear skies and no wind has made things a little easier when it comes to cycling, but unbeknowns to me it was going to be one hell of a hard day. Today was the Annual Sydney Criteriums, held on the premises of the Dunc Grey Veledrome. With a top quality start list, things were going to be fast...

With the 2009 racing season coming to a close, only a few small races remain. Races such as the Sydey Criteriums, Berry Criteriums and local club events are all that remain; but these events are perfect to integrate into my training for the upcoming National Championships to be held in Ballarat, in January 2010.

Just another tour, you might think to yourself. But as one of the riders who took part in the event, I can say that is not that case! With each passing kilometre came new memories, and with each passing day came a new town and a new motel! It's as if I've crammed a whole month into the span of a week. To fit that week into one update is a tall ask, so I'll try my best to summarise it...

After a very satisfactory 'Goulburn to Citi' Classic last weekend, my confidence was up again and I felt I was finding some legs at long last. I followed the race up with an excellent week of training, consisting of more climbing and power work. Now let's just hope it'll be enough for the Tour of Tasmania.

I'd have to take my hat off to any race that was 'better' or 'harder' than the Tour De France. But what if a race was older  than Le Tour? Now that would be something... Say, something along the lines of the Goulburn to Citi road race. In its' 107th year running, this race would surely have pages of stories to tell; but for now, mine will have to do...

Well I've finished my first "Grafton" and for those who've tried their luck at the 228km slog, you'll know the feeling! Needless to say I had higher hopes than merely finishing, but as they say - "That's racing..."

Tour of Murray went quite well - if you classify being thrown in the deep end of Aussie cycling as "well". I was fortunate enough to get a Guest spot on the Tasmanian based Praties Cycling Team, and man what an experience!

After 2 weeks of being back in Australia, things have slowly started to pick up pace again - with an array of possibilities before me, I'm starting to get just a wee bit excited. Let me explain...

UPDATE:

I'm leaving for Australia tomorrow, and following some opportunities in the Land Down Under - It seems my "probable contract" in South Africa has evaporated, due to the financial circumstances and various other reasons.

I'll update once I hit the road in Australia, and prepare for my first Aussie tour; the Tour of Murray River.

Til then... 

A tough day on the bike yesterday to say the least! I headed over to Hoegaarden for a 115km Kermesse made up of 9 laps - with short power climbs, long and exposed sidewind (gutter) sections and really no time to catch your breath...

After a week of no racing, I headed out to Nieuwrode for a 120km Kermesse on a ver flat and windy circuit. Being central to many towns, there was quite a turnout of 140+ riders! With the rain clearing up, and the wind picking up it was time to race...

I don't know what to call today - but "hell" seems a good enough term to use. I signed on for what I thought would be an easy race. You know the sort with some weekend warriors, a few sprint primes, and maybe an attack here and there. Well I guess I was wrong. Very wrong...

As many of you would know, I used to do XC MTB racing - something you'll never really get out of your system. Well after having not touched an MTB for over a year, today it all came back to me. My only problem was that I was on my road bike - ah well, I'm always up for something new!

Today was the Tielt Winge Kermesse, which was a 1.12 Category, 100km Kermesse (meaning it was the highest ranking amateur kermesse ) The best part was  that the race start was 50m from my house! I could literally walk to the registration in my pyjamas!

Anyway, the race got off to a good start, with everyone feeling pretty friendly today for some reason. It must have been the sunshine... A few attacks went off up the road, but non worth chasing. Except one. The one that stayed clear all day! With half the New Zealand contingent in the move, it was bound to work...

Since the action started on lap one, I guess the recount should as well! Todays' race was held in Keerbergen, with a nice 22 lap circuit being laid out through the main street of town, and into the residential area. Once the peleton got under way, there was a bit of jostling for position before the first sharp corner. Exiting this corner, British rider Brad Johnston attacked - leaving behind him a field of half hearted chasers and half asleep riders... But soon he was reeled in, and this is where I made my move.

Since my last diary entry I've taken the chance to wind down the racing a bit and get some nice sunny miles in the legs (well, hoped it would be sunny!) But being in Belgium, I got all four seasons in one day - from sun, to wind and rain, I got it all. So much for some "sunny miles"...

I've had some really good racing over the past week and am feeling the effects of it! On Friday 5th I raced a Criterium in a town North of where I'm living (the name slipped my mind) and did relatively well, finishing in a small groupetto 1minute ahead of the peleton and one minute behind the lead group of 9 riders.

On Saturday I did a 65km recovery ride, and did quite a long stretch session ready for the next race on Sunday! Waking up on Sunday 7th I felt okay, but definitely a little tired! I was headed to another race and felt pretty keen to have a good day on the bike. In short, the race went well with me finishing just out of top 30.

I raced for the 3rd time on Monday 8th but a snapped gear cable saw that race end after only 65km - but before this incident I managed to get away with 5 others on a climb, only to get drawn back pretty quickly! Well today I had a well deserved break and got my bike fixed by the Vision 1 mechanic, Stef Wyman. (I owe this guy - he's fixed my bike more times than I've ridden it... true champion!) I got some shopping done too so my cupboard is full again for at least a week ;-)

Off to another race, I packed my bag and bike and got ready for the Kontich Kermesse - 120km consisting of 12 laps, with one small climb and 18 corners. Sound like fun?? Oh yeah!

I popped down to the Doctor a week ago for a blood test, and got the result I expected. Low iron levels have given me an overall feeling of being pretty worn out. After 13hrs of sleep, I still felt tired! But a few days later and on a dosage of iron pills has seen me right! I'm feeling much better and am back to my usual self, with all the energy in the world (well almost - getting there slowly)

The race I did yesterday was held in Linden, only 13km from where I'm staying. My legs were feeling good after a good week of training in strong winds and rain. And the fact that there were climbs n the race made it even more exciting. On the first lap the pace was on... But with strong winds it was almost impossible for them to get away from the main field.

With heavy rain, thunder and lightning battering the house at 3am I wasn't so sure about the race that would be on later that day. It was another night race, starting at 6pm and finishing at 9pm. The rain continued throughout the day, so once I reached lunch I packed my bag for the race, and commited to a crazy day on the bike.

Sometimes your body just doesn't match your mood! I've mentally been on top of the world for most of my stay in Belgium, but physically your body doesn't seem as invincible! Pity that..

The title says it all, and that's just how I want it... I've just crossed halfway point in my Belgian stay and unlike a race - where you want to finish - in this instance I don't want it to finish. I wish I could rewind and start all over again. But if you could do that then you wouldn't cherish the value of a moment, would you?

After having gotten better last week, I did 3 days of really easy training -and woke up on the 4th morning feeling terrible. I had a sore throat and a blocked nose and just could not believe I was sick again in the space of 2 weeks!

Today I was finally back on my bike after what felt like days - admitedly I was only off my bike for 4 days with a sore throat, but it felt like forever!! My legs aren't feeling too bad, but aren't as sharp as before I got sick. That is to be expected, and within a few days I'll be back to where I was before.

Well I've never raced at 6pm until yesterday! So instead of having dinner, I was pinning it in a race... Different to say the least, if not a bit disruptive to my usual routine.

I managed to organise a lift to Sinaai today, where there would be a 110km Kermesse. Being on a Monday, we were not expecting a good turnout, but 140 riders later and we knew it would be a hard day. The course consisted of about 15 corners, and also 400m of cobbles - so it was on!

I woke up to perfect sunny skies this morning, and wondered whether I should get up... But seeing as it was 10am, and I was racing - I decided to get out of bed. After about half a kilogram of muesli and 2 coffees, I was ready to take on the world! I reckon it's a good feeling to have on the morning of an insane race...

I've really been hauling in the experiences here in Belgium - in the space of 2 weeks, I've learnt more than I could imagine. From training, to diet, to racing and everything in between, it's all coming together. But to counter the good, there always seems to be the bad...

What a perfect day - in fact what a perfect week so far! The sun has been out for a change (something I've seen little of going by my fading tan lines) and the riding has been equally good. On Sunday I raced the Beauvechain Kermesse, which for me was an eventful day....

After having been in Belgium for just over a week, I can truly say I have a greater appreciation for sunshine. It's been raining on the bad days, and overcast and cold on the "good" days... But that's Europe and I'm coming to like it.

A long drive of over 6 hours was definitely worth it when we reached Richards Bay, a beautiful coastal town hidden behind a mountain range. The race would be taking place on Sunday, which left me with a full day to hit up the beach, watch the 'scenery' on the beach and generaly have a holiday before the storm!

The 'storm' was a 20km loop x 5 laps, through and around Richards Bay. Taking in some small rises and long flat roads, the course suited a sprint finish and maybe even a breakaway - all stuff I had my mind on. With the race under way, I sat behind a few marked guys who I felt would make the moves; and within 20km, or 1 lap, that move came. I ended up in the breakaway, with a 20 second gap appearing within seconds and all the guys in the bunch finding it hard to organise a chase. We stayed away for about 3 minutes, before a solo bridge attempt came across, followed by the world and his dog!! A few more attempts went up the road, but none worth chasing... I slipped back to midfield in an area I thought would be safe from attacks, but I was wrong. Next time I looked, Christoph van Heerden / team MTN was 30 seconds up the road, and the bunch didn't react one bit! With Christoph was the SA Junior Champ, and another unknown rider, both who had been awake, unlike me...

The bunch worked to chase, in a pretty unorganised mess - and since I had no team responsibility, I just sat and waited for everyone else to bridge the gap. By lap 4, we spotted 2 of 3 breakaway riders, with only Van Heerden up the road, a whopping 1minute40sec. A lead he held onto all the way to the finish. The two riders he had for company squeezed ahead of the peleton, nabbing 2nd and 3rd spots overall. The bunch hit the final rise, where I attacked in an attempt to ride off the sprinters and better my chance of a podium. I split the bunch, and was once again brough down by an attempted solo bridge, with the world and his dog again joining the train! We hit the last speed bump before the final turn, where I again attacked, over the speed bump and into the turn. My pedal hit the ground almost bringing me down, but some old school MTB skills saved that one, bringing me over the line in 3rd spot in the sprint, and 5th overall. Definitely a successful weekend, hopefully followed up with a Criterium on Tuesday, depending on Coaches instructions!

 I'm heading to Belgium on the 5th of April, and obviously I can't wait!!!

I've just gotten home from almost 2 weeks of racing. I did the Giro Del Capo, a UCI 2.2 Tour, in stunning Cape Town, followed by the Argus, which is the world's biggest cycling race with over 28,000 participants. Following close behind, was SA National Championships only 2 days after the Argus. What an amazing experience. In more ways than one....

After having just woken up from my afternoon sleep, I think it's starting to finally sink in... I've completed my first Tour, thanks to the SA National Team. Although only a 4day Tour, it feels good to get that 'first one' out the way!

I woke up at 2am and peeped outside... Pouring rain, howling dogs and enough lightening to power a city. Don't get me wrong, I love storms - but not on a race day! We loaded the car and all squeezed inside, to drive a mere 25km to the race. By the time we got there all rugged up in leg warmers and full kit, we saw nothing but dry roads, and the sun peeping from behind the clouds. Oh well, at least we weren't under dressed!

Today was the annual Berge en Dale, a race that is gradually gaining a repuation for breaking riders; and today the race sure lived up to it's reputation. The race started on a gradual 3km climb and as was expected, someone from Toyota Supercycling attacked only 500m into the 98km race. This move caused chaos with riders slaughtering themselves to hold the wheel in front of them. This suited me perfectly as I moved to the front of the field with 2km of climbing to go, and just pounded it all the way to the top...

As many of you would know, I had returned to South Africa in December 2008, in preparation for a solid racing season in 09. But this year appeared to get off to a shakey start with all the teams unable to sign new riders, or even think of developing youngsters like myself. Due to the current economic meltdown, sponsors of the various teams understandably got cold feet and started to withdraw from cycling. This left many riders high and dry with no team and not even minor sponsors. In fact, many of these riders are still unsigned...

My training has been going very well up until now, with my legs feeling quite good considering the substantial miles we've been clocking up. But now my training has changed from long medium paced rides, to shorter and more intense rides.

After being home for over a week now, I've finally settled down into my training, and am definitely used to the altitude! I've been doing purely 'base miles' which refers to the training that sets a foundation for your entire season. So it's a fairly important phase. Consisting purely of long slow miles, our group of four riders has ridden about 850km this past week alone, which is ideal...

After a year of hard racing, I finally reached the end of my first year racing overseas, and slipped down a notch into 'off season' mode.

Finally, I took the plunge into the endless world of technology and decided it was about time I got myself a website. Not only will it make my travels and racing easily accessible to you; but it will also make it easier for me to keep everyone up to speed with what happens, when it happens!