Hi
everyone
That's me back from racing in Spain for
this year. It has been a great experience and have really enjoyed the
hard racing there.
|
Attacking in the Oiarzun RR, the World tour San Sebastion Classic uses this climb in the final part of the race. |
After
my last blog, I had a great final couple of months racing in Spain
with my team, Ibaigane Opel.
For
most of August I was having two or three hard road races a week which
was great for keeping good form. In meant life in Zeanuri flew by and
it was my most enjoyable month of racing in Spain.
From
July onwards, I was amazed at the difference a few weeks made as I
was climbing and beating most of the strongest riders I have been
racing against over the season and also getting into the crucial
moves of the races. I was regularly in the top tens and came very
close to the win many times.
|
In the race long break in the Lemioz RR, really fast climbs. |
In
particular, two big races I had were the
Lenhendakari
3 day
Challenge and the Vuelta Valencia which I competed in last season.
The
3 day Challenge consisted of three individual road races around the
Basque Country with an overall GC which I found myself fighting it
out for.
I felt strong and was lying 4th
overall by the start of the final day. I came down with a cold and
suffered through out the day but I survived and clung on to finish
6th
overall.
The
Vuelta Valencia was a 4 day Elite International race, with national
squads from as far afield as Japan, Israel & Holland, as well as
the best Spanish teams. It was an very tough race, average speeds of
27mph, long steep climbs with 17% ramps, rough roads, cross winds and
the searing heat made it a wearing down process. I was really happy
with my performance as I climbed well on the big mountainous stage 2
and managed to get 2nd
overall GC in the U23 category.
I
will go into the story in more detail in a future blog.
|
On the attack with 15km to go in the Geirnica RR, held on with a couple of others until the Argentine team pulled us back with 1km and half to the line. |
|
Sprint finish in the Escalante Road race in the region of Cantabria. |
I
want to thank everyone for the support and encouragement this year
including my team, Ibaigane Opel. They have been very welcoming to me
the past two years I have raced with them and the managers have been
very kind and supportive as well. I would like to thank the
Braveheart Fund for their support and to everyone who kindly donates.
It has helped a big part to race abroad this season.
I'm
glad I spent the year racing in Spain, I have learnt so much on and
off the bike by committing myself abroad for the year. Learnt a lot
more than I have any other year by far. It has gave me more
experience, confidence and drive to give it my all next year.
Thanks
for reading my blog this year and see you at the Braveheart ride and
dinner if you are there!
Cheers
Robbie
More Pictures:
|
Winning the best team prize in Egiobar, first three across the line. |
|
Large race long break in the Egoibar race, before we hit the last climb of the day. |
|
Waiting at the start line |
|
Egiobar |
|
On the 2nd last climb in the Zegama race, 3rd day of the challenge, suffering with the cold but hung on for 6th overall GC. |
|
The village of Zeanuri, at the foot of Mountains, where I lived for most of the season. Friendly community. |
|
Local historic church, just up the hill |
|
Team ride the day before the first stage of the Tour of Valencia |
|
The first stage of the Vuelta Valencia started in the famous Valencia Moto GP racing circuit. |
|
The team, the manager of the team Gartzi (left) and the president Juan Mari (right). |
Blog also of the Braveheart Fund Website:
http://www.braveheartfund.co.uk/DiaryPost.asp?id=1201