The Grand Finale

As you may have guessed by my procrastination in blogging, I didn't win any races by the time I left Bilbao on March the 28^th. I had four more races, or opportunities, from the time of my last blog to enjoy the life of a full time racer.

The first race took place in Villatuerta and was unlike any of my previous experiences. A strong crosswind shredded the peloton to pieces in the early stages, leaving a group of 25 riders to duke it out over the barren flatlands near Pamplona. I struggled as the only Koplad/Uni2 rider against eight from the potent Caja Rural squad. I scraped a 7^th place out of a chasing group. Given the conditions, it was no surprise that the winner was a lanky Dutchman called Van Geffen. And it is true, the Spaniards' abilty to ride in crosswinds definetly doesn't match their climbing skill.....

The competition the following day was relatively uninteresting. It was a flat circuit so I was at the disposal of Argentine sprinter/roommate Diego Asis. Unfortunately HTC-Colum... oh sorry, Koplad/Uni2 mistimed the chase and couldn't catch one of the escapees. Diego sprinted to third place, which was an excellent result as his confidence had taken a beating the previous day.

My final weekend contained two very significant races. I wish they came earlier in the month, as I could feel my power waning and my powertap backed up my sensations. The 18 hour training weeks were starting to take their toll after a lazy winter. My maximum power outputs were fading on the climbs, as was my max sprint power. I tried to taper during the final week and regain some strength, but it was too late.

The first race was on our local circuit around Sopelana. It was rolling terrain but was likely to be decided in a mass sprint- Diego was the man for the job. I again acted as domestique, knowing that tomorrow Diego would return the favour in our race at Gorla. He finished 8^th which was a respectable result, but he was disappointed with himself.

Gorla was to be my race as team leader. A brutally hard course with two 5 kilometre climbs in at an average gradient of 8%. Former winners included Contador and Sastre, and most of the top five would get a professional contract of sorts at the end of the year. Based on the previous races, a top ten was perfectly achievable for me. After 3 kilometres of climbing, I realised that I was having a 'journée sans', or literally a day without (I think that is the correct expression?). I will never again shout abuse at the GC favourite on television who climbs like an angel one day and a stone the next. I was digging deeper than I had ever gone all year, but was struggling to hang on to the back of the grupetto. What a terrible feeling! I joked around for the rest of the day with Diego, eventually finishing in 34^th place. Luckily at the finish I was treated to some Pintxos, or the finest Basque Tapas made by Paul's mother. My racing finished with the whole team in good spirits despite my truly absymal result.

Diego trying to pull me up the climb at Gorla, all I could do was gurn

In between my racing I started to enjoy myself far more than in the initial weeks. A local newspaper was interested in interviewing me- http://www.deia.com/2011/03/22/deportes/ciclismo/un-ingles-vino-a-bilbao . An Englishman racing in Flanders is a common occurrence, but to race near Bilbao was obviously quite unusual. It's a shame I look like Lloyd from Dumb and Dumber in the photo.

Another Argentinian arrived before my final weekend. There are now around eight in the Basque Peleton- all seeking a future in cycling and in Europe. Franco Guttierez (who was quickly re-named Fran so as not to offend any locals), was possibly the most laid back individual I have ever met. His riding style was similar to Juan Mauricio Soler's, and was very quick on every terrain. It will be interesting to see how he and Diego can pair together in races.

I left Bilbao planning on returning at some point during the year. The racing was the most enjoyable I have experienced, and I made some great friends. However returning to the UK was really special. I badly needed some mental and physical recuperation, and where better to do so with my brothers and sisters sitting in front of the Xbox and Family Guy? I still couldn't resist making a Spanish tortilla though.

Next stop- Majorca and Annecy with GPM10!