Another month or so has passed and I'm pleased with how it has gone for me. My training has been going well although I did have a bit of sickness which left me off the bike for 10 days or so. I didn't exactly rush back into things but rather built back slowly which, I think, gave me a good rest and once I started to get back into the swing of things it wasn't long until I was feeling good again.
I've had my fair few adventures while training in January. I've been down with my coach, Martin O'Loughlin, in Carrick-on-Suir and have also met with some of my team-mates on the u23 Irish Development Team, Simon Ryan and Brian Hallissey, in Charleville for some training rides which definitely helped and gave me an indicator of where I am at the moment. It's great to get good company especially in the rough weather conditions we have had. At one point for the guts of about 2 weeks I got wet on every ride I did, and the winds were ridiculous! It was frustrating, especially as all the pro teams are currently on their training camps in Spain etc.. it made me really jealous!
But I had to get on with it and remember that next year that will be me in the warm conditions. Below I have a picture of my training bike on the descent of "The Vee", and that day was an adventure. At the start of the climb I must have picked up a piece of glass or something and punctured. Thankfully for me it was a super slow puncture and took me about 10km before I had to stop and "fix it". When I say "fix" I meant pump it with the hand pump and pedal on for as long as I could, saved me a lot of time! I was about 50km from home and had to stop about 3 times to give it a top up, preferably every time I felt the rim I stopped. Was fun!
Some more ergo efforts have also been introduced into my programme recently, which I really enjoy! I even got the TT bike onto the turbo once or twice for a bit more entertainment or fun if you like.. I am sick of looking at my Lapierre at this stage. Can't wait until my new ride arrives, should be sometime in February! Stay tuned for more news on that...
As for the 2012 season, things are starting to become more set in stone. But not fully! Races I am looking towards in Ireland include: Ras Mumhan, The Des Hanlon Memorial, The Silver Pail GP and the National Champs, which will be my last race before I leave for Belgium. In between I will probably ride some more races, but will be restricted as I am in an exam year in school. I'll see where the roads take me..
Here are some links from the new home of Irish cycling - Sticky Bottle, including a piece which I am featured in, and some details about this years edition of Ras Mumhan.
So that is all my news for now. When the season comes around there should be a lot more to write about. Hope you enjoyed the read and thanks. Can't wait for the fun to begin.. not long now!
Stay Tuned,
Eoin
