On The Upward Spiral!

If there's one thing I've learnt from being in Belgium this season, it's that - most of the time cycling doesn't go your way. It's a roller-coaster of emotions, and seems to have a terrible habit of kicking you in the face just when your thinking things are starting to get better... I've had to overcome many disappointments this year but I am using them as my motivation. My fuel to the fire!

In the company of Niko Eeckhout & Jens Kuekilare in Roeselare

I've been on the upward spiral in July and August (so far). Less crashes (Only 2), more results and higher morale. I could almost smell the flowers while in Holland where I came very close to my first real chance of winning this season. Bagged some top tens in the kermesses. Really can't believe how fast this season is moving on, time flies when your having fun eh!? 

In early July my Dad and brothers were staying with us here in Belgium for a few weeks. It was nice to have the boys around, brought a bit of normality to our sometimes monk-like lifestyle. A very nice distraction! Whilst they were here I raced GP Jempi Monsere (Pro Race) in Roeselare and in Knesselare where I placed 9th after a race-long breakaway. I attacked early in the finale to try and get the win but misjudged how strong my breakaway companions were and ended up leading them out for the sprint. Regardless I was very happy with how my condition was leading into the "Tweedaagse Venhuizen" which I had coming up with the Irish National Team that weekend.

On Friday the 12th July, I met the Irish boys in Amsterdam and we travelled to Venhuizen to set up before the 2 days of racing we had coming up. The race was the usual Dutch style - a constant fight to stay at the front and either in one long line or a complete road block. One word sums it up - chaos!

Stage 1 was a 10km TTT, which was a first experience for us all! Safe to say - not an event that I enjoyed very much, especially when your doing it on a road bike with no TT equipment. I averaged an abnormal 188bpm for the 12-13minutes. PAIN! After such a hard effort we finished with no result. We had a circuit race that evening which proved to have a very attritional format. I finished up in much whittled down peleton in 36th place. 

On Stage 3 I was so gutted to miss a golden opportunity of a podium, or even a win! The 160km stage saw a break of roughly 20 get away with 50km to go and establish a gap of close to 2 minutes, although within the last lap we had them in our sights. I seized the opportunity to make my move and jumped from the peleton with 7km to go. I bridged with one of the Vacansoleil u23's who was 2nd on GC, and made it to the front of the race with only 3km to go. I stayed quiet up front and jump kept following the wheels, I have never been so confident in my ability before! I set myself up perfectly for the final corner and next thing I knew I was picking myself up from the asphalt.
My tubular rolled with 300m to go and left me with nothing from the day but a stiff body and road rash! With all the adrenaline pumping, I gave the Dutch fans a show! I put my bike over my shoulder cyclo-cross style and ran to the line! I didn't make it to the line before the peleton but received the biggest cheer of the weekend. As I crashed within 3km to the finish I was awarded the same time as the winner. Big thanks to Cycling Ireland for such a nice weekend!
When it rains it really does pour. That evening after the stage I found out my grandfather had passed away. Never the news your wanting to hear. RIP Grandad, I'll do you proud!

When I got back from Ireland after the funeral, I was more motivated than ever to get stuck into training and racing again. I've been racing frequently and have earned myself some nice results. A few top 10's with a nice 6th place in Deinze, along with numerous top 20's. I've been putting myself in the right positions and making smarter decisions that are helping me get some solid results. I'm really enjoying my racing and I'm really starting to get the hang of the style, so fingers crossed this run will continue for the remainder of the season!

I start a 5 day stage tour tomorrow, Wednesday. "Ronde van Oost Vlaanderen" a new u23 tour which is supposed to be the biggest u23 race the country has to offer.  Stages 4 and 5 are local to us so I am excited to race on familiar roads. Looking forward to a good week with the Terra boys!

Here's to the final stretch of the season! Let's make it a good one...

Thanks for reading, Eoin