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Happy New Year Everyone! 2014 is here! After a somewhat "mixed" 2013, I can only hope 2014 will treat me a little better. Reflecting and being positive on 2013 - I feel I've had a successful and productive year. I've learnt a hell of a lot from the past 12 months - and not only on the racing scene! As well as being a stronger and smarter bike rider - I am now a much stronger individual. I've shown perseverance through all the tough times I entailed early season and showed that, if I was going to quit - it would have already happened. I'm still pedalling - and better than ever...

Here's my 2013 in numbers:

683 - Hour's spent riding.
21, 995 - Kilometres ridden, training & racing.
136,640 - Metres of Elevation Gain
322 - Activites
434 - Personal Records
65 - Race days
5 - International Caps
7 - Crashes

My Favourite Picture from the 2013 season. Izegem Pro Kermesse

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The line has been drawn. It's 2014 now - so time to look ahead. That's why your eyes are on the front of your ceann, to look forward! Been quiet as of late as I've been enjoying my down time after a hectic season, as well as doing the one thing that this blog is all about - riding my bike!

Since getting home from Belgium in October I've been thoroughly enjoying my time at home in Fermoy. It may be a cliche thing, but there really is no place like it! I've been spending quality time with family and friends and just plain enjoying myself! I've even been to Norway to visit one of my best friends which was a fantastic trip. For around a month I tried to live a somewhat normal lifestyle for a guy my age. Enjoyed some nights on the town, indulged a little, went shopping, just the normal things. The month was perfect timing. I was re-charged, eager and hungry to get cracking with my preparation for 2014.

Everything (touch wood) is going to plan so far. Looking forward to another year with the Terra crew - let's make it one to remember! I will return to Belgium in early March to get my season underway! I have a lot of aims for the 2014 season which I won't go into too much detail on just yet.

Speaking of 2014 - I will have the great honour of being supported by The Dave Rayner Fund. The fund has been set up in memory of the late Dave Rayner. The aim of the fund is to assist ambitious riders living and racing abroad, like Dave, to make a successful pro career. I will give my best to justify their belief in me, and hope to obtain some top results to make them and everyone else around me proud. Link to website - http://www.daveraynerfund.co.uk/

Next up for me, in 10 days time - for 10 days, is a training camp in Mallorca, Spain. Looking forward to getting away to some fairer weather conditions, and new training roads. Hope to make the most of it!

I hope to post a less informative blog in the coming weeks. I have a few things written up, just need to make them perfect! Stay tuned for more...

Thanks for reading,
Eoin