Chapter 2017…whistle stop so far.

With the year flying by I thought it was time for a brief tour of whats been happening so far in 2017.

Back in Flanders!

Without a contract late last year, for 2017 I returned to Belgium and to the Asfra-Flanders Racing Team (where this blog began). As always in Belgium a big program of racing, though this year for me would also see it balanced with other projects, including proudly taking on the role of Science in Sport Ambassador, coaching and having the pleasure of watching a good friend of mine make week by week progress in Mark Huxley as well as another Ambassador role writing a series of blogs for Viva Velo. The year so far has also involved many other roles and projects which you can see in a month by month overview of the year so far below.

Fuelled By Science!

January saw me returning to North Carolina once again to visit great friends and ex teammates. Having been based there for much of 2013/2014 it’s always a delight to return and this year it saw me laying down the foundations for the season ahead.

NC!

February saw me back in Belgium and continuing preparations for the season ahead. Having been based so much in Belgium over the years, this local knowledge was put to good use with Merlin Cycles in helping them to make (and featuring in) a couple of promotional videos. These videos can be seen here:

Made in Belgium - Merlin Nitro SL https://youtu.be/0183yVom1-1

Made in Belgium 2 - https://youtu.be/3BIH6Kecy1c

And action!

This was just the start of a relationship, as just a few months later Merlin Cycles kindly sponsored me with a Merlin Nitro SL to use for the remainder of the season.

Merlin Nitro SL!

March also saw that local knowledge being put to good use with some guided rides around the classic roads and for full effect at classics time of year.

Live Belgium!

March and April also saw me get underway with racing once again. With the uncertainty throughout the winter and a long season ahead this really was about continuing to lay the foundations for the months to come.

In Bruges!

Having featured in a promotional video for Velusso at the end of last year, May saw me return to Mallorca with the guys again. Always a pleasure to meet and ride with people, pass on knowledge and share stories. It was an absolute pleasure to be in the company of Matt Prior and all for the week!

Top company in Mallorca!

With some racing sandwiched in between, June then saw me on the road once again with Polocini. This time it was a road trip to Italy where guests were able to ride the famous climbs of the Stelvio, Gavia and Mortirolo (amongst others). With most of the week based in Bormio, Livigno was also taken in as was Lake Como and the Madonna del Ghisallo for a fantastic week on the road with yet again a great group of people!

Passo Dello Stelvio!

Once back it was a little more racing before a weeks break with my girlfriend for my birthday in July. A relaxing week soaking up some Vit D sunshine by the Med, keeping fresh and ready for the second half of the season to come. We still managed to make a tv appearance as little did we know we was on the first flight back into Tabarka.

Holiday mode!

In the latter part of July and now into August the second half of the season got truly underway. Already with a string of nice performances over the last weeks, with the body in good shape and so much racing to come, it’s hopefully shaping up for a good last couple of months of the season. And with thoughts still on trying to open doors for 2018, then hopefully it's a great time to be racing hard at the front of the peloton. As always i’d be more than happy to hear from you!