tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47954630081967004132012-02-16T12:27:36.157-08:00Powered by mtc.com.naDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-19452434289267345162009-06-12T19:51:00.001-07:002009-06-12T19:51:28.241-07:00

Once more I have been letting my mother and all of my regular readers down since... well... I can't even remember when I last wrote something for my blog.   It's a loooong story, but I have been enjoying life in England settling into the new team and surroundings (but not enjoying my 'personal' side of the cycling so much).   Right now I'm in Quebec, Canada with the team, doing the Tour de

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-36737346418944456182009-02-20T10:54:00.001-08:002009-02-20T10:54:04.485-08:00

Sunny Africa my love! Here I come! Sitting in Gatwick on my down to SA for the Tour de Boland, Giro del Capo and of course the Argus after a lovely week in Spain. Although training was not the best due to some cool photo shoots and my leg still nagging me (more in my mind than anything else) I am looking forward to the early trip home. Just hopped across the channel chatting to a Saffa Expat,

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-61719339540713896732009-02-10T13:49:00.001-08:002009-02-10T13:49:52.174-08:00

I was just sent a few pictures from the African Champs in Morocco, back in November last year. Unfortunately I still don't have any photos from the actual contact with my dear Moroccan friend, but at least I now have this pic. Notice how close to the line and to the banners he is ;)   Thanks Theresia.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-80189631672576416462009-02-09T13:33:00.001-08:002009-02-09T13:33:42.436-08:00

Training in the UK has not been quite as bad as I had expected. Which means that I have actually been able to train as opposed to sitting in the house all day sulking. Somehow my body seems to have acclimatised to a reasonable extent and I have been out and about in three degrees with snow covered fields and freezing toes and fingers. That means the rides have not been as long as they would have

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-53763411518349935482009-01-30T12:46:00.001-08:002009-01-30T12:46:43.539-08:00

Although the last weeks seemed to take forever to go by, the time to jump on board an Air Namibia Boeing and jet into London finally came. I landed in a cold and wet London, Friday 23 Jan and headed over to the Rapha offices to meet some of my new sponsors as well as new team mates. After an amusing afternoon there and a quick stop over at our accommodation for the night we moved on to the posh 

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-16309907028875202009-01-17T03:24:00.001-08:002009-01-17T03:24:43.787-08:00

Don't I just love doing my disapearing act!? Especially at this time of year.   Do forgive me for not updating my blog much, but every offseason I just go home, put my legs up and tend to forget about everything. Which of course includes my blog, my RIDE article and in many cases, good behaviour...   But all of that is over for another few months and I am back on the bike and working at building

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-7696466705459660532008-12-15T02:15:00.001-08:002008-12-15T02:15:40.761-08:00

A few months ago I was sitting in Switzerland, all innocent and minding my own business when I received a mail confirming my entry to the Desert Dash. Solo. I had no idea about this and with a bit of investigation was able to find out that a certain mad Irishman had something to do with the entry.   So on Friday I lined up at the start of the event, completely under prepped and not knowing what

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-43873265425331581912008-12-05T06:02:00.001-08:002008-12-05T06:02:57.847-08:00

http://www.universalsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=23000&ATCLID=3627132   Another very interesting read. Now we just need a few more people who think like Suzanne!

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-20599229377397316432008-12-03T02:25:00.001-08:002008-12-03T02:25:09.315-08:00

Cyclingfansanonymous is proving to be the undisputed leader in cycling journalism! Of course Pez and Cyclismag rock, but CFA just gets down to the nitty gritty like no one else.   Here is another amazing piece well worth a read   http://cyclingfansanonymous.blogspot.com/2008/12/testament-of-youth.html

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-9336887242023057272008-12-02T12:04:00.001-08:002008-12-02T12:04:28.585-08:00

Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.    Anonymous

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-29717357211681919912008-11-10T14:24:00.001-08:002008-11-10T14:24:16.556-08:00

The African Cycling Champs Road Race was held on a reasonably flat 11km circuit along the coast where the men had to complete thirteen laps to make a total of 143km. There were 70 starters from 13 different African nations making it one of the best attended champs in its short history.  At around the half way mark a group of 15 riders managed to break away from the peloton and soon enough we

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-89921090006143201962008-10-01T23:37:00.001-07:002008-10-01T23:37:34.328-07:00

This article is worth a read   http://www.velonews.com/article/83593/michael-barry-s-diary---head-down-and-go   I really enjoy the way Michael Barry writes, and since seeing Svein for the first time at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006 I have been intruiged by the man. Like everyone else, I had not expected him to do so well at the recent World Champs TT. I did however notice how well he

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-13991439356771727592008-09-26T02:03:00.001-07:002008-09-26T02:03:23.277-07:00

Alright That didn't go according to plan...   I have a hand full of valid excuses lined up, but at the end of the day I gave it what I had yesterday and came home empty handed. I was disappointed with my final position, but even more so with the way I felt during the ride. Going over the top of rollers I never felt able to get the right gear rolling to take advantage of the downhills.   On a

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-60068649875033508482008-09-25T00:07:00.001-07:002008-09-25T00:07:55.248-07:00

So, Today is the day... I would like to say that the weather is 'nice' but after using that word to death in my last post I think I'll refrain from that this time and instead say that the weather is fabulous right now. Sun is shining and although it is chilly thanks to the new snow on the nearby mountains it will be perfect by the time I roll off the start ramp at 13h52.   I am nr 32 of 58

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-36666737236558224732008-09-13T07:40:00.001-07:002008-09-13T07:40:39.079-07:00

This is Lago di Varese, and the bike that will be taking me around it on 25 September.   One or two minor adjustments and the bike will be ready.          Will I though?

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-87688627298751039402008-09-13T07:33:00.001-07:002008-09-13T07:33:17.503-07:00

Trofeo Morucci was my last race for a while as there is a gaping hole of 18 days without racing between it and the World TimeTrial Champs. Gaps in racing are fine when the form is off or when rest is needed, but when you're flying (and bored) and there are no races around to do, then it is just plain irritating. On the bright side I do have a lot of time to play around on the TT bike and get

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-26378716204006682702008-09-09T01:48:00.001-07:002008-09-09T01:48:04.478-07:00

This weekend we only had to do a 650km drive in order to get to San Martino al Cimino, just north of Rome, for the relatively short 136km Trofeo Morucci. Last years race was a fun affair where I ended up being dropped on the steep inclines heading towards the line, finishing sixth in my last road race of my Euro season. With better form and more motivation this time round I was keen on making

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-60068937919118065802008-09-04T11:32:00.001-07:002008-09-04T11:32:39.319-07:00

After going AWOL on my blog for a while I decided it was about time to peek back in and get some updates posted. There was a brief upset with the link from DC.com to the blog but thanks to Carinus that was quickly put right again. As for actual news from my side, after a lot of fabulous one day races in August I ended up getting sick right before Giro Valle d'Aosta, my seasons goal... I just had

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-31966930230273758342008-08-08T13:20:00.001-07:002008-08-08T13:28:29.049-07:00

After a lekker rest day which certain people spent by the swimming pool, turning into a lovely shade of robot red we moved on north towards Folignano. My favorite race of the season.I have a slight love affair with Folignano because it is the only race that I have done all four year since I have been with FidiBC and the first time I did it I had my backside handed to me on a plate. So badly in

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-48496633891738809972008-08-08T12:19:00.001-07:002008-08-08T12:32:13.006-07:00

Scheming that the recently installed white Hudz did their job!Pretending to sound intelligent but the soundsystem in the background was so loud I could barely hear myself thinking, nevermind the questions.First and second did not seem very impressed with things... I heard talk of tempers flaring in the final sprint but who knows!?Some of the fans that were hanging about. Always impressive how

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-4864782601171122022008-08-08T12:16:00.001-07:002008-08-08T12:37:27.652-07:00

830km, over 35 degrees and over 11 hours... Brings out some strange behaviour.Steven British in a still 'harmless' mode.Good book + umcomfy seat = good weirdness!Refreshment! Perfect place for skinny dipping, just a pity that we only had team mates about at the time...

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-89083398110042826612008-08-08T10:41:00.001-07:002008-08-08T13:27:44.362-07:00

Last weekend we traveled sooooouth for the start of our August racing. Which means several things:- Racing in central and southern Italy- Loooong car trips and getting home in the wee hours of the morning- Infernal temperatures- Insane courses and even crazier riders- Traffic jams from... well.. Italy..and of course- Good old Italian cooking from the south!We set off on our journey to a part of

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-53552523773777567162008-07-31T11:58:00.001-07:002008-12-11T23:59:32.653-08:00

The sun is shining, the legs are ticking over like a swiss watch and dopers are being caught left right and centre...   What more could I possibly ask for?   Well.. I could ask for more, but I'm not going to go into that now am I ;)   Just a big shout out to my man Carini! The news about your positive test made my day, my week and even my month! Just a pity you finished behind me on the weekend,

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-92036152406822777122008-07-27T12:00:00.001-07:002008-07-27T13:02:21.941-07:00

I really liked the GP Inda last year, but as I had 3 team mates in the break I had to cover the bunch all day long. This year I wanted to make sure that did not happen again. After all, I love attacking, and I do well when I enjoy myself... Which means that I do well when I attack. At least that's what I tell myself!A few kilometers into the race I went away with one rider for a while but we were

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-46453995308987433282008-07-26T13:27:00.001-07:002008-12-11T23:59:32.913-08:00

Here is a little something from last weekend. Otherwise better known as proof that it actually happened.   Gooi'ing that Namlish sign, right there!   http://www.velostory.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2763

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-90697221030965573822008-07-26T13:06:00.001-07:002008-07-26T13:06:32.108-07:00

So it turns out that I am weaker than Jaro's mom and we have to fly her in for tomorrows race to take my place.  While making our famous panini's (jam rolls for race food) I could not open the jar of very jummy Strawberry jam that Jaro's mother made. So now that I can't open the jars that little Polish mothers close I'll have to behave myself a bit better.   Which means that if Mrs Marycz doenst

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-54666396321948904132008-07-20T00:31:00.001-07:002008-07-20T00:31:27.707-07:00

Yesterday we did a 200km 1.2 race in Central France. I headed off, always keen to race in France but without any high expectations, we were racing Agritubel and a bunch of Conti teams after all, not to mention the 9+ hour drive the previous day and the less than ideal accomodation. What a shocker.... I went in the first break after 4km, we were caught by another break and were 30 off the front.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-46051577980538929792008-07-17T09:21:00.000-07:002008-12-11T23:59:33.618-08:00

So while racing is ticking along (it's improving, really! even though the last post might not sound like it) so is the training. Yesterday Davide escorted 9 of us to go and do the 3 passes loop. Let's just say that they are slightly bigger than the 4 passes that we used to ride around Stellenbosch. The day started off by driving the 30km to Biasca before jumping on our bikes and riding up the

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-70381221870425610582008-07-17T08:16:00.001-07:002008-07-17T08:16:31.406-07:00

So the race went as expected. I suffered. Problem was that I suffered a bit much AND I was in the break of the day when we hit the 12km climb and I faded like a gelato in the sun... I kept on going, eventually even being passed by the broom wagon, but I was not bothered. Got in a great training ride with a lot of climbing and eventually rolled into the finish to find the rest of the team all

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-27282010276857301592008-07-11T08:49:00.001-07:002008-07-11T08:49:18.391-07:00

So last weekend we had the 180km GP Jura and I was not all that keen on lining up for the suffer fest that was lying ahead of me. Legs felt like lead in the week before so I was not to positive. In the end things actually went a lot better than expected. I was active and going down the road way more than expected helping out Matteo and Konrad who were obviously feeling better than I was. I was

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-57660040398073179842008-07-04T13:29:00.001-07:002008-12-11T23:59:33.781-08:00

As today was a easy day before a race we just went out and did a nice coffee ride. Here's a look at Matteo's sunglasses with Marco, myself and Konrad in the reflection.   I am betting on the little mountain goat (Matteo) and Konrad on doing something tomorrow. Let's see...

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-77953192511687523422008-07-04T13:20:00.001-07:002008-07-04T13:20:24.348-07:00

Well, of course I am alive. Just doesn't mean that I have been updating my blog of late.   See what happened is that I suddenly hit a HUGE hole in the middle of my season and was left without any races. Now sitting in Europe, in the back of a junkyard (I should post some pics) is hard at the best of times. But when you suddenly find that you can not do what you came here to do... then all

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-48999494513051522902008-06-07T12:37:00.001-07:002008-06-07T12:37:32.982-07:00

Once again I am running behind with my updates. No excuses, just me being lazy again..   Since the two races last week (updates coming soon) I have had a very nice 'easy week'. Every once in a while an entire week taken easy does absolute wonders! Now we will just have to wait and see if I am nice and fresh tomorrow or if I am too fresh and the legs dont want to turn over. The reason being that

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-9167976364809052892008-05-31T04:38:00.000-07:002008-05-31T04:39:01.586-07:00

We are busy crossing over into Italy as I write this. Coppa della Paceand DeGasperi, two tough as nails 1.2 ranked races await us the nexttwo days. Last year I thoroughly enjoyed both events so am rather keento see how things pan out this year. Now that I have finally setup my phone, updating will also be easier. More news soon, but firstlet me get to Rimini and the beach.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-74341014077265309132008-05-23T13:18:00.001-07:002008-05-23T13:18:49.383-07:00

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."  Theodore Roosevelt

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-88147572404919058772008-05-18T15:10:00.001-07:002008-05-18T15:10:22.279-07:00

Early this morning we headed north, under threatening clouds, to Central Switzerland for the GP Cham. A 158km race over 17 laps and a few nasty inclines along the way. I had raced in Cham in 2006, finishing at the back of the small front pack in soggy conditions, so set out with the desire to improve on my previous result.   Although that is always the plan I was not so sure about myself. It's

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-11810580827947596532008-05-13T09:37:00.001-07:002008-05-13T09:37:09.699-07:00

Things have been rather quiet on my side as there is a big gap in our calendar right now. I have one Swiss National race coming up on the weekend then three 1.2. ranked International races in Italy on 1, 2 and 8 June. Other than that I have to wait until July before some serious racing kicks off again. Initially I was rather irritated about this big gap, especially as I had some decent form and

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-73703963622887829422008-05-01T00:25:00.001-07:002008-05-01T00:25:36.856-07:00

After seeing Peppo and getting my left leg pinched, pulled and squeezed things are suddenly looking up again. I went out for my first ride in a week yesterday and even though it was only an easy one hour spin I was smiling from ear to ear the whole way. Just could not stop smiling! Unfortunately I will have to admit that everything is not 100% just yet. But it was definitely a huge step in the

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-13994089765988438022008-04-26T06:00:00.001-07:002008-04-26T06:00:05.241-07:00

Today I am spending another day holed up in the team house after it became blatantly evident that my leg is a bigger problem that initially expected. Since the crash on the first day of Tour du Loire et Cher my left leg has been really hurting me and pulling me out of joint completely. I initially thought that I had sprained my knee but now am not sure at all. We had a physio here the other day

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-55256484023677792842008-04-24T06:57:00.000-07:002008-12-11T23:59:34.525-08:00

A bit late with this update, but better late than never.The last stage was a 7.6km loop through Blois that we had to do 12 times. Although some sections of road were very bumpy it was otherwise a lovely circuit. Especially for spectators. Cris crossing the river Loire on a lovely old bridge, through town and up a nasty little hill. Made nasty more by the speed we were going rather than the

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-53145701923448588512008-04-19T10:46:00.001-07:002008-04-19T10:46:44.931-07:00

Another long day in the saddle with a lot of wind but barely any climbing. The weather looked promising and it only ever drizzled on us a few times, although we did get horribly dirty on the wet roads. Not to mention our back wheels constantly wanting to slide out from beneath us in the corners... Racing started rather quickly as usual and the group split up a few times in the slight gutters.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-23586852396238040942008-04-18T08:32:00.001-07:002008-04-18T08:32:35.384-07:00

This was the stage that I did well in last year and moved me up totenth on GC so I was hoping for a repeat. This meant being awake atall times and staying in front so as not to be caught out in thegutter. Of which there would be a lot.I tried to sprint for some KOM points after 5km which seemed reallysuicidal as getting there was incredibly nerve wracking. I managed topick up one measly point but

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-60232722468146564482008-04-17T13:52:00.001-07:002008-04-17T13:52:06.833-07:00

Alain managed fifth in the stage. Really impressive considering how far back he was at the last corner, 400 meters to go. Both of us were not suicidal in the final kilometers so I think we can both be glad to be safe rather than sorry! I managed 19th in the gallop, which must be one of my best results in a sprint like this in Europe. Of course there were so many crashes so I wont make to much of

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-21240338984466013952008-04-17T09:10:00.001-07:002008-04-17T09:10:48.615-07:00

Just got back from second stage. Busy waiting for Alain to get out of the shower so that I can clean up. Stage was very interesting with a suicidal final 10km. Lots of crashes, one of which took Jaro out. Fortunately he is fine, but he did loose some time. Alain was fifth or sixth in the sprint and is still pulling his hair out as he was definitely the fastest there. Just a pity that I was not

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-73956042214021174992008-04-17T00:40:00.001-07:002008-12-11T23:59:34.849-08:00

Internet coped out on us in the hotel last night so this will be very quick. We are leaving the hotel in 30min for 205 fun kilometers in a howling wind. Should be interesting! Yesterday was a bit of a bugger. I got second in the first KOM and was lining myself up nicely for the second one when someone crashed and I went down as well. Two kilometers before the second KOM. Ai! It was a funny fall (

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-87320394525752431852008-04-15T01:33:00.001-07:002008-12-11T23:59:35.048-08:00

Some pics from the prize giving. Hopefully I will have some more action pics soon. Second was Victor Mironov riding for the UCI Academy and Third was Alain Lauener, my team mate.   The remnants of my breakaway was caught on the line by the charging peloton but fortunately they were all still able to stay ahead and get decent placings.   As I am still smiling from ear to ear after Sundays

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-49154842173493980922008-04-14T00:47:00.001-07:002008-04-14T00:47:26.593-07:00

We are about to leave for the Tour de Loire et Cher in France. A lovely 2.2 ranked five day tour that I came tenth in last year. Should be a lot of fun!

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-30201664662899564862008-04-13T13:50:00.001-07:002008-04-13T13:50:28.716-07:00

Grand Prix de Lancy 2008 43e GRAND PRIX DE LANCY Dimanche 13 avril 2008 5 tours - 177 km. Moyenne : 39.48 km/h Elites - Amateurs Pos. N° Nom Club Temps total Ecart avec 1er 1 225 Dan Craven TEAM Fidibc.com 04:18:56 - 2 244 Mironov Victor Centre Mondial du Cyclisme 04:20:50 01:54 3 227 Lauener Alain TEAM Fidibc.com 04:20:50 01:54 4 226 Montanari Matteo TEAM Fidibc.com 04:20:50 01:54 5 271 Beuchat

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-16775127019991859492008-04-13T13:49:00.001-07:002008-04-13T13:49:15.925-07:00

FINALLY! My word, It's taken since mid 2005, but I finally did it today! (I know this is long, but today I think it can be..)   GP Lancy, held in the far west of Switzerland on the outskirts of Genevra is a 177km Handicap race over five laps, which started in the chilly early hours of the morning. Fortunately the sun came out pretty quickly and things brightened up as we set off 10 minutes behind

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-89472307207759409692008-04-11T10:08:00.001-07:002008-12-11T23:59:35.377-08:00

Another race on the Swiss National Calender, at least this time it was a normal Elite race and not handicap, which meant proper racing instead of confusing tactics and being told to hold back (where's the excitement in that?).We took the 250km, 4 hour drive to Fully on Saturday, taking the shortcut along the narrow lake side roads and over the massive Simplon pass. Everyone was very happy when we

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-10206714590210885062008-04-11T01:35:00.001-07:002008-04-11T01:35:10.609-07:00

You cannot dream yourself into a character: you must hammer and forge yourself into one.Henry D. Thoreau

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-23485536540797321132008-04-10T01:25:00.001-07:002008-12-11T23:59:35.883-08:00

As usual the Swiss have some pretty crazy ideas, like holding the first National race of the season at over 1000 meters. Fortunately it was a lovely day so there were no weather issues, but there was still a LOT of snow all over the place, as can be seen in the pictures. The race was another Handicap race over 120km where the amateur bunch was let off 8 minutes ahead of our elite bunch. As we had

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-57807192102226768492008-03-27T10:39:00.000-07:002008-12-11T23:59:36.532-08:00

If Davide looks that cold with a big jacket on, imagine how balmy we felt in cycling kit... And even though the sun was shining at Rue Tourangelle it was still a frosy 8 degrees at the start.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-85009291284520009882008-03-26T13:41:00.001-07:002008-03-26T13:41:51.478-07:00

Two days later and we were close to Tours for a 195km over lovely climbs and terrible little back roads. Another chilly day made for temperatures between 3 and 8 degrees, this time at least it was dry so I was happy. After the first two Euro races going badly I was rather edgy and scared, so instead of being aggressive and playing about, I sat in more than I should have. This resulted in the

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-75345035573423926152008-03-26T13:35:00.001-07:002008-03-26T13:35:04.611-07:00

Off to France for 180km in windy, freezing and wet conditions. Unfortunately for me the 180km never were a problem though as I had frozen legs standing at the start line in the single digit temperatures. The race started at full tilt and after being caught behind a pileup on a climb and then getting caught mid pack in the gutter I was left in a hopeless situation and watched the leaders speed off

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-35555111560260452252008-03-16T08:35:00.001-07:002008-03-16T08:35:43.639-07:00

First EU race of the season was a fun affair, starting off in a very cold early morning drizzle (if you just left summer it was definately cold!). Wet roads and a huge bunch made me quite nervous and I hung mid pack for the first two laps, which was when a 17 man break went down the road with 3 team mates in it. I hung around the front of the bunch and on about the sixth or seventh of twelve laps

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-65476580844849134512008-03-15T00:19:00.001-07:002008-12-11T23:59:36.714-08:00

My team (www.TeamFidiBC.com) has just given me to the go ahead to design a Namibian Champ Jersey to wear for the 2008 season. No such thing has ever existed before so I need help in designing it.   So... Whoever comes up with the best design will win a full set of FidiBC kit (bibs, shirt, gloves and socks made in Italy by oneleven www.tecnowear.it) posted to you by yours truly.   Designs can be

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-2810273788919522142008-03-14T09:38:00.001-07:002008-03-14T09:38:48.165-07:00

Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit. Napoleon Hill

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-38964436113974497602008-03-10T13:46:00.001-07:002008-03-10T13:46:12.413-07:00

The Funride World Champs! Always a lot of fun. After yet another night of barely sleeping we were up at sparrows so that we could start the Argus at a sprightly 6.15 on Sunday morning. With the weather and my legs playing along nicely all was well as we set off at a fast speed with Barloworld sitting at the front keeping things together for Robbie. Chris Froome did an AMAZING job, basically

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-86019824983033742602008-03-08T09:54:00.000-08:002008-03-08T12:20:15.191-08:00

The last stage of the Tour was the traditional 5km Signal Hill TimeTrial. After barely sleeping for the third day in a row (no idea why!?) and having a slightly blocked nose in the morning (also coming over the last two days) I was not really looking forward to this stage. Nor have I ever really. After a nice warm up it was off to the start ramp as I watched Domenique Cornu start ahead of me at

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-13073053620281957702008-03-08T09:46:00.000-08:002008-03-08T10:14:48.950-08:00

A loop past Boland Lanbou Skool and then going up the new Helshoogte pass and down the old road four times made for an interesting day. A break including Robbie Hunter went down the road which meant that some other teams had to do the chasing for a change. Once again I could sit on and had a easy ride, enjoying the spirit in the bunch, especially when we missed a turnoff and the race descended

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-90371803454334153972008-03-08T09:28:00.000-08:002008-03-08T12:20:44.205-08:00

I am still getting used to my 3G toys so was out of touch for a bit. In the mean time the Giro has come to an end and I have some catching up to do with my storytelling.   Stage 3 170km Paarl - Paarl via Franschoek Pass and du Toit's Kloof The race started with a bang as everyone tried to get into the break before the first climb. Unfortunately for us everyone had the same idea and we did the '

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-63606558176699197252008-03-05T06:04:00.001-08:002008-03-05T06:04:52.410-08:00

Made a mistake yesterday by not adding the link to the pictures... Stage 1: http://www.thehubsa.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=23220&KW=   Stage 2: http://www.thehubsa.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=23260   On the 11th photo you can see me catching some wind, not too far behind the Pink Jersey of Christian Pfannenberger, Austrian Champ, riding for Barloworld. 15th photo was the second time going up

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-47846138372805202222008-03-05T05:38:00.001-08:002008-03-05T05:38:05.743-08:00

Stage two was a 147km, three lap affair around Durbanville and the dreaded Vissershok climb. After yesterdays absolute dominance by Barloworld everyone was weary this morning and wondering what would happen. I was expecting an early break to go, lots of guttering on the second and third lap and then broken riders coming home in drips and drabs. This would ahve been the case had the wind ever

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-83007757682909976112008-03-05T05:35:00.001-08:002008-03-05T05:35:02.097-08:00

Stage two was a 147km, three lap affair around Durbanville and the dreaded Vissershok climb. After yesterdays absolute dominance by Barloworld everyone was weary this morning and wondering what would happen. I was expecting an early break to go, lots of guttering on the second and third lap and then broken riders coming home in drips and drabs. This would ahve been the case had the wind ever

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-85870888137112513382008-03-04T08:02:00.001-08:002008-03-04T08:02:52.507-08:00

Here are some pictures from stage 1 taken by Wayne Hayward. I'm not anywhere to be seen but it shows some interesting parts of the race. The Big crash at 20km that took down a whole lot of people (to the left and right of me... phew!) as well as a bit of Bains Kloof.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-85793731103701972202008-03-04T05:22:00.000-08:002008-03-04T05:23:13.731-08:00

The Giro kicked off this morning at 9.30 with a 105km stage starting and finishing in Wellington. All started well and I was keeping an eye out for the strong winds that we were all expecting. After about 45km and still no strong winds I drifted to mid pack and was sleeping when all of a sudden things got crazy and the bunch blew apart in the gutter. Obviously I had been fast asleep and did not

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-15565723709501077322008-02-26T09:50:00.001-08:002008-12-11T23:59:36.909-08:00

Sunday's National Champs were the first time EVER that nationals were held outside of Windhoek and I would just like to thank Adriaan, Marita and their crew for an outstanding event! The route was fabulous with the loops around town and it was a very refreshing to race on a new circuit in Nam. On the racing front, I was equally impressed with the other categories. Having a front row seat as we

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-37940064945873676682008-02-23T12:19:00.001-08:002008-02-23T12:19:50.766-08:00

Tomorrow morning bright and early is the first race of importance for the 2008 season. National Champs will be held in Okahandja for the first time ever and should make for a very nice change to the usual racing in Windhoek! It would seem as if all of the 'usual suspects' in Namibian Cycling are visiting greener pastures so the racing might be a bit slower than what was initially hoped for. No

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-40221754722192396322008-02-13T06:05:00.001-08:002008-12-11T23:59:37.052-08:00

I did my first race of the season on Sunday, lining up for the 75km Nedbank Cycle Challenge. In the pouring rain. What made the race even more interesting was the bike I had chosen to ride on. A BEN bike. An old 'Benino' with downtube shifters and a whopping six gears at the back. The idea was to give the Bicycle Empowerment Network some coverage and see what an old clunker worth N$450 could do.

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-6786791894517078412008-02-04T03:16:00.001-08:002008-02-04T03:16:06.629-08:00

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming; who knows the great

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-41718832348886044922008-01-31T03:40:00.001-08:002008-01-31T03:40:10.145-08:00

Even though staying in Omaruru is great for my form and concentration I can not really stay there forever so have fled the lonely confines of the platteland and am in Windhoek for a week. Seeing Dentist's, Chiro's and a whole bunch of other people and things. Great to see some familiar faces again and of course keep up with the training. Things have been easy on that front as it has been a rest

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-57050354805619257252008-01-20T05:58:00.001-08:002008-12-11T23:59:37.187-08:00

Got up before six this morning to get the ride out of the way, nice and early, and was treated to a lovely sunrise. Dew covering the earth, clouds on the horizon and NO traffic (not that traffic is ever a problem in Omaruru..). Took way to much water along, thinking I would be prepared for any eventuality. Instead all I needed was the Cappuccino gracefully offered by my riding buddy after we

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-68818812230036024132008-01-19T02:50:00.001-08:002008-12-11T23:59:37.337-08:00

After a long spell of terribly hot conditions the heavens have finally decided to open up and bring us some much needed rain! With temperatures not going quite as high at the moment I am more than happy, even if I have to walk my bike over the river in order to get to the tar road...

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-21213245925214544732008-01-16T04:45:00.001-08:002008-01-16T04:58:45.314-08:00

Piggies and killer ridesTraining has been going well over the last few days. Too well actually. I seem to have overdone things again yesterday which leaves me completely buggered right now. Nothing that a bit of R&R can't fix though! Then it'll be back into the 5hour rides with 90minute intervals… Fun and games! Other than that I have been keeping myself amused on the roads by keeping an eye on

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-23746382387798776042008-01-12T05:22:00.001-08:002008-12-11T23:59:37.625-08:00

So while I am melting away on the swealtering Namibian roads my European team mates seem to be having fun in the snow, acting like the mad men they so truely are.My flag seems to have joined in on the fun and games.Rather it than me!

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-62631379576212142492008-01-11T00:14:00.001-08:002008-12-11T23:59:37.761-08:00

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-78395441111526602622008-01-09T05:16:00.001-08:002008-01-09T05:16:30.705-08:00

Well it seems safe to say that things are back on track again and that I have started putting the miles in again. Still a lot of work lies ahead but it just feels so good to be able to jump on the bike and go out for a hard ride and not be afraid of getting sick again. Today's ride was made that much more interesting by a howling wind as it took me 1h55 to ride 50km out of town. The return

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-45930695894850453622008-01-07T05:01:00.001-08:002008-01-07T05:01:16.511-08:00

So training has been topsy turvy over the last few weeks, and that's putting it lightly! Since the beginning of the year (a whole week ago) my health seems to have been coming along nicely and training is once again an option. Did my first 3hour ride in a long time today and even though I was rather buggered at the end I was able to push a decent power for the whole ride and am rather happy with

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-77939780295619516922007-12-26T03:09:00.001-08:002007-12-26T03:09:56.147-08:00

After being a little bit pathetic over the last three weeks I finally got back onto my bicycle today for a decent ride, feeling rather healthy for a change and very proud of myself. Will be taking things quite easily for now as there is no need to overdo things, but I am really looking forward to what lies ahead and am glad that I am finally back up and riding again!

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795463008196700413.post-62552122554671746442007-11-13T00:20:00.002-08:002007-11-13T00:22:52.381-08:00

So lets see what happens this time around... Trying out another new site and hoping that things will be easier this time around.Ciao!

Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272818593710007166noreply@blogger.com0