Just checking in before things start to heat up on the racing scene again.  My next adventure will be taking me in and around Switzerland on the Tour of Romandie.  A race I have done once before which helps calm the nerves a little but I’m sure it will still throw up its fair share of surprises.

 My last week of training in preparation for Romandie and also the Giro has gone fairly well, with I little stint into the Pyrenees to remind my muscles of how it feels to go up hill again.

I spent a couples days based out of Limoux, and got stuck into the biggest hills I could find near by.  As you will see below they are quite high, this leaving little oxygen for a flat lander kiwi to suck up.  Though I did survive and after passing the Col du Pailheres that was sign posted as “ferme” or closed in English, I though why not Pradel as well.  I was in for real surprise once I reached the top, just after I had pulled on my vest an arm-warmers for the descent I was to find 3km of knee deep snow!  Just my lucky day.  So two options start running down the hill bike in hand, or turn back and re mont Pailheres?  Easy choice, Ill take the snow thanks.  So 20-30mins later I got back on my bike good to go but with just slightly frozen feet.  So down the valley I went, though only to be met by a block headwind for the last 40km, but not to worry as my brother, sister and Sally were on hand for quick motor pace back home in the mighty Renualt.  Cheers bro, solid effort for first motor pacing attempt.  I rolled in the door after 6.40hrs in the saddle a tired man man but hey life’s all about adventures isn’t it.

So hopefully the last couple of days recover have set the legs right and we are into things on Tuesday.  Will let you know how it all goes.

 Tim