Anything published on this page are my thoughts only and do not represent anyone else. Its possible some comments may offend ;-).
Giving something back
Well, today was the 1 day in the year that I feel I have given something back to the grass roots cycle racing in the UK. Why, well I was actually 1 of the many marshals that allow all racing in this country take place. For me, the race was the Tour of the Milbury's, organised, very well, by Team Axiom from Portsmouth. I have to honestly admit, standing out in the middle of a road that is unrestricted speed limit, ie 60 mph, in a flourescent jacket and a red flag is a little intimidating, especially when drivers in trucks come right up to you before they stop. However today, for me at least, they all did stop, and only a few looked unhappy (but they were driving mercs and beemers so I had little sympathy :) )
The one thing I can honestly say is that the vast majority of riders, when they had time and weren't chewing handlebar tape, said 'thank you' to the marshals. Whilst its not surprising you all appreciate what these guys do, week in, week out, it is fulfilling when its acknowledged. Thank You.
Congratulations to Rob Yeatman (Dream) who won the TT stage, and to Rob Sharland (Kingston Whls)who won the Road Race stage and overall. And congratulations to all in Team Axiom. Cant wait for next year.
Photos from the TT will be up within the next 24 hours.
Is this really Spring?
I cant help feeling something is broken with our weather. Its a few days before British Summertime starts and its snowing across the country. Today I decided that I wasn’t going to go to the Maidenhead & District TT on the Drift Road, as its to likely that I will get stuck there! And tomorrow doesn’t look much better either.
It seems a long way away from the start of the Tour Series, but actually its only about 8 weeks away, and on Thursday the host’s were announced. I was surprised by some of the locations, Aylsham in particular, but there are a lot of old favourites (and some not so favourites) included in the calendar too. Additionally I’m quite glad that some towns have missed out this year, after poor organisation last year – no names.
I hope to be at Woking, Colchester, Redditch, maybe Canary Wharf and Torquay too. I would love a few more stages ‘down sarf’ but have to live with what there is.
I am still waiting to see which venues will also host a round of the Johnson Health Tech GP, hopefully all those I am intending to go to
The stages for the ToB were also announced on Thursday, with a Surrey stage included again. I really hope the stage isn’t as busy as last year, but I guess the cobble finish in Guildford will be a huge draw for spectators. A hill top finish at Hay Tor is also included in this years Tour, which is guaranteed to get the crowds out.
Well hopefully the next few weeks will be a little warmer, and I can actually take some photo’s with blue sky’s in them.
Stay safe and keep it rubber side down all.
Stay upright guys.
Ok so after the events at Severn Bridge last weekend, I just want to say, whatever you are doing, RR, TT Sportive, Training etc, please keep it rubber side down guys and take it easy. I know in the heat of the moment, being sensible can sometimes go out of the window for a moment , but dont push it, stay safe and make sure you finish in as good a health as you started. Personally I never want to be photographing another race where someone dies, and in the same way Im sure you dont want to be competing in such a race.
Stay Safe.
Junior Heffernan
Yesterday was a sad day for anyone involved with cycling in the UK. Im sure in future days there will be a lot of discussion about cycling safety, however for now all I want to say is my deepest condolences to Juniors Family and Friends, as well as everyone involved with the Severn Bridge RR. Needless to say, I will not be posting any images from the E/1/2/3 race, and am still considering whether to post any from the earlier 3/4 race. RIP Junior.
Its been a while......
So the last time I posted anything was just about a year ago. So many successes in the last year, a British winner of the Tour, Paris Nice, Criterium du Dauphine, Tour du Romandie, Olympic TT Gold medal, Tour of Britain, to many golds on the Track to count in Olympics, World Championships and World Cups. Also a liar and a cheat finally admitted what we all knew in a 2.5 hour therapy session with an agony aunt.
My opinions on Mr Armstrong are probably libelous, even now, so I will keep them to myself, suffice to say, he should be consigned to the waste bin of history, but we all must learn from it.
In that vein, 2013 is looming large, with the first Elite event being Perfs. Personally I am looking forward to a busy, eventful year. And I intend to add more entries here this year than last :).
Hope to see you on the roadside.