Just a little catch up.

So it has been a while since my last instalment. Much has been happening, the training has been very gently improving in regards to intensity. Trying to include one or two interval sessions a week with a few lighter days to allow the knee to recover. Having daily battles with the 2 devils on the shoulders, one shouting “your not doing enough, you need to toughen up.” The other one reminding me, “you have had 3 months off, you need to be careful”. Mostly the later devil has been winning fortunately.

Those of you who check my twitter account will have seen I was on the top of Col de St martin, this is one of the Col’s on the first stage of this years Haute Route Alps. I was riding that day up as far as I can to see how the first stage was looking. Trying to see how hard the climbs are and how tricky the descents could be. Also try to find out where there might be pinch points and dangerous areas through villages and points to look out for sleeping policemen. All went well on my recce ride, I clearly did not go right up to the summit finish (the ascent to Auron), but the climbs were decent without being super tough. I will be writing a blog in the next few days about this route, so keep your eye open for that.

If any of you are riding the Haute Route Alps and would like to recce the first few stages, my good friend Justin can customise packages with support vehicle, possible hire bikes, accommodation etc etc. You can contact him here http://azurcycletours.com

So whats is it like out here you ask (or some of you who are based in the UK will not want to know)....! Its very warm, we have had no rain for over a week. The roads are super smooth and generally very quiet. So all is well! :) Giro Sardinia is creeping up like a monster, fitness is coming on but I know I will not be at top form or anywhere near it by then. I am still looking forward to experiencing a bit of racing (if I am able to actually race), My first bit since mid September! I am sure it will be a shock to the system.

Only a short but sweet blog today, thanks as always for reading. Be in contact again very soon!