By admin on 16/07/2006

I like to see each race/event as a learning experience and this year my learning curve has been immense. Doing longer distance/endurance events are in my opinion more about strategy than ability and the satisfaction from completing them is amazing. The Granfondo Pinarello is a well established cycle race in the Italian Dolomites and this year was 209k long and thus my longest race to date and without a doubt the hardest mentally. Firstly I'd thoroughly recommend to anyone to do these races - not only are they exceptionally well organised but for 30 euros you get a cycling top, socks and the chance to cycle in the beautiful Italian Montello region surrounded by hundreds of Italian men - albeit their penchant for white lycra leaves a lot to be desired - there's just certain things a ladies eyes shouldn't have to witness and I've added this to my list.

The girls line up in the same pen with the elites and the atmosphere is electric - the inspirational music starts playing - we were treated to "Fanfare for...

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By admin on 15/07/2006

For those that don't know, Ironman is actually a brand, and a very successful one at that. And you can see why when you enter one of their events. No matter what standard of athlete you are, be it pro or have-a-go hero, you are treated like a star and your every need is attended to. Myself and the six other guys from Ful-On Tri went to register for the race at "Ironman City" on Friday. There was a great buzz of excitement in the air, and lots of REALLY fit looking people wandering around the expo. We were all slightly apprehensive about the heat building up during the day, and the general lack of any breeze - it was obviously going to be a hot one. Still we continued to tick over with easy swims in the lake in the mornings, bit of light pedalling down to the race area, and finally dropped off our bikes in the transition area on Saturday afternoon. I found myself most nervous while hanging around the Ironman City, so was glad we didn't stick around too long, and instead opted to go back to our hotel, relax and watch the tour de france guys doing their stuff. Having four experienced Ironmen in our group was really great - they gave me lots of advice on feeding strategies, organising my kit and managed to keep me amazingly calm and relaxed....

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