Yesterday was our first day at the giro, we scaled Monte Zolcolan, 10 km climb with an average of 14.9% grade, with a section at 23% ! I did it in 1:25 the pro would book it in 40 min. This is supposed to be one of the hardest climb in cycling. Let me tell you my legs sure felt it. There was over 100,000 person watching and it was actually neat to see the riders go by with 2 km to go. Today we did a very light ride as tomorrow. We are riding to San Pelligrino, which will be around 140 km. The saying what goes up must come down doesn't really apply here in this part of Italy it's more what goes up must go higher and steeper. Wifi os really limited here hence why no photos. The weather is very warm with 31 degree today. Ciao for now.

Carpe Diem

Trentino!

Well after finally finding wifi, here's an update. I rode a nice 80km from trentino to Monte bondone yesterday. The climb was 17km and 7.9 %. Today we went for a light ride, 60km and I finished it with 20 min run. The place where we are staying is beautiful but it is at the top of a hill. Always nice to finish your rides that way. The weather has been great and today it went to 30 degree. Tomorrow we are going to our first Giro stage, Monte zoncolan which is a mountain stage with a 22% climb for the last 3 km. We are going to ride it before the pros make their way, it should be interesting, hopefully I won't have to walk it. Ciao for now.

Carpe Diem

Roma!

Bonjourno! 3 days in Rome, the weather has been so so but the sites are amazing. I was at the Vatican today and shockingly I did not burned so I must be doing something right. On the other hand do not try to go for a swim, the only pool I found wanted 30 Euro, so sadly no swim which is not making me happy. Food is great and so is the geIato. For those of have know me, I am not a coffee drinker ut I did have my first cappucino, very tasty. I have done 2 runs so far but I have to admit I am really looking forward to be on my bike. Well that's all for now, I will update again when the riding begins.

Carpe Diem

BC Cup#1, Sunshine Coaster

I boarded the ferry saturday morning for the sunshine coast, what a beautiful day! I wasn't the only one with my mountain bike strapped to his car,there must be a race going on or something.

I'm quite happy I got my new bike shorts from SUGOI in the mail yesterday and couldn't wait to try them. I'm lucky to be part of the Brand Champion Program with them. I love their stuff and they are a local compagny. As usual I will be wearing my Experience Cycling jersey as I'm quite proud to race for the shop.

I always find cycling humbling, especially when the pack goes up a steep hill and I slowly fade behind. I knew this wasn't going to be easy racing in the Master division and I was right. I book the 3 and half loop course in 1:55:21. I wanted to be under 2 hours so I met my goal. There were some hills, technical sections and some fast decent and a few words coming from me that would no be proper to post. final result was 14/17 racers for Master 30-39.

This was a great course and great competition. That's it for a while competition wise. I'm off to Italy to ride in Tuscany and go watch some stated of the Giro d'Italia. Should be great training. I'll post the rides on the blog. Competition wise I'll be back at it for the Half Ironman in Oliver June 6. June will be a busy racing month with a race every weekend.

Carpe Diem

Vancouver BMO half Marathon

This weekend was my first half marathon on the road on preparation to Ironman. I was running with my good friend Rebecca. If you are looking for inspiration, look no further! Not only Rebecca is training for her first Ironman, she's never done a triathlon. When she started training in October she could barely swim a lap, now she's going for 3000m workouts! Any way I digress. As we were ready to start the race, a black cloud was looming above us signaling that it would be yet another wet day on the pavement. As the race began, we started making our way up and got to a nice 5 min/km pace. At km 12 I had to stop for a bathroom break so I told Rebecca I would catch up. 4 minutes later I was now pushing the pace to try to "reel the chicken" it would take me 5 km just to catch up to her. We finished the race in 1:40:52 which was 5 min faster than our personal goal. I would finish 626 overall and 90 in my age group, which I was quite please with. Next weekend I will be on the Sunshine Coast racing in the first XC Mountain Biking BC Cup. I have decided to race master this year and compete for UCI points; I think I'm in for a rough surprise as the competition will be fierce.

Remember, goals are meant to be broken, pain is only temporary! (hopefully)

Carpe Diem

Start of the race



The "Bluetooth" Incident



On my way to the finish line






Three finalists in the Solo male Division

Back in the swing of things

This weekend was the kick off of the racing season. For the past 5 years I have taken part in the Suburban Rush. Last Year I finished second and the winner was back at the starting line with me and I figure we were in for another battle. As it was pouring rain at the start line I was questioning my sanity as it usually happen before a race. We started with a run which would take us climbing the side of a mountain to the first transition where my Mountain Bike was waiting for me. I was second in the transition but first, despite the fact that I found my bluetooth in one of my Moutain Bike shoes (don't ask) , out and I knew last year’s winner was not too far. As I made my way to checkpoint 3, Stefan had already caught up to me and we descended together, we just couldn't shake each other off. As we made our way to the orienteering section we decided to do it together, there was no point to try to lose each other at that point. As we came out of the orienteering, I would take the lead with Stefan on my heels. As we approached the finish line he overtook me on a corner but then fell at the bike drop. As I went over the wall and under the net, I crossed the line only mere seconds ahead of him. This was a battle hard fought and made the race that much more interesting. I crossed the line in 2:04.40. I was lucky enough that my physio Christina, from TRAILSIDE PHYSIO, happened to be volunteering so I got a bit of a massage. My bike was in great shape and tuned perfectly by Chris and the gang at EXPERIENCE CYCYLING. This was a great starter to the season. I am doing the Vancouver Half Marathon next weekend so stay tuned for more updates.

Carpe Diem