Cobbled Classics

Well Tom Boonen silenced all his critics yesterday by taking this years Gent-Wevelgem Classic Race. In my view just behind the Hell of the North and the Tour of Flanders in terms of prestige. It sets up the big two races nicely as Fabian Cancellara took the E3 Harelbeke race the day before by simply riding away from the rest of the field.

Wolfs Pit Fell Race

See a Wolf and a Super Moon. Well we had a huge moon this week but I didnt see a wolf at the Wolfs Pit Fell Race on Sunday. This was a very fast race and some class runners up at the front. I managed to have a good race on what was a slightly altered route to the last time I raced this one.
Its very well organised and a race thats fast becoming very popular indeed. Lots of Pennine Runners there as it was a championship race for us. The race has a very tough first steep climb but after that its very runnable. There is another steady climb towards the finish before dropping back down to the village of Shatton. You cross a little Fjord before entering the finish field. Plenty of Soup at the end as well.

The start

The start of a fell race can be a frantic affair. Runners will scramble for position for the first few hundred yards before a natural order is restored and everyone sets a there own pace. at the Ian Roberts Fell Race it was no different. The Holmfirth runner who I am trying to keep up with is Katie Walshaw who won the womens race. We had a good chat after and we have had a few battles in the past. A very worthy winner and it took a good effort to keep up with her.
I think the picture shows the urgency that a fast start brings.

Ouch

I was asked yesterday whereabouts the cover picture on my blog was taken. well for the person who asked me, who isnt a fell runner.. The Ben Nevis Fell Race.
And yes its the one where I had a bad fall.

Milan San Remo

This years edition of the Milan San Remo was a cracker. The Peloton split and the breakaway group containing some big names literally hammered it to the Poggio climb and then the top riders just took off to the finish. This is a huge race for a rider to win and Matthew Goss of HTC just pipped Fabian Cancellara of Trek Leopard to the line. It took them 6hrs 51 seconds to cover 298km. Unreal !!!!.
I think a lot of pressure was put on Mark Cavendish but it was obvious that when the group split it was all over.
This race is one of the most historic of classics. Tom Simpson won in 1964, the 55th edition when he outsprinted Raymond Poulidor. His prize then was £400 which he gave away to his team. Winning the Milan San Remo though literally makes a riders career. Have this one on your palmares and you are made for life.

Sometimes words just are not enough

Ive had a few tough days this last week. A very busy work schedule and a lot of training and a race as well left me feeling a bit tired and low. This morning I was a bit weary and tonight I didnt want to go training. I put the TV on earlier though and watched some more of the pictures of the disaster that is happening in Japan. I mean its unreal. You think your having a bad day but my heart goes out to all those people that have been affected. I really cannot put any words together to describe it.


So if you think your having a bit of a bad day or are having a moan at work like we all sometimes do. Just spare a thought for those people in Japan.
Needless to say I went training and just said Darren get on with it, what have you to grumble at.

A good start

A quick mention for Brad Wiggins. A good solid 3rd place at Paris-Nice was really impressive. He looked very good and Team Sky went okay. He had his critics last year did Brad especially at the Tour De France but as far as I am concerned what he achieved at the Tour in 09 was amazing. He looks in good shape and Ive been a fan for many years.Lets hope he doesnt peak to early though. I think its going to be a good year for him. Team Sky are much much stronger this year and if Brad can get his form peaking just right it could be interesting.