It’s all go for train in Spain
By TMX Archives on 15th Feb 13
I AM currently in Spain as I write this column and thought I would keep you all updated on my past months activities getting back in to the full swing of training after all the Christmas and new year celebrations.
These few months before the first event are when it is traditionally time for the real pre-season training to kick in.
So I decided to pack my bags again and fly back out to Spain to join my bike and continue with the preparations I started over here before Christmas.
It felt good to be back in the swing of things and I was looking forward to getting back on that new TTT bike which I only managed to get two-days on previously.
That was just like a teaser to get me back out here as soon as possible!
And the good weather on arrival reassured me that this was the right decision.
It has been great to be able to get out on the bike every day and go back out riding with the real top lads.
This week I have been out with Cabestany, Dabill, Brown, Challoner and quite a few more top world riders.
I am really trying to make the most of the opportunities over here and listen out for any little secrets I can pick up.
I didn't expect, though, to wake up to snow!
Luckily a training partner of mine, Haakon Pederson, is from Norway and used to these conditions.
So with his winter tyres on we went and collected our bikes and gear and headed south looking for the sun so we could get out and ride.
With this as the plan we thought we would have a morning of skiing – but there was too much snow even for that!
There was three metres of snow up there and all the ski stations were closed because of avalanche risk...
Now I didn't expect that...
Up in the mountains was also the best opportunity to test out my Hope mountain bike to its full potential, with some of the best bike riders such as Dani Comas, who was a great bench mark.
And it didn't disappoint – it was insane up the hills and just incredible going downhill.
The intense training was really taking its toll, so after another good feed and early night it was up nice and early to hit the local gym.
I also had a look round the Barcelona indoor Xtrial and Enduro last Sunday, just wishing I was riding those sections.
I was also there to support my good friend and riding partner out here James Duxbury who was riding in the enduro, showing him my support like he has done for me many times over the last few years at world trials.
Keep your feet up and your heads down with the training!
Jack
