Archive Page 2
So back in Belgium and racing on the bike path like they only do in Belgium. Every inch and then some of road is used when you race over here and so anyway to move up is used wether that be dive bombing the corner, racing on the footpath or riding on someone’s front lawn it all goes. That is unless there is crosswind and then nothing but the gutter is used and if there is a footpath next to that you better believe we are on that.
I love it.
I also love that I am slowly starting to get stronger and fitter and am slowly approaching something close to form. I have been racing a lot, 9 times in the 4 weeks I have been here. The racing along with some long training is starting to gain some results. I wouldn’t call it form but it is starting to get there.
Although I am only here for a few more weeks I still have 6 more races in the next 14 days so I will be busy. A big part of me doesn’t want to come home but at the same time I can’t wait for some Aussie sun and a latte.
6hr in and in need of Coke
Beautiful day along the canal
Last long training for the season
Very cool Tandem
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Back
After coming back to Belgium and getting the initial shock of racing on footpaths again (like only the Belgians can do) and now getting over my writers block I have been finally able to finish this blog. I have been trying to write this blog for a few weeks now. I still don’t feel I have done a good job on it but I really wanted this out there.
I sit here and firmly believe that breaking my leg could be the best thing for my career as a cyclist and in general as a person. I have been in full training since I was 18 (admitably two different sports) and have had no longer than a couple of weeks away from that training at a time. So firstly the forced rest has been great for my mind and soul. The rest was also a time for reflection and allowed me to reconfirm my goals and my commitment to reaching them.
What was the biggest shock was the people who I met when I was home and the influence and continuing influence they are having and are going to have on my career and life.
The Muur de Geraardsbergen (Geraardsbergen pro Kermesse)
Geraardsbergen- Cycling Holy Land
Let me introduce you to Mark McGrath, Tim Altman, Drew Ginn and Raoul Luscher. This is also where it gets hard for me because how do you do justice to these kind of guys.
I have been friends with Tim Altman for a while and at the end of last year he introduced me to Bioeffective A, B and I. I used all three products in the lead up to The National Championships and I am still using them at the moment in order to maximise my immune, digestive and cardiovascular systems. When I was home Tim took a closer look at my diet and we have now in the process of refining my diet. Tim also introduced me to a gentleman by the name of Mark McGrath.
Mark is a specialist in movement. It’s hard for me to explain exactly what he does but the awareness I gained from my time with him was incredible. Through numerous exercises and treatment Mark began the process of reconstructing my movement patterns. Because I pushed so hard to get back on the bike and back moving again I was left with numerous imbalances and my body had learnt new patterns to get through these imbalances. These new imbalances are on top of all the other injuries I have had over the years. Changing my “normal” movement and breathing patterns to the “right” patterns will make a huge gain in efficiency.
I have already noticed big improvements in my pedalling and balance on the bike.
Crowds in Geraardsbergen
Now that we have dealt with the body let’s deal with the soul.
Drew Ginn has been an influence in my life since 2002 when he started coaching me in rowing when I was still at school. He was not just a rowing coach but taught me so much about who I was and as corny as it sounds about life. Since then he has continued to have a great impact in my life and continues to challenge the choices I take and forces me to give everything to my goal of cycling.
The last piece of the puzzle is the machine.
Raoul Luescher is the one stop shop if you want the most from your machine and anything behind it. Two of his products I was using while I was home were the SLAM pedals and the high kinetic energy trainer. In particular the SLAM pedals created a great benefit for me. What I am really excited about is tapping his brain on aerodynamic positioning and custom made shoes.
SLAM in action
Check out
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Tags: Cinelli, Geraardsbergen, luescherteknik, Mark McGrath, Raoul Luescher, The Muur
The Return
A lot has happened since my last post. This is a fairly clichéd line for cycling blogs but I will do my best to update you and fill you in on what has gone on over the past weeks and give more details on particular arrears over the coming days. So sorry for not keeping you update now that I am not so busy and the blog is working I will be much more regular.
I am back in Belgium. I have been for a day and a half now and currently can’t sleep and rather than resort to chemical means to get back to sleep I have decided to start the blog.
About 5 weeks ago I started riding my bike again. Slowly, slowly at first as my body got used to being on a bike again and my bad leg got used to producing power. After two okay weeks of no more than 2.5hr rides my ankle was responding badly and the swelling was significant and coming back to Belgium looked unlikely.
The difference a week makes is incredible and 7 days later with two 150+km and two 100+km ride under my belt I was on the phone to the travel agent and booked a flight for in two weeks time. The next week wasn’t as good as the previous and I was only able to have one 100+km ride under my belt but the outlook still looked positive and I wasn’t reconsidering my position.
The last week in Australia showed my left leg reach the same power output as my right leg, continued work with a movement specialist I will describe in a later blog, which, was and still is creating huge gains in my efficiency and saw me return to racing.
The Tour of Geelong marked my first race since breaking my leg and my debut in the National Road Series. The 5 day 6 stage tour was in my mind a warm up and training kilometres as preparation for returning to Europe, which, I would fly out to the day after the race finished.
Back in the pack
Off the back of the main pack on stage 3
I avoided all crashes, hurt a lot at times, was humbled on numerous occasions, had a lot of fun and even surprised myself. Racing made clear my lack of power and endurance. Both of these are essential in European racing and are extremely hard to get back quickly. One thing for sure I am willing to suffer even if I am nervous about it and I am willing to spend the next month and a half in Europe chewing the stem in order to return to the form I had.
Great country side for stage 3
The new Malvern Stars used Barretas Bike Hub Team lined up before stage 2
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The Roller Coaster Ride
This week marked the first week I have gone back a little. After starting cycling and walking last week my ankle has experienced a lot of swelling. So the instructions from my physio for this week are to back off a little and try and control the swelling.
I have been testing my power out put every Tuesday. This week for the first time I tested both legs and now have a reference point. The protocol for the test is 25 watt steps over 5min intervals starting from 100 watts. My right legs last step was 250watts before failing early on in the 275w step. My left leg failed at 200 watts, I started the 225w step but had nowhere near enough power to finish it.
I will keep you updated with my plans for heading back to Belgium. At the moment it is at least 3 weeks away.
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Testing
200w left leg and 250w right leg. A ways to go but we have a starting point.
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A Discussion with Tommy
Tommy Nankervis is a teammate and my ex roommate. Ex because I have had to take an extended holiday from cycling. Tom is currently the Oceania Champion and is former National Champion on the Track. Lets find out what got Tommy into cycling, his road from track to the cobbles of Europe and what makes him tick.
How are you mate?
All good here. Just enjoying a great day in Belgium sunshine!
What got you on a bike?
I always wanted to ride bicycles. I have a family of cycling enthusiasts, starting with my grandfather, who still races, and my dad and uncle used to race when they were younger too. I don’t know what it always was about cycling, but before I ever started, I always wanted to leave the sports I was doing and begin cycling.
Who has been the biggest influence for you and your cycling?
I have a number of huge influences. I can’t really think of any order to put them in, and I guess there are a few different ways to look at this question. In terms of good influences, I guess it starts with my Dad, who is unbelievably supportive, and my cycling has since got him back on his bike, and very fit for an old boy. He loves it, and with his support I guess I have been able to pursue the sport for as long as I have so far. I also have my old coach Paul, who gave up SO much time to coach me, support me, and share as much advice as he possibly could. Baden Cooke, who has given me so much time and support is right up there too. He always gives me great advice, direction, and always pushes me to take the next step forwards. Cameron, my old sponsor, boss, and mentor; he gave me a job and wanted to help me to work towards being the best I could be, to find out if I had it. He was also an Oceania Champion on the track, as was Paul (road), so that is a great coincidence! Other influences are my fiancée Keally, and my family, and Bill at Fitzroy Cycles Carnegie for his continued support. Barbara, my good friend from the USA has also been a great supporter too.
There are a number of negative influences too, and I have to thank my passion for the sport as the reason I continue to slug away, after too many immoral and unethical teams (in the USA – DLP Racing and Toshiba) have brought me to situations that are just wrong. A number of people I know quit the sport as a result, but I have been lucky to have such a great passion, and the support of the above-mentioned people, that has allowed me to keep going.
When did you start racing track?
I started racing track about 13 years ago I think. Sid Patterson, Australia’s best ever track cyclist, had a shop nearby our house. I used to hang out there a fair bit, and always looked at his old track stuff. He asked me if I was interested in racing, and when I said “yes”, he took me down to the local track and it all started from there. The amazing thing is, the inaugural Sid Patterson Grand Prix on the track, I won! I often feel like he is still helping me!
Do you have any funny stories from racing the track?
No. Maybe sliding down the banking on the first time I rode Vodafone arena though… Nothing else I would comment on!
What made you switch from track to road?
Boredom probably had the biggest part! There is so much time lost in changing gears, and sitting around at the track. I was in a tricky spot, I wasn’t as fast as the sprinters, even the ones younger than me. I was faster than the endurance guys, but didn’t have the endurance to make the finish. I decided I got more enjoyment out of the longer hours on the road where I was pedalling the whole time. Track is great, and I was good at it when I was putting the time into it. Now that I am not riding the track, I miss it though, and I will start again at the end of the year, even if just locally at Carnegie.
You have raced the 07 and 08 seasons in America . What is the big difference between Europe and America ?
Half of 05, all of 06, 07 and 08 actually! Biggest difference; English speaking riders. Nah, the racing there is a lot shorter and criterium based. Also, you get a few days racing out of each event you go to, like a TT, crit, RR. The racing there you have to travel a lot further to get to the races too. I did enjoy my time there, on the good teams I raced for, but my last year I had such unbelievably shit team managers/directors, that I couldn’t contemplate going back there!
What has been the best day you have had on a bike?
Every day I get to ride.
What is your favourite ride and why?
Ooooh, tricky one. Riding with my friends. I would have said either of a few rides in Melbourne – Pakenham-Gembrook loop, or out the back of Arthur’s Seat or something, but when I got this email, I had just done a loop in the South of France, and up into the hills. It was the most breath-taking ride I have ever done. I got stuck in a thunderstorm and everything, but still, it was stunning, and probably the best ride I have done yet!
Are you missing me?
No, actually, your bed is gone, I have a new exit from the house, I installed a kitchen and shower in here, and there is no room left. We were going to put you in a bunk bed in the next room when you get back!
Thanks Mate. Any final thoughts?
Maybe, not sure, I think so.
We are all very lucky to be a part of this great sport and community that is known as cycling!
http://tommynankervis.blogspot.com/
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Tags: Cinelli, Tommy Nankervis, Track
Raoul’s Bike
It has been an awesome experience to deal with Raoul Luescher. He is a pretty amazing guy and the things that he can do are even better. I got to see his personal bike, which, according to him he wasn’t even trying to make light so I suppose 7.06kg for a bike with pedals, spare tube and tool bag, drink bottle and cage, pump and lights isn’t that bad. And it has heavy training wheels on it.
On the scales
7.06kg not bad
What is even better than the bike in the texture and appearance of the frame have to been seen in real life. Custom carbon. How cool.
www.luescherteknik.com.au
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After the all clear from The Doc on Monday arvo and the most important all clear from my physio on Tuesday morning I was pumped to start riding. The plan is to have my power outputs tested every Tuesday on both legs using the SLAM pedals (www.luescherteknik.com.au). This is going to give good data on how my left leg is improving as I work to bring it back to the levels of the right.
Early on in the test
Pain has well and truly set in
Yesterday was the second time we have done a step test. After a lot of pain we have a base line reading for the right leg. The left leg isn’t ready to do a test like that but next week we should have results from both legs. The protocol for the test is based around simple 5min steps of 25watts from 100watts until I can go no further. Personally I think 250watts is pretty good for one leg.
Last step
Today saw me going on my first ride. What a roller coaster ride this rehab thing is. I was so motivated to get on the bike. Once I got on it, I realised how poor my form was. I loved it but I would have been lucky to have managed to average 25km/hr as my left leg got moving again after nearly 9 weeks of nothing.
Difference in Lag size as I do my first two leg pedalling
On the first ride
Kit, helmet and bike rubber side down
So although the bone is now considered healed there is still a long way to go in terms of recovering fitness and recovering ankle flexibility. We are half way there.
Lovely winters day for the first ride
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