Blog 7

I am currently back in Wales for some family time and quality training on Wales' finest roads. It was a bit of whirlwind of a trip home. My race finished at 5:15pm and my flight left at 6:40pm. The airport was a 30minute drive from the race. To say I was a bit stressed about catching this was an understatement... luckily I made the flight with a bit of time to spare!!

I only realised once I'd touched down on home soil, how much I needed some time at home. As fantastic as it is in Italy, I needed to see my family and spend some time away from the Zappi house in order to regain my focus and find some form.

Whilst being home, I've capitalised on the opportunity to see close family and friends which has been really nice. I've also enjoyed jumping back on my Time Trial bike after wayyyyy too long. People that know me well, will know I like to spend plenty of time on my TT bike. Since I've been back I've done a few Time Trials to gauge my form. The first TT was a shock to the system I can tell you, after doing lots of long slow miles in Italy. It was a refreshing change to come from the razzmatazz of Italian UCI races to the humble UK TT scene. In all honesty, it was great to be back doing welsh TTs surrounded by people that have been with me for years. I enjoyed catching up with the long standing officials such as the legend that is - Tudor Thomas "e huh, e huh!"(those in the know will understand...). I've missed hearing the excuses of club riders back at the clubhouse too - explaining why they didn't go so well whilst scoffing slabs of cake! This is such a contrast to the aftermath of an Italian race when I'm left puzzling how some of the top Italian riders are consistently dominant?!

It's been a boost to my morale with a 3rd in an open TT on Saturday and breaking the Course record for the local club TT on Thursday evening. I have to say I've loved every minute of riding at home. The weather has been particularly kind and I've been reminded of how awesome Wales is.

I'll be returning to Italy shortly and I now can't wait to get stuck in to the next Italian UCI and National races on my Race Calendar before returning home ahead of the British National champs at the end of June.

Ciao