Fun in the mud

Hi all,

Here's an update from a proper MTB outing. The Hill2hill.

The rain started on Thursday evening and didn't let up until Saturday evening. We were in for a wet ride.

A mix of excitement and nerves started kicking in on Friday evening.

Saturday saw Brandon and I take a look at the course in the pouring rain, an easy 1hr30 ride from the start and down into town.

A nice early start for the 105km mud bath. 6am sharp. A call was made to cut out the loop at the top of Worlds View and go straight into town, skipping out a section along the river. From there we were back on the normal route. This meant that looking the course didn't help and Brandon's plan to force the pace on the descent was somewhat nullified.

Anyway, we set off and the ride down was solid fun. Was pleased to only take one fall, many fell a lot more. By the time we got into town, I was a bit off the back but a little dig and I was back in the front group. About 20 riders strong. Tapping out a steady tempo on the front meant that Brandon could sit on and save some energy. As we hit the Friesland climb things got a little hard and I paid for me effort. From there, it was a relatively lonely ride but a good one nonetheless. A 3rd overall from Brandon was welcome news when I crossed the line.

My first big outing for Fedgroup-ITEC Connect was a memorable one. A lot of positive to take from it and room for improvement as always. The legs are getting better and better. For now, it's time to cleat in and enjoy the experience, learning the tricks and putting in the hard graft along the way.

Next up is the Hilton 50 Miler, another big day, another exciting first.

Until next time,
Brad

Stepping Stones

Hi guys,

So, many of you have asked how the race went this past weekend. The answer is: lots of positive but a less than ideal start.

The race started at a steady pace and it wasn't long before things split up. My legs took a little while to get going but that was to be expected after the training block. I started making progress and by the top of the 1st climb, I found myself in 5th place.

By the time I got to the bottom, things had gone pear shaped, I'd broken my seat post. Having to pull out of a race is the hardest thing to do.

On the positive side, the power file that I got from the race shows that the training is paying off and the numbers are better than ever. Yes, I know, numbers aren't everything!

This week is the last hard week before Hill2hill and the 50 Miler.

Cheers,
Brad

Starting the motor

Hello again,

The last week was very hectic. We hosted many international riders that were here for the UWCT finals. It was a nice experience being in the backup vehicles for a change although, I'd much rather be the rider.

Didn't really get the training in that I'd hoped for but since it was a rest week, no real concern.

This weekend will be my first race, the Stihl Umkomaas Classic. My first one in the colors of Team Fedgroup- ITEC Connect. It will be a part of my building block for Hill2hill so wont be 100% fresh but I'm going to give it my all. Time to thank the people that made this opportunity possible.

As some of you might've seen, I got my Momsen SL929 built up. Can't wait to take it for a burn in the bush.

Cheers for now,
Brad

Miles in the bank

Hi all,

So, I'm starting to come to terms with how big the opportunity is that I've been given really is....

I've had a solid 3 weeks of training. The last 2 have had some 6hr rides and totaled just on 1700kms. Feeling better and better.

Been trying out the new Biogen Cytopro RS on the longer rides and it's really impressive! Keeps you going for a long time.

We have a lot of international riders in PMB at the moment for the UWCT final which happens this coming week. It's been great to show them some of our country and hear about theirs.

Rest week this week, start racing on the 2nd of September at the Stihl Umko Classic.

Cheers,
Brad

PS: Apparently I'll be getting a belated birthday present from Fedgroup ITEC Connect... Look out for a picture later in the week

A new focus

Hi all,

So, I did tell you to keep an eye out for an announcement. Well, here it is.

http://t.co/duICCemS

Big thanks to everyone involved, especially Brandon Stewart for the opportunities that I have been given.

Thank you for all the messages of support. Looking forward to the future.

Cheers,
Brad