Hi Guys  
Today was the day of the time trial. a 7 oclock breakfast for a 10 35 start, with a 30 minute warm up and I was set to go. The weather was cool at the start, with mists until 9:30 ish. it soon warmed up for a boiling hot time trial!
 
I felt pretty crap for the first 5K and legs didnt want to go, but i soon rode in to it and really enjoyed the course. I eventually came 10th (spending a few minutes in the hot seat for podium riders), which for me I think is a great result, I got everything out and crossed the line with no regrets, knowing I'd done everything On the day. A top 15 was my goal - so coming 10th (53 seconds down on the winner) was very pleasing. The event was won by my team mate, Joe Perret! a fantastic ride, and a very deserving winner! The first british european road champion I think too!  
 
Tomorrow and Friday I've got some long steady rides to do before the Road Race on Saturday.
 
George
 

http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/gbcyclingteam/article/Gbr20090701-gb-cyclingteam-European-Title-for-Joe-Perrett-in-Belgium-0

Message 1

Hi Guys
 
I've been here for 2 days now, got here around 7 yesterday. My legs have felt pretty tired for the past few days, but have picked up a bit today. The weathers good - about 30 degrees celcius. the skys are cloudless, and the food and hotel is good, Ive been pigging out a bit. Unfortunately belgium is still belgium, and not italy. The hotel is packed with brits though, so it feels like home.
 
 I've spent most of the day sat on the bed " chilling ". We went to check the course out earlier today (rode for about 30k). The course is pretty interesting, tough long straight (pretty hard going road surfaces) mixed with technical sections through villages and down farm lanes - you can keep your speed pretty well through the corners, but have to be on full concentration mode. theres a cobbled section with about 5k to go, around 500 metres uphill, its pretty mad, but should be good - its a real good place to pick up some time. The finish has about 3 or 4 90 degree bends to negotiate too.
 
All in all im feeling pretty good for tomorrow, and we'll see what I can do.
 
I'll keep you posted.
 
George