The Season Starts

[Rich]

Hi Gang,

The season has just started, and I'm no where near fit enough to give it my best.

I recently, well, since last year actually, joined a web based cycling team www.cyclo-cross.com and thought it was quite a good idea to race in their colours...unfortunately, they're based up North, while I'm way down south..still, gotta keep my chin up I guess :)

Anyway, just wanted to know if any other people out there have started their cross season as of yet, and if so, how ya doing?

I will post again, as soon as I get my ***** into gear...so to speak.

Cheers...............................................Rich

[The Dutch Giant]

I started my season in Harderwijk, at UCI cat. 3 race, with all the pro's there.
I had only tested my bike at some local muholes, nothing special. Training, what's that?

Turned out my bike (full custom 8,0 kg) is great, but my longues could be better.

Seeing Sven Nijs putting me one lap down must have been the greatest motivator ever, I'm now training better than ever. By the end of the season, I demand from myself, I will be strong enough to stay on the same lap and able to annoy some of the pro's that are trying to make a living doing what is my hobby. :-)
Oh, the bike's go on a diet too! I am expecting a Carbonfire Empella fork (ordered it unseen), it's supposed to be sub-600g and strong enough plus cool looking. Replace the cheapo headset with Ritchey WCS and it goes under 8kg!
Custom Duratec 7020 alu frame, TT 60cm, ST C-T 56cm, ST C-C 48cm turned out to be 1870g, and ultra-phat. 100% power transfer, and it rides just like my VooDoo Bokor 21" that modelled my drawings. 100mm Stem makes even the steering feel a lot like the 130mm stem on my mtb. :-)

If you happen to spot a too tall guy (1m94/84kg) in all black/yellow covered in TUFO logo's trying to follow the pro's in a Super Prestige race, it'll be me...

Good season you all!

Jan Gerrit

[Rich]

Hi Jan,

Good to hear back from you...I'm still waiting to do my first cross this season, as there appears to be a lack of races in my vacinity. Your bike sounds pretty lush.

I changed my Sunn Cycloss of last year, for a Alan Supercross this year, and whata difference it makes..much more responsive and much much lighter.

Maybe I'll see you on Eurosport sometime soon eh!

Give Nijs a shout from me!

Rich