News
The Orange Monkey-Cannondale team are U.C.I Registered and focused on the World Cup series in 2011. Squirt are proud to be associated with the team supplying Squirt lube and Squirt devil degreaser and cleaner. Click on headline to visit their website >>>>>
CRC Marathon series kicks of at Builth Wells
Sunshine, Dusty trails and catching up with friends we havent seen all winter. Free Squirt lube and jelly babies..... Priceless.
Zolder World Cup and Loenhout GVA
After arriving back form a very snowy UK I was faced with more snow in the Belgium races.
After a busy weekend of racing the previous week I had a few areas that I needed to address to allow myself to be able to get myself a good race and result. Just recently I have been struggling to get a good start and have allowed people to push me out and so have ended up backing off. Part of my issue comes from my nasty crash at the start of the season at Namur. It is not related to the start of the race but I guess I was just worried about having another crash and sub conciously I have let it effect me. So, after discussing this ‘issue’ with a few people I knew that positive thoughts were all part of helping me to overcome this problem. I knew that i needed to nail my starts down and this was my plan for Zolder and Loenhout.
I spoke to Gregg and Rick before the start and we all agreed on the perfect line to take at the first set of corners for the World Cup, the plan worked great as I made up a whole load of places by simply riding around the outside on the first long sweeping curve.
During the week Shaun, Craig, Nikoline and I travelled to Zolder to check the course out so that we wouldnt have to travel on christmas day to pre ride. It was very snowy and icy and alot of it was tough to ride. There were lots of technical sections and steep descents. I came away pretty content with things but it was definately going to be a dangerous course!
Unfortunately mid week I came down with a nasty cold and so had to have a few days of rest and sleep to try and help my body recover ready for sundays world cup. I was feeling pretty rough and so was rather worried about how my Zolder race would go. I really wanted to ride well as I knew that anything was possible in snowy conditions. I finished 23rd, but the positives to take from it were that I got a great start and was well in the top 15 until my legs gave up on my me and my breathing became painful. I crossed the line rather frustrated. But my main priority was to keep warm and try and get better for Loenhout...one of my favourite races.
The next time I rode my bike was three days later at Loenhout. I always like this race, it is a circuit that is great in any conditions. So whatever the weather threw at it I was ready...well as ready as I could be considering I had not managed to shift my cold completely.
When warming up I didnt feel that great but I stayed positive and focused on my days goal of getting another good start...which is exactly what I did! I got myself into the select lead group of six, with myself, Daphny, Sanne Cant, Sanne Van Passen, Hanka & Marianne. It was a great feeling to suddenly be up there where I know I can be. I stayed with the lead group for a lap and a half until marianne attacked and I lost contact and combined with a slight mishap with a post that was the end of that. I stayed away on my own for another two laps but was struggling and the group of chasers behind me were getting closer. I eventually finished a satisfied 9th. With full health and a great start, a great result is definately possible. I even got myself some TV time and the commentator was enjoying the novelty of announcing my name, with things like ‘Its a great Day for Gabriella Day’ a nice play on words!!
I now have two more races (Petangue and Tevuren) before I travel back to the UK for the national championships in Derby.
Please click on headline to visit Cycling News >>>>>
After arriving back form a very snowy UK I was faced with more snow in the Belgium races.
After a busy weekend of racing the previous week I had a few areas that I needed to address to allow myself to be able to get myself a good race and result. Just recently I have been struggling to get a good start and have allowed people to push me out and so have ended up backing off. Part of my issue comes from my nasty crash at the start of the season at Namur. It is not related to the start of the race but I guess I was just worried about having another crash and sub conciously I have let it effect me. So, after discussing this ‘issue’ with a few people I knew that positive thoughts were all part of helping me to overcome this problem. I knew that i needed to nail my starts down and this was my plan for Zolder and Loenhout.
I spoke to Gregg and Rick before the start and we all agreed on the perfect line to take at the first set of corners for the World Cup, the plan worked great as I made up a whole load of places by simply riding around the outside on the first long sweeping curve.
During the week Shaun, Craig, Nikoline and I travelled to Zolder to check the course out so that we wouldnt have to travel on christmas day to pre ride. It was very snowy and icy and alot of it was tough to ride. There were lots of technical sections and steep descents. I came away pretty content with things but it was definately going to be a dangerous course!
Unfortunately mid week I came down with a nasty cold and so had to have a few days of rest and sleep to try and help my body recover ready for sundays world cup. I was feeling pretty rough and so was rather worried about how my Zolder race would go. I really wanted to ride well as I knew that anything was possible in snowy conditions. I finished 23rd, but the positives to take from it were that I got a great start and was well in the top 15 until my legs gave up on my me and my breathing became painful. I crossed the line rather frustrated. But my main priority was to keep warm and try and get better for Loenhout...one of my favourite races.
The next time I rode my bike was three days later at Loenhout. I always like this race, it is a circuit that is great in any conditions. So whatever the weather threw at it I was ready...well as ready as I could be considering I had not managed to shift my cold completely.
When warming up I didnt feel that great but I stayed positive and focused on my days goal of getting another good start...which is exactly what I did! I got myself into the select lead group of six, with myself, Daphny, Sanne Cant, Sanne Van Passen, Hanka & Marianne. It was a great feeling to suddenly be up there where I know I can be. I stayed with the lead group for a lap and a half until marianne attacked and I lost contact and combined with a slight mishap with a post that was the end of that. I stayed away on my own for another two laps but was struggling and the group of chasers behind me were getting closer. I eventually finished a satisfied 9th. With full health and a great start, a great result is definately possible. I even got myself some TV time and the commentator was enjoying the novelty of announcing my name, with things like ‘Its a great Day for Gabriella Day’ a nice play on words!!
I now have two more races (Petangue and Tevuren) before I travel back to the UK for the national championships in Derby.
Please click on headline to visit Cycling News >>>>>
This weekend was the first round of the world cup in Aigle, Switzerland and it was to be what I would consider my first race, as I crashed out badly at the GVA round in Namen.
I travelled down on the friday with Gregg my sponsor/mechanic/assistant it took us over 8hrs to arrive at our destination which was in Thonon Les Bains, France just short of the Swiss border. It was rather a nice town situated by Lake Geneve, which is the biggest lake I have ever seen! I had to check with Gregg that it wasn't the sea!!!
After a good nights sleep we headed to the Aigle to check the circuit out ready for race day. It was raining pretty heavy and it continued to rain on and off for the rest of the day. The course was pretty flat with some slight off camber short uphills, a flight of stairs that once you were at the top you had to get on the bike straight away to descend the other side and part of the bmx track was used too. It was fast and there were some good sections to get good speed and power out. So I was happy with the circuit.
Race day: I was feeling good and confident going into the race, I strapped my broken finger up and knew that I could handle any pain for 40 minutes! I was gridded on the second row. The start was done on a traffic light style so when it goes green you go...that didn't quite go to plan on my side of the grid the riders ahead of me were too slow getting away and so I got a terrible start. I missed getting on the group that formed ahead of me and so I never quite managed to get in contact. So I crossed the line 21st. I was reasonably happy with how I rode considering the how previous race had gone and that I had to take some time out from training and just do some easy days. It was good to get a cross race in my legs and things can only improve from here and I can build on today's result. I hope to get some good training in this week and look forward to next weekend which is the second round of the world cup in Plzen, Czech.
I travelled down on the friday with Gregg my sponsor/mechanic/assistant it took us over 8hrs to arrive at our destination which was in Thonon Les Bains, France just short of the Swiss border. It was rather a nice town situated by Lake Geneve, which is the biggest lake I have ever seen! I had to check with Gregg that it wasn't the sea!!!
After a good nights sleep we headed to the Aigle to check the circuit out ready for race day. It was raining pretty heavy and it continued to rain on and off for the rest of the day. The course was pretty flat with some slight off camber short uphills, a flight of stairs that once you were at the top you had to get on the bike straight away to descend the other side and part of the bmx track was used too. It was fast and there were some good sections to get good speed and power out. So I was happy with the circuit.
Race day: I was feeling good and confident going into the race, I strapped my broken finger up and knew that I could handle any pain for 40 minutes! I was gridded on the second row. The start was done on a traffic light style so when it goes green you go...that didn't quite go to plan on my side of the grid the riders ahead of me were too slow getting away and so I got a terrible start. I missed getting on the group that formed ahead of me and so I never quite managed to get in contact. So I crossed the line 21st. I was reasonably happy with how I rode considering the how previous race had gone and that I had to take some time out from training and just do some easy days. It was good to get a cross race in my legs and things can only improve from here and I can build on today's result. I hope to get some good training in this week and look forward to next weekend which is the second round of the world cup in Plzen, Czech.
Relentless 24 - Scotland
Team Ragleys Dave Powell and Jason Miles crossed the Scottish borders for the second time this year to compete in a 24hr solo. Dave and Jasons training and racing in 2010 has been relentless and once again the rivalry between the pair played out with Dave topping the podium and Jason second.
Squirt are at the cycle show at Earls court next week.
Meet The founder and inventer Dewet Marias.If anybody has read "raising the bar" the story of Clif bar meeting Dewet would be like meeting a Gary Erickson in his formative years with clif.Both have a story to tell,Dewet is still writing his.
A dirt demo would be nice...
Click on headline to visit the shows website >>>>
Meet The founder and inventer Dewet Marias.If anybody has read "raising the bar" the story of Clif bar meeting Dewet would be like meeting a Gary Erickson in his formative years with clif.Both have a story to tell,Dewet is still writing his.
A dirt demo would be nice...
Click on headline to visit the shows website >>>>
Head over to Bikemagic and read a really nice piece by Lesley Ingram on her biking beginning to world cup xc racing.
Lesley also was a podium finisher in 3rd at the British Marathon champs.
Click on headline to visit Bikemagic >>>>>
Lesley also was a podium finisher in 3rd at the British Marathon champs.
Click on headline to visit Bikemagic >>>>>
Scottish Downhill Champs
Congratulations to Neil Wilson friend of Squirt and flying the flag for The Hub in Glentress on winning the Scottish Downhill Champs in the vets. A week later Neil follows it up with a 2nd place at the British Champs only narrowly missing the top spot of the podium by less then a second.
Photo by Phunkt.com
Photo by Phunkt.com
Squirt chainlube own the male solo podium at OSMM.
Ant White using Squirt chainlube and Squirts sweatsucker wins male solo with 24 laps.Whilst some thought "the machine" would be tired after a hard fought battle at the National solo champs Ant showed otherwise.Ragley riders Dave Powell and Jason Miles both Squirt assisted finish 2nd and 3rd adding an OSMM podium to a Strathpuffer one this season.
On a bone dry course with dust being a problem Squirt was the ideal choice for a clean running drivetrain.
Squirt user Gabby Day has been enjoying some great mtb results whilst preparing for this coming seasons cyclocross world cup joined the Hope mixed expert team and finished 2nd on the podium.Chevin Cycles Jane Chadwick dug deep to secure 3rd in the female solo just 4 weeks after a 3rd at the UK solo 24 national champs.
On a bone dry course with dust being a problem Squirt was the ideal choice for a clean running drivetrain.
Squirt user Gabby Day has been enjoying some great mtb results whilst preparing for this coming seasons cyclocross world cup joined the Hope mixed expert team and finished 2nd on the podium.Chevin Cycles Jane Chadwick dug deep to secure 3rd in the female solo just 4 weeks after a 3rd at the UK solo 24 national champs.
Squirt Lube is now the official lube partner to the UK Kuwahara bmx team.
Squirt attended the Braintree round of the UK bmx nationals.The sport oozes style and Kuwahara team rider Emily Hutt is one awesome rider.Princess off the track,a killer on it.
Check out the teams face book page for updates. Click on headline to visit UK Kuwahara BMX facebook page >>>>
Squirt attended the Braintree round of the UK bmx nationals.The sport oozes style and Kuwahara team rider Emily Hutt is one awesome rider.Princess off the track,a killer on it.
Check out the teams face book page for updates. Click on headline to visit UK Kuwahara BMX facebook page >>>>
CRC Mountain Marathon Series Builth Wells 10/11th April 2010
Dust billowing out the rear tyres of mtbikes. Wales in spring,surely not.
400 riders lined up for the Exposure lights night time Enduro and i think about 800 turned up for the sunday Marathon out of 1000 entered.Top weekend.
400 riders lined up for the Exposure lights night time Enduro and i think about 800 turned up for the sunday Marathon out of 1000 entered.Top weekend.
South African born chainlube Squirt will supply CRC/Intense World Cup Downhill team during 2010. Squirt runs dry and clean and is a hassle free solution to drivetrain maintenance. Already one of the best kept secrets on the World Cup x/c circuit Squirt is proud to be associated with such a high profile and successful team like CRC/Intense.
Click on headline to visit their website >>>>
Click on headline to visit their website >>>>
Friend of Squirt Ant White kicked off his 2010 season with a win at Old Pueblo 24hr Arizona
Words from the man himself....
I won the race. Rinsed myself out for about 18 hours as I was told it was really close ... but I was in fact a lap or two ahead.
Ant
I won the race. Rinsed myself out for about 18 hours as I was told it was really close ... but I was in fact a lap or two ahead.
Ant
Gabby Day - World Champs Blog
Unfortunately this years world championships in Tabor, Czech did not go as I had hoped and planned. Normally the course should have suited me. During the days leading up to the race I felt confident about the circuit and was really happy with my skills. I had a positive attitude and felt ready for the race. The fact that the course was snowy and icy was not an issue for me. I had quite a few crashes in the days leading up to the race so I knew my limits, even if I was a little sore and bruised!!!
Race day was an earlier start to normal and I was ready to give it my all and prove to myself and others that I can do a good ride at the worlds. I warmed up well and made my way to the start but just as I was heading to the the start I hit a patch of black ice and smacked down hard smashing my hip, rather painful but no time to think about that my only priority was the race and getting a good start, something I don’t normally have a problem with...however I got my worst start of the season and was held up in a crash on the first corner and never saw the top 15 of the race. Technically I was riding well, my cornering was good and I would gain on the technical sections of the circuit but lose out on the drags of the circuit where my legs could not respond. It was a frustrating race and I finished a disappointing 27th position, not a reflection of how I feel I can perform.
On the way back to Belgium that night in the camper I started getting the symptoms of a cold, I think this was the reason I could not get going during the race
On a positive note I have had a good season even if it has had highs and lows so I just have to make sure my national champs are good.
Stop press......Gabby was 3rd overall at the British Chanpionships after fighting back from a puncture.
Race day was an earlier start to normal and I was ready to give it my all and prove to myself and others that I can do a good ride at the worlds. I warmed up well and made my way to the start but just as I was heading to the the start I hit a patch of black ice and smacked down hard smashing my hip, rather painful but no time to think about that my only priority was the race and getting a good start, something I don’t normally have a problem with...however I got my worst start of the season and was held up in a crash on the first corner and never saw the top 15 of the race. Technically I was riding well, my cornering was good and I would gain on the technical sections of the circuit but lose out on the drags of the circuit where my legs could not respond. It was a frustrating race and I finished a disappointing 27th position, not a reflection of how I feel I can perform.
On the way back to Belgium that night in the camper I started getting the symptoms of a cold, I think this was the reason I could not get going during the race
On a positive note I have had a good season even if it has had highs and lows so I just have to make sure my national champs are good.
Stop press......Gabby was 3rd overall at the British Chanpionships after fighting back from a puncture.
Gabby Day National Champs Blog.
I went into the national championships this year not as well prepared as I would have wished. I had suffered with a cold since the world championships the week before so had not trained until the Friday before the race at Sutton Park. I did a very easy spin on the turbo trainer on Friday and again on the Saturday morning instead of going to the circuit, I decided not to visit the course until race day as I wanted my legs to be as fresh as possible for the race.
I checked out the circuit in the morning before the race and was happy with the way it rode so I just had to make sure that I warmed up well as I knew the race would be super fast from the gun.
I had a good start and was ahead up the road to just before the first corner where I dropped in behind Helen and Nikki, I had decided before the race that I didnt want to lead on the first lap as I wanted to follow for the first couple of laps to see how I felt.
Unfortunately I had a puncture after only a minute or so of racing so I lost contact with Helen and Nikki and was forced to ride to the pits on a flat rear tyre, I got to the pits 30 seconds after the leaders had passed and was down in 5th position so I had a big chase to get back to a medal position.
I got back up the third within a lap and the rest of the race was a flat out battle as Nikki tried to keep ahead of me and I tried to catch her, I got her back to within 10 seconds at one point but as I hit the road for the last time I knew it was not to be and had to settle for the bronze medal.
I think the rest during the week had helped me and I only wish that I had raced so well the week before at Tabor.
My season is now over so I am taking a few very easy weeks where I will ride for pleasure before I start to plan for next winters cyclo cross season.
A big ‘Thankyou’ to all my great sponsors for their support this season.
I checked out the circuit in the morning before the race and was happy with the way it rode so I just had to make sure that I warmed up well as I knew the race would be super fast from the gun.
I had a good start and was ahead up the road to just before the first corner where I dropped in behind Helen and Nikki, I had decided before the race that I didnt want to lead on the first lap as I wanted to follow for the first couple of laps to see how I felt.
Unfortunately I had a puncture after only a minute or so of racing so I lost contact with Helen and Nikki and was forced to ride to the pits on a flat rear tyre, I got to the pits 30 seconds after the leaders had passed and was down in 5th position so I had a big chase to get back to a medal position.
I got back up the third within a lap and the rest of the race was a flat out battle as Nikki tried to keep ahead of me and I tried to catch her, I got her back to within 10 seconds at one point but as I hit the road for the last time I knew it was not to be and had to settle for the bronze medal.
I think the rest during the week had helped me and I only wish that I had raced so well the week before at Tabor.
My season is now over so I am taking a few very easy weeks where I will ride for pleasure before I start to plan for next winters cyclo cross season.
A big ‘Thankyou’ to all my great sponsors for their support this season.
Herne Hill London CX League.
Stuart Lockyear had a great finish to the London League cx series finishing 2nd vet behind Mat Seaton.If you havent read Matt`s book the "escape artist" you are missing out.6th for year overall and coming into form just before the British cyclocross champs this w/end stuart is looking to place well.
Gabby Day - Jan 2010 Race Report
Racing
I’m not really feeling very inspired to write about my last 2 races as they have not really gone as I would have hoped. And so I am trying to not dwell on them and think positive ready for the world championships this weekend in Tabor, Czech. I often find it quite hard to overcome negativity and disappointment after races but this season I have managed to deal with it relatively well in the few times I have been unhappy with my result.
Roubaix world cup wasn’t so great. I had a few painful crashes the day before the race on a descent. But I was still happy with the circuit. And ready to race. It was a very muddy race and hard going. The race started on the famous Roubaix track and the riders got to shower in the famous Roubaix showers, rather old school in style but with the plaques of previous champions on every shower block!
The last world cup of the season took part this weekend at Hoogerheide, Holland. This year’s course was run in reverse to the previous years and was a great circuit. It was a fast, tough race, with a few muddier sections. I felt confident on the circuit and so was looking forward to the race. I also had my family out to watch the race which was a lovely surprise.
I got a really great start and was in the top 10 on the first lap, unfortunately this did not last and I found myself slipping back. I made a silly mistake of starting on normal grip tyres instead of muds’, which was the popular choice of the other riders. So after the first lap I changed bikes so that I was on muds. This gave me better grip on the corners.
Thinking about my race I dipped significantly after the second lap and then picked up my performance nearer the end which is rather frustrating as it was too late to gain anything back by then. I will make sure I warm up better next weekend and ‘Go For It’!!!! I am looking forward to racing in Tabor.
I’m not really feeling very inspired to write about my last 2 races as they have not really gone as I would have hoped. And so I am trying to not dwell on them and think positive ready for the world championships this weekend in Tabor, Czech. I often find it quite hard to overcome negativity and disappointment after races but this season I have managed to deal with it relatively well in the few times I have been unhappy with my result.
Roubaix world cup wasn’t so great. I had a few painful crashes the day before the race on a descent. But I was still happy with the circuit. And ready to race. It was a very muddy race and hard going. The race started on the famous Roubaix track and the riders got to shower in the famous Roubaix showers, rather old school in style but with the plaques of previous champions on every shower block!
The last world cup of the season took part this weekend at Hoogerheide, Holland. This year’s course was run in reverse to the previous years and was a great circuit. It was a fast, tough race, with a few muddier sections. I felt confident on the circuit and so was looking forward to the race. I also had my family out to watch the race which was a lovely surprise.
I got a really great start and was in the top 10 on the first lap, unfortunately this did not last and I found myself slipping back. I made a silly mistake of starting on normal grip tyres instead of muds’, which was the popular choice of the other riders. So after the first lap I changed bikes so that I was on muds. This gave me better grip on the corners.
Thinking about my race I dipped significantly after the second lap and then picked up my performance nearer the end which is rather frustrating as it was too late to gain anything back by then. I will make sure I warm up better next weekend and ‘Go For It’!!!! I am looking forward to racing in Tabor.
Please click on headline to read a current review on wet verses dry chain lubes in the current winter condition written by Road Cycling UK.
Our friends Andy Heading and Amanda Heading have launched a new online business catering for all your backcountry needs.Not only do you get a choice selection of kit they use and recommend but you can also email them for advise for kit selection.
Andy has been a huge inspiration for a generation of mtbikers that have aspired to race Alaska`s Iditabike.Check out the pic on their homepage biking across 30 miles of a frozen bering sea.When the wind blows which is does often theres nowhere to hide.Click on pic to visit site.
Andy has been a huge inspiration for a generation of mtbikers that have aspired to race Alaska`s Iditabike.Check out the pic on their homepage biking across 30 miles of a frozen bering sea.When the wind blows which is does often theres nowhere to hide.Click on pic to visit site.
The February 2010 issue of 220 Tri magazines contains a 6 page article on Sam's favorite training route, all around Leith Hill and Pitch Hill in Surrey.
Click on headline to view a page from the article>>>
Click on headline to view a page from the article>>>
Sun Sleet and Sangria
Friends of Squirt Dave Powell and Jason Miles of Team Ragley started their season in great form finishing 2nd and 3rd at Strathpuffer 24hr in the solo category.With so much snow it was looking doubtful Square wheels could pull it off to keep the race going ahead but we should never have doubted them.It must have been a mammoth effort to clear the snow to make the course rideable.Im pretty sure they left some for effect on the first laps but pretty soon that became rideable and was fun to race on crunchy snow if only for short sections.The rest of the course echoed the 2007 puffer where streams of water caused disc pads to expire after 2 or 3 laps.Night time brought a freeze and the mud became easier to negotiate but also parts of the course became quite icy.The puffer is a great event run by great people.Long may it continue.
The month of December was rather mixed for me, I had a few good results the best for me being the Kalmthout world cup, where I was on great form. However the Zolder world cup didn’t go very well for me, I really struggled and couldn’t maintain any sort of decent position. It was very disappointing and all I really wanted to do was stop, especially when I saw the lap board saying 4 laps to go. I rode in to finish in the twenties.
The next few days I was preparing for the race at Loenhout race, I really like this race and really enjoy the circuit. However in the morning of the race I had ear pain and my ears felt like I was flying and I couldn’t reduce the pressure, which was making me feel rather unwell.
I prepared for the race in my normal way, and got a great start riding in the top 8 for the first 2 laps before being brought down in a crash. After that I never got back up to the group and finished in 18th position so another disappointing day. After the race I felt really unwell, my body ached all over and I knew there was something wrong.
The next day I visited the doctor and it was confirmed I had an ear infection, so I took a few days off to try and speed up the recovery, and prepare for the National Champs.
I travelled back home ready for the nationals, and arrived home to heavy snow. Unfortunately the Nationals were postponed until the the weekend after the worlds unlike the rest of Europe who still managed to race at their events. This was rather frustrating as I was really looking forward to racing in the snow especially after my good experience in Kalmthout and also because I will have lost valuable UCI points which are important for the upcoming World Champs.
Due to the the hevy snow in England, alot of my training was mountain biking and hard turbo sessions.
I am now back in Belgium preparing for Roubaix, Hoogerheide and the World Championships in Tabor, Czech.
The next few days I was preparing for the race at Loenhout race, I really like this race and really enjoy the circuit. However in the morning of the race I had ear pain and my ears felt like I was flying and I couldn’t reduce the pressure, which was making me feel rather unwell.
I prepared for the race in my normal way, and got a great start riding in the top 8 for the first 2 laps before being brought down in a crash. After that I never got back up to the group and finished in 18th position so another disappointing day. After the race I felt really unwell, my body ached all over and I knew there was something wrong.
The next day I visited the doctor and it was confirmed I had an ear infection, so I took a few days off to try and speed up the recovery, and prepare for the National Champs.
I travelled back home ready for the nationals, and arrived home to heavy snow. Unfortunately the Nationals were postponed until the the weekend after the worlds unlike the rest of Europe who still managed to race at their events. This was rather frustrating as I was really looking forward to racing in the snow especially after my good experience in Kalmthout and also because I will have lost valuable UCI points which are important for the upcoming World Champs.
Due to the the hevy snow in England, alot of my training was mountain biking and hard turbo sessions.
I am now back in Belgium preparing for Roubaix, Hoogerheide and the World Championships in Tabor, Czech.
Gabby 12th overall at the 4th round of the world cyclocross championships in Kalmthout
Like Gabby we hope everyone is out enjoying the snow.
Merry christmas and all the very best from Squirt for 2010.
Merry christmas and all the very best from Squirt for 2010.
Squirt went to see Gabby at Koksijde and she rode a great race looking strong throughout for her 2nd best ever world cup result in 10th.
After my last two races in Belgium I made the trip back to the UK to see my family and to do some base miles around the country lanes of Lincoln, we have just moved to a new house so Im still learning new routes with the help of my partner Rick.
While back home I decided to ride the Lincoln Wheelers race which was literally 5 minutes away from our house at the local Police headquarters, the course is mainly grassland with some woodland, nothing too taxing but would a good challenge as I would be racing with the men which is something I don't do too often these days.
I knew I had pretty good form as my last two races indicated but I didnt expect to be going so well after all the training and traveling, at one point I nearly caught my partner Rick and Pete Middlehurst who were first and second the week before at the race in Lincolnshire but they managed to hold me off and I came home 8th just 29 seconds behind them.
After that it was a few more days training before I travelled to Koksijde in Belgium on Thursday for the world cup to be held on Saturday. This isnt one of my best courses, its hard and ultra sandy but Rick kept telling me I had to use my running to my advantage and not worry about the sand as my form was getting better week by week.
Friday came and I did a few laps of the course making sure not to go too hard in the sand, it was raining a little so I made sure I had my Schlamm waterproofs with me. I concentrated on the parts I thought I needed to improve on before going back to the car where my For Goodness Shakes recovery drink was waiting for me. The sand at koksijde is hard on the bike chains so we tend to run them dry for this sort of race, Im lucky that this year I have a great sponsorship deal with Squirt Dry Lube who supply me with a wax based lube that is perfect for these conditions as the sand doesnt stick to it, no messing around with talc on my chains!! I chose to ride my FMB file treads because they are the tyre option for sand and the roll a lot easier on the tarmac, every bit of spare energy needs to be saved on this type of course so I didnt want to be using tyres that made things harder.
Race day and it was raining hard, this makes the sand easier for me to ride as it packs down more so I was happy about that, I was gridded on the third row so I knew I needed to move up quickly on the road section before the first big sand hill after around a quarter of the lap.
The lights went green and we were off, I moved up and managed to miss a crash on the second corner where Belgian favourite Sanne Cant came down with a couple of other girls, by the first climb I was well inside the top ten so I concentrated on staying in this position. Later in the lap I passed Katie Compton when she crashed, this is something of a first for me as I normally only see the back of her in races, it didnt take her long to get back ahead of me!!
I was racing for 8th position for much of the race but lost a couple of places when I changed bikes and then towards the end Sanne Cant came through to not only pass me but also my two ex team mates from our days at Vision 1 Christel Ferrier-Bruneau and Helen Wyman who finished 8th and 9th. I held on to score my second best world cup result with 10th place which now moves me up to 13th in the world cup with four more rounds to go.
I would like to thank all the Brits that were cheering for me at the race, it really makes you want to go as hard as you can when you hear a British voice shouting your name and also my sponsors who make all this possible, Cyclefit, Bontrager, TRP, For Goodness Shakes, Crank Brothers, Schlamm, Qoleum, Squirt Dry Lube and Fracture Sport
While back home I decided to ride the Lincoln Wheelers race which was literally 5 minutes away from our house at the local Police headquarters, the course is mainly grassland with some woodland, nothing too taxing but would a good challenge as I would be racing with the men which is something I don't do too often these days.
I knew I had pretty good form as my last two races indicated but I didnt expect to be going so well after all the training and traveling, at one point I nearly caught my partner Rick and Pete Middlehurst who were first and second the week before at the race in Lincolnshire but they managed to hold me off and I came home 8th just 29 seconds behind them.
After that it was a few more days training before I travelled to Koksijde in Belgium on Thursday for the world cup to be held on Saturday. This isnt one of my best courses, its hard and ultra sandy but Rick kept telling me I had to use my running to my advantage and not worry about the sand as my form was getting better week by week.
Friday came and I did a few laps of the course making sure not to go too hard in the sand, it was raining a little so I made sure I had my Schlamm waterproofs with me. I concentrated on the parts I thought I needed to improve on before going back to the car where my For Goodness Shakes recovery drink was waiting for me. The sand at koksijde is hard on the bike chains so we tend to run them dry for this sort of race, Im lucky that this year I have a great sponsorship deal with Squirt Dry Lube who supply me with a wax based lube that is perfect for these conditions as the sand doesnt stick to it, no messing around with talc on my chains!! I chose to ride my FMB file treads because they are the tyre option for sand and the roll a lot easier on the tarmac, every bit of spare energy needs to be saved on this type of course so I didnt want to be using tyres that made things harder.
Race day and it was raining hard, this makes the sand easier for me to ride as it packs down more so I was happy about that, I was gridded on the third row so I knew I needed to move up quickly on the road section before the first big sand hill after around a quarter of the lap.
The lights went green and we were off, I moved up and managed to miss a crash on the second corner where Belgian favourite Sanne Cant came down with a couple of other girls, by the first climb I was well inside the top ten so I concentrated on staying in this position. Later in the lap I passed Katie Compton when she crashed, this is something of a first for me as I normally only see the back of her in races, it didnt take her long to get back ahead of me!!
I was racing for 8th position for much of the race but lost a couple of places when I changed bikes and then towards the end Sanne Cant came through to not only pass me but also my two ex team mates from our days at Vision 1 Christel Ferrier-Bruneau and Helen Wyman who finished 8th and 9th. I held on to score my second best world cup result with 10th place which now moves me up to 13th in the world cup with four more rounds to go.
I would like to thank all the Brits that were cheering for me at the race, it really makes you want to go as hard as you can when you hear a British voice shouting your name and also my sponsors who make all this possible, Cyclefit, Bontrager, TRP, For Goodness Shakes, Crank Brothers, Schlamm, Qoleum, Squirt Dry Lube and Fracture Sport
Whilst most of us look out the window at flooded roads with thoughts of next summer`s race season Gabby is in the thick of it racing weekly in Europe come what may.
Two Top Tens
This week I am feeling lots more positive and confident as I have had 2 good races to report on. So a good feeling this week! All part of the up and down roller coaster of racing!
I am now back in the UK, which is really nice to see all my family again. I am going to be getting a good training block in before the Koksijde world cup on the 28th of this month.
Last week was a lot busier with races on Wednesday and Sunday. I had 3 days to recover from the Nommay World Cup before the first of the weeks races at Niel, Belgium. This was the first time the organisers had put a women’s race on at this venue, so it was a completely new experience for all the riders. It was a fast circuit, with rather a lot of road. It was incredibly bumpy as well. It was at this point that I decided that although I think cows are an alright animal I am not impressed with the bumps they create in fields!!! It made for some tough riding, and it was always hard keeping a constant momentum. No bike changes were required during the race, so not so much work for my great pit crew of Belgians Robby and Jurgen. During the race I was in a good group with the Belgium Champion, 2 Dutch riders along with Nikki going for 5th place. Unfortunately with 2 laps to go I lost contention, my legs were just not quite there, maybe still the Nommay travel in them?! So I spent 2 laps on my own trying to keep the gap as small as possible. I crossed the line in 9th place so I was happy my first top 10 so far.
I then headed home to what I thought would be a rather lonely house, as Helen and Stef are in Portugal and Ian went home after Niel race.
(The Tielt house is very big and I imagine lonely especially at night when it is very dark and creaking!!! And apparently it is slightly haunted, although I have since found out that although it is an old house it is infact not at all haunted!!!) However when I arrived back Gary and Betty an older American couple had turned up and were staying for a few days. This made me feel rather happy as I was not going to be lonely. They even took me out for a pizza that night...very tasty!!
I had a few days to get my legs back in shape for Sundays race at Gavere.
The womens race is always a lot earlier than the other races, so it meant I had to to get up at 6.30am...early for me!!
Gavere is a very tough circuit and is normally always very muddy and slippy. It features a very tricky descent, which caused Niels Albert to be taken to hospital with a ruptured spleen last year.
There was no exception this year as I pre rode the circuit at 9.15am in heavy rain and dark skys. The thick mud made everything much harder to ride. I managed in warm up to ride the infamous descent but by my race it became a running descent, bike straight on the shoulder from the pits and straight down and up the otherside. It was definitely a ‘real’ cross course. I made bike changes every half lap (which kept my pit crew very busy!), the one time I left it to just once a lap I caused myself a problem as my wheel decided it would not go around as there was so much mud stuck around the brakes. So I had to stop and pull the mud away.
I got a great start and was 7th for most of the race until the Belgium Champ caught me on the last lap. So I finished 8th, which I was very happy with. I had been in the mix with some top riders so all good progress. I am also not fading so early in races now so that is good too. And another thing...I didn’t crash!!! Many riders were crashing around me.
So overall a great weeks racing, lets hope the next races carry on in this vain!
This week I am feeling lots more positive and confident as I have had 2 good races to report on. So a good feeling this week! All part of the up and down roller coaster of racing!
I am now back in the UK, which is really nice to see all my family again. I am going to be getting a good training block in before the Koksijde world cup on the 28th of this month.
Last week was a lot busier with races on Wednesday and Sunday. I had 3 days to recover from the Nommay World Cup before the first of the weeks races at Niel, Belgium. This was the first time the organisers had put a women’s race on at this venue, so it was a completely new experience for all the riders. It was a fast circuit, with rather a lot of road. It was incredibly bumpy as well. It was at this point that I decided that although I think cows are an alright animal I am not impressed with the bumps they create in fields!!! It made for some tough riding, and it was always hard keeping a constant momentum. No bike changes were required during the race, so not so much work for my great pit crew of Belgians Robby and Jurgen. During the race I was in a good group with the Belgium Champion, 2 Dutch riders along with Nikki going for 5th place. Unfortunately with 2 laps to go I lost contention, my legs were just not quite there, maybe still the Nommay travel in them?! So I spent 2 laps on my own trying to keep the gap as small as possible. I crossed the line in 9th place so I was happy my first top 10 so far.
I then headed home to what I thought would be a rather lonely house, as Helen and Stef are in Portugal and Ian went home after Niel race.
(The Tielt house is very big and I imagine lonely especially at night when it is very dark and creaking!!! And apparently it is slightly haunted, although I have since found out that although it is an old house it is infact not at all haunted!!!) However when I arrived back Gary and Betty an older American couple had turned up and were staying for a few days. This made me feel rather happy as I was not going to be lonely. They even took me out for a pizza that night...very tasty!!
I had a few days to get my legs back in shape for Sundays race at Gavere.
The womens race is always a lot earlier than the other races, so it meant I had to to get up at 6.30am...early for me!!
Gavere is a very tough circuit and is normally always very muddy and slippy. It features a very tricky descent, which caused Niels Albert to be taken to hospital with a ruptured spleen last year.
There was no exception this year as I pre rode the circuit at 9.15am in heavy rain and dark skys. The thick mud made everything much harder to ride. I managed in warm up to ride the infamous descent but by my race it became a running descent, bike straight on the shoulder from the pits and straight down and up the otherside. It was definitely a ‘real’ cross course. I made bike changes every half lap (which kept my pit crew very busy!), the one time I left it to just once a lap I caused myself a problem as my wheel decided it would not go around as there was so much mud stuck around the brakes. So I had to stop and pull the mud away.
I got a great start and was 7th for most of the race until the Belgium Champ caught me on the last lap. So I finished 8th, which I was very happy with. I had been in the mix with some top riders so all good progress. I am also not fading so early in races now so that is good too. And another thing...I didn’t crash!!! Many riders were crashing around me.
So overall a great weeks racing, lets hope the next races carry on in this vain!
Gabby Day - Update
After feeling rather disappointed with my last race (euros), I have finally decided to write something. Normally after a disappointing performance I try and not think about it and put it to the back of my mind, so that I am ready to move on for my next race. So I guess this is why I have not updated you guys for a while!
This weekend was round 2 of the world cup in Nommay, France. I was looking forward to this race as I like the course and rode really well on it last year. So I was hoping for a good result.
We travelled down to Nommay on Friday. It took 5 hours, luckily Jurgen (soigneur/mechanic) drove me down in my car which was really great as it meant I could relax more. Driving long distances always makes me tired.
On Saturday morning I pre rode the course, it was the same as last years. Tough on the legs on long grassland straights, with some banks and an off camber section which was quite slippy. The start sprint went straight into a left hand corner and straight up a flight of stairs. Just as I finished riding the circuit it started to rain, although a local Frenchman assured us that there was to be no more rain for the rest of the weekend! How wrong he was when it continued to rain on and off for the rest of the day and night!!!
I had a better than usual pre race sleep and felt ready for my race. Race day was dry luckily, which meant warming up was a lot more pleasant.
At 1.30 we were lined up ready to GO on the traffic light start system. I got a reasonable start and continued to fight my way up the steps trying to avoid being hit in the face by bikes and wheels!! On the first fast gravel section Hanka Kupfernagel came past me, so I thought I should definitely try and follow this wheel, although in vain!! I got myself into a good group although not far ahead was an even bigger group going for 11th, unfortunately there were only 2 of us working in my group which was rather frustrating as it meant we were not really ever going to get up to the next group. At points of the race I was feeling quite strong and analysing now I think I should have tried to go across on my own and get to the big group, but it is easy to say now!!! I sprinted in for 19th position, which I am happy with as it was a better race for me and I do feel I am getting closer to the next group.
Previous to Nommay, was the European championships in Hoogstraten, Belgium. Hoogstraten is the Strawberry area of Belgium! So there were many strawberry fields around! Plus a strawberry vending machine which is pretty unique!! I had already pre ridden the course during the week, so I knew what to expect. It was very fast with lots of ups and downs and it was a short lap. So the women’s race did 7 laps; more than usual!
I got a great start and was riding in 12th-15th position for the first half of the race. Unfortunately I started to fade and slip backwards, and ended up finishing in 20th position. A very disappointing result for me.
I now have a race on Wednesday in Niel and then I am racing at the notorious Aspere Gavere race before I go back home for just over a week so that I can prepare for koksijde.
This weekend was round 2 of the world cup in Nommay, France. I was looking forward to this race as I like the course and rode really well on it last year. So I was hoping for a good result.
We travelled down to Nommay on Friday. It took 5 hours, luckily Jurgen (soigneur/mechanic) drove me down in my car which was really great as it meant I could relax more. Driving long distances always makes me tired.
On Saturday morning I pre rode the course, it was the same as last years. Tough on the legs on long grassland straights, with some banks and an off camber section which was quite slippy. The start sprint went straight into a left hand corner and straight up a flight of stairs. Just as I finished riding the circuit it started to rain, although a local Frenchman assured us that there was to be no more rain for the rest of the weekend! How wrong he was when it continued to rain on and off for the rest of the day and night!!!
I had a better than usual pre race sleep and felt ready for my race. Race day was dry luckily, which meant warming up was a lot more pleasant.
At 1.30 we were lined up ready to GO on the traffic light start system. I got a reasonable start and continued to fight my way up the steps trying to avoid being hit in the face by bikes and wheels!! On the first fast gravel section Hanka Kupfernagel came past me, so I thought I should definitely try and follow this wheel, although in vain!! I got myself into a good group although not far ahead was an even bigger group going for 11th, unfortunately there were only 2 of us working in my group which was rather frustrating as it meant we were not really ever going to get up to the next group. At points of the race I was feeling quite strong and analysing now I think I should have tried to go across on my own and get to the big group, but it is easy to say now!!! I sprinted in for 19th position, which I am happy with as it was a better race for me and I do feel I am getting closer to the next group.
Previous to Nommay, was the European championships in Hoogstraten, Belgium. Hoogstraten is the Strawberry area of Belgium! So there were many strawberry fields around! Plus a strawberry vending machine which is pretty unique!! I had already pre ridden the course during the week, so I knew what to expect. It was very fast with lots of ups and downs and it was a short lap. So the women’s race did 7 laps; more than usual!
I got a great start and was riding in 12th-15th position for the first half of the race. Unfortunately I started to fade and slip backwards, and ended up finishing in 20th position. A very disappointing result for me.
I now have a race on Wednesday in Niel and then I am racing at the notorious Aspere Gavere race before I go back home for just over a week so that I can prepare for koksijde.
Rollapaluza night halloween cross
Rollapaluza take the unique atmosphere of their famous roller races to the dark of night-time cyclo cross.
Running through the beer tent and cheap beer available.Friend of Squirt Stuart Lockyear took part and claimed it a huge success.
One to look out for in 2010.
Running through the beer tent and cheap beer available.Friend of Squirt Stuart Lockyear took part and claimed it a huge success.
One to look out for in 2010.
Squirt are visiting Nirvana cycles wescott Surrey on the 7th November, Cycles Dauphin at Box hill,Dorking Surrey on the 14th November and Chevin Cycles in Otley West Yorkshire on the 21st November.Show up with your bike and we will degrease your chain and sprockets for FREE and apply Squirt chainlube.
Gabby - Koppenberg oct 25th cross report
Sunday was the 2nd round of the GVA series in Oudenaarde. It was very different to the previous years I had raced there. I was expecting more mud as it is usually a full on mud fest! However this year was unusually dry, pretty quick and a little slippy. This year the women did the full circuit which included the koppenberg cobble climb, which we did 6 times! It was a very tough circuit.
I was gridded on the front row and got a good start. My plan was not to go out too hard as it is a very hard circuit and I didn’t want to blow up early and start going backwards.
The cobbled climb was not as bad I expected it to be and I was able to gain some time on this part. However the grassy uphill section I found exceedingly tough. I was always looking forward to the descent because it at least offered a slight section of recovery, although concentration and skill was required as it was slippy. The descent is always the place where spectators watch as it is usually the place where crashes happen so it can be quite exciting!!
I spent most of the race in 10th until I got caught in the last 100m.
I feel I am getting a bit stronger every race now, so hopefully things will carry on going in the right direction. This weekend I have the European championships at Hoogstraten in Belgium.
I was gridded on the front row and got a good start. My plan was not to go out too hard as it is a very hard circuit and I didn’t want to blow up early and start going backwards.
The cobbled climb was not as bad I expected it to be and I was able to gain some time on this part. However the grassy uphill section I found exceedingly tough. I was always looking forward to the descent because it at least offered a slight section of recovery, although concentration and skill was required as it was slippy. The descent is always the place where spectators watch as it is usually the place where crashes happen so it can be quite exciting!!
I spent most of the race in 10th until I got caught in the last 100m.
I feel I am getting a bit stronger every race now, so hopefully things will carry on going in the right direction. This weekend I have the European championships at Hoogstraten in Belgium.
Since my last report I have been very busy. I had the first world cup in Treviso, Italy and have had the first round of the GVA series in Namur, Belgium.
Both races were very different in performance and conditions!
Treviso was very hot meaning the circuit was exceedingly fast and dusty, rather like an off road circuit race!!
I have ridden this circuit previously over the last 2 years so I knew what to expect. Fast, grassland, couple of steep uphill banks and a long drag.
On race day, I got my usual warm up although it was to be in amazing sunshine. I was gridded on the second row, which was good for me. I got a reasonable start and ended up on the back of a big group going for 10th position, I was finding it hard to hang on and was on and off the group playing catch up most of the race. Unfortunately the elastic finally broke when I shipped my chain after the run up and I ended up finishing in 18th position. So a steady start to my season as expected, but hopefully it will pick up middle of season.
Now for my second race...I didn’t have great preparation for the GVA race. I travelled home the day I got back from Treviso, as Rick and I were scheduled to move house. Unfortunately this did not happen and I only found out this was not going ahead when I got back in the UK. So as you can imagine I was rather angry as I was so tired after the Italy trip and then having to travel back home was NOT something I needed!!!!! Oh well, I got to see my family!!! So, I travelled back to Belgium on the Friday ready for the race on Saturday...not an ideal situation! Anyway enough about that and onto the race! The race was in Namur the French part of Belgium, which is a novelty! It was a great new circuit for all riders. It had rained hard the night before so the circuit was very muddy and slippy. Very different to Italy. It was very tough, with a long hard climb, which included some cobbles back to the top of the circuit. The first half of the circuit had lots of cool descending, some of which required some concentration! I was gridded on the front row and got a good start, but unfortunately my legs didn’t follow my enthusiasm and I slowly started to fade after every lap. I was struggling to get my legs going round on the climb and wished I had a 27 cassette. I was feeling pretty poor. I finished 14th.
The nex day I travelled back to the UK for the house move, which has gone ahead, so I have been very busy. Unfortunately I got a cold after the race, which is quite nasty so I have not been able to ride my bike yet. My next race is the famous Koppenburg cross, another tough one which should be muddy. The last time I did this race I really enjoyed it and got a great result so I hope to be good again!!!
Keep up with my progress: www.gabbyday.com & http://twitter.com/Gabby_Day
Both races were very different in performance and conditions!
Treviso was very hot meaning the circuit was exceedingly fast and dusty, rather like an off road circuit race!!
I have ridden this circuit previously over the last 2 years so I knew what to expect. Fast, grassland, couple of steep uphill banks and a long drag.
On race day, I got my usual warm up although it was to be in amazing sunshine. I was gridded on the second row, which was good for me. I got a reasonable start and ended up on the back of a big group going for 10th position, I was finding it hard to hang on and was on and off the group playing catch up most of the race. Unfortunately the elastic finally broke when I shipped my chain after the run up and I ended up finishing in 18th position. So a steady start to my season as expected, but hopefully it will pick up middle of season.
Now for my second race...I didn’t have great preparation for the GVA race. I travelled home the day I got back from Treviso, as Rick and I were scheduled to move house. Unfortunately this did not happen and I only found out this was not going ahead when I got back in the UK. So as you can imagine I was rather angry as I was so tired after the Italy trip and then having to travel back home was NOT something I needed!!!!! Oh well, I got to see my family!!! So, I travelled back to Belgium on the Friday ready for the race on Saturday...not an ideal situation! Anyway enough about that and onto the race! The race was in Namur the French part of Belgium, which is a novelty! It was a great new circuit for all riders. It had rained hard the night before so the circuit was very muddy and slippy. Very different to Italy. It was very tough, with a long hard climb, which included some cobbles back to the top of the circuit. The first half of the circuit had lots of cool descending, some of which required some concentration! I was gridded on the front row and got a good start, but unfortunately my legs didn’t follow my enthusiasm and I slowly started to fade after every lap. I was struggling to get my legs going round on the climb and wished I had a 27 cassette. I was feeling pretty poor. I finished 14th.
The nex day I travelled back to the UK for the house move, which has gone ahead, so I have been very busy. Unfortunately I got a cold after the race, which is quite nasty so I have not been able to ride my bike yet. My next race is the famous Koppenburg cross, another tough one which should be muddy. The last time I did this race I really enjoyed it and got a great result so I hope to be good again!!!
Keep up with my progress: www.gabbyday.com & http://twitter.com/Gabby_Day
Mens Fitness Rough Track 1st (but DQ’ed)
My first race was the Mens Fitness Rough Track triathlon, which is turning into a big annual event now with 700 athletes competing, including 5 of the top 6 male Xterra pro’s in the country. Scheduled on the same day as Xterra France which was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute it was to be a big show down in Berks instead. I had a good swim coming out behind Tim McDowell in 2nd place. Onto the bike and I was hindered with a puncture on the first of 4 laps while trying to catch Tim, in order to get a good work out which was the plan of the day, I changed onto a different bike. I managed to catch Tim on the final lap of the bike and had a great run to win by 2 minutes, only to be disqualified (and quite rightly) for swapping bikes. The Rough Track tri was really well marketed and I had 2 radio interviews for BBC radio Berks, a TV interview for BBC South today as well as the press in the mag and on tri247. Lot's of coverage for everyone.
All about triathlons XTT festival. 1st XTD short course.
Another big event with 700 starters across 5 different events. I chose the short duathlon because I had a wedding to attend 2 hours later. I had a good first run getting a large lead with one other athlete, a minor error on a directional arrow meant we lost the lead, but onto the bike and I opened up a 7 minute lead, and could afford to cruise the last run for a comfortable win. My main Xterra rivals Jim McConnel and Tim McDowell won the long duathlon and triathlon respectively.
Mud and Mayhem duathlon Thetford
A new event on the calendar on a bike course that I designed. Jim McConnel was at this event also and pretty soon on the first run we had a big lead along with another local fast runner. Onto the bike and unfortunately Jim punctured and the runners in the race didn’t have the bike experience to match. I was pretty untroubled and rode and ran to a 9 minute win.
Along with a local team relay race which we also won. It’s been 4 wins in 4 weeks (counting the moral victory at the Rough Track), all looking good for the world champs in Maui in 10 days time.
Thanks everyone for your support this year, it’s gone so well and I couldn’t do it without your help.
Sam
My first race was the Mens Fitness Rough Track triathlon, which is turning into a big annual event now with 700 athletes competing, including 5 of the top 6 male Xterra pro’s in the country. Scheduled on the same day as Xterra France which was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute it was to be a big show down in Berks instead. I had a good swim coming out behind Tim McDowell in 2nd place. Onto the bike and I was hindered with a puncture on the first of 4 laps while trying to catch Tim, in order to get a good work out which was the plan of the day, I changed onto a different bike. I managed to catch Tim on the final lap of the bike and had a great run to win by 2 minutes, only to be disqualified (and quite rightly) for swapping bikes. The Rough Track tri was really well marketed and I had 2 radio interviews for BBC radio Berks, a TV interview for BBC South today as well as the press in the mag and on tri247. Lot's of coverage for everyone.
All about triathlons XTT festival. 1st XTD short course.
Another big event with 700 starters across 5 different events. I chose the short duathlon because I had a wedding to attend 2 hours later. I had a good first run getting a large lead with one other athlete, a minor error on a directional arrow meant we lost the lead, but onto the bike and I opened up a 7 minute lead, and could afford to cruise the last run for a comfortable win. My main Xterra rivals Jim McConnel and Tim McDowell won the long duathlon and triathlon respectively.
Mud and Mayhem duathlon Thetford
A new event on the calendar on a bike course that I designed. Jim McConnel was at this event also and pretty soon on the first run we had a big lead along with another local fast runner. Onto the bike and unfortunately Jim punctured and the runners in the race didn’t have the bike experience to match. I was pretty untroubled and rode and ran to a 9 minute win.
Along with a local team relay race which we also won. It’s been 4 wins in 4 weeks (counting the moral victory at the Rough Track), all looking good for the world champs in Maui in 10 days time.
Thanks everyone for your support this year, it’s gone so well and I couldn’t do it without your help.
Sam
Marin Dusk Till Dawn
Squirt attending the Marin Dusk till Dawn on Oct 4th.Over 1000 riders entered this traditional end of season jolly.
Congrats to all involved and the organisers for a slick run event.Thanks also to Joolze dymond for pictures.
Congrats to all involved and the organisers for a slick run event.Thanks also to Joolze dymond for pictures.
Ruhin Merida,sadly the last of the year.
Squirt was out on another hillside lubing chains supporting Merida racers for the last time in 09.The welsh weather held out with warm sunshine which seemed a fitting end to a great series.
Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Romero made a guest appearance and rode the final Merida Marathon of the series.
Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Romero made a guest appearance and rode the final Merida Marathon of the series.
uk national cross champs round 1.
Gabby kicked off her cross season in the best way by bagging a convincing win at round 1 of the national cross champs.The multi talented and friend of Squirt Maddie Horton placed 3rd in her first national.Woohoo,way to go Maddie,.
Jevan Williams at Southern Champs
Jevan williams our under 14 d/hiller was gutted to miss the podium at the southern champs held at ashton woods.
5th will only fuel the desire for next time.
5th will only fuel the desire for next time.
Squirt dry chainlube have confirmed sponsorship of Gabby Day for the forthcoming cyclocross season.
Squirt dry chainlube is totally biodegradable with no solvents used so not only is it great for your bike it's also great for the environment. Squirt liquid lubricant has unique properties that make it ideal for use in any cycling condition. It has been developed to give better lubrication, last longer and keep the chain cleaner over extreme distances for cyclo cross, MTB and road cycling.
The Squirt brand has been around since 2003 but has only now become available to the UK market through selected retailers, one of them being - www.gabbydaycyclesport.com
'I'm really pleased to have recieved the offer of sponsorship from Squirt said Gabby, my chains take a lot of hammer during the cyclo cross season, racing in mud and sand is hard on equipment so products like this really help to keep everything running smooth.'
Squirt dry chainlube is totally biodegradable with no solvents used so not only is it great for your bike it's also great for the environment. Squirt liquid lubricant has unique properties that make it ideal for use in any cycling condition. It has been developed to give better lubrication, last longer and keep the chain cleaner over extreme distances for cyclo cross, MTB and road cycling.
The Squirt brand has been around since 2003 but has only now become available to the UK market through selected retailers, one of them being - www.gabbydaycyclesport.com
'I'm really pleased to have recieved the offer of sponsorship from Squirt said Gabby, my chains take a lot of hammer during the cyclo cross season, racing in mud and sand is hard on equipment so products like this really help to keep everything running smooth.'
Squirt - the official lubing partner of the Transwales
7 days of following the Transwales, 12Kg of jelly babies (not for us but our treat for tired riders, 3Kg of cashew nuts and 36 bottles of Squirt. Riders always make an event and the Transwales was no different. What was different this time was being able to spend 7 days in good company. Hope you enjoyed our Squirt Girls. Thanks to all of those wearing our tattoo.
Cakes, tea in bone china mugs, singletrack and smiley faces. Brighton Big Dog had it all. Check out their gallery to see what you missed.
If you ever watched a 24hr race or even given it a thought before rejecting it as a crazy idea then read Trevor Allens of USE story.Trevor trained for a year and raced the Bontrager 12/24 and got to stand on the podium in 3rd.Although Trevor has a little more talent then he might admit to hes telling us all we can do it.Joolze Dymond even snapped an awesome shot of him just for good measure.Check joolze site via our links page.
Squirt attended round 5 of the Merida Marathon series
Fine weather greeted us and held out till we left Scotland. Wouldn't it be great if we had 6 months of sunshine each year to call summer.Squirt`s head honcho Dewet Marais joined us for the trip and he might have left Scotland thinking the sun always shines ;-) Lubing chains meant we missed the Selkirk fun but we did get to play on the trails of Glentress before the long journey south.
Head over to London Cycle Sport and register for their forum to stand the chance of winning a bottle of Squirt.
Sam Gardner 4th Xterra US Cup Vermont
This weekend was the first of 2 races stateside.
With 5 weeks of heavy rains it was extremely muddy, however it had been warm enough to make the swim non wetsuit for the pro's, and i hadn't packed my super speedy blue seventy zero point 3 suit, because of baggage restrictions. So on the start line I was the only pro without a swim skin of some variety. How much advantage they give and how much was psychological I don't know, but I lost far more time than usual. In the end this was to deny me 2nd place.
Onto the bike and I was in my element in the 'British' conditions and I had the 2nd fastest bike split, ahead of guys such a three times world champion Conrad Stoltz, renown as the best biker in Xterra in the US. I used my Cannondale Scalpel, with Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres which proved to be superb in the gloop, with Sundog eyewear keeping it out of my eyes.
Conrad and 2006 World Champion Nico LeBrun entered T2 together in the lead, with Seth Whealing and Dan Hugo together in 3rd and 4th, I was in 5th and had them in my sights and was closing fast.
Onto the 2 lap run I was inspired by my 4th quickest run split in Czech 2 weeks ago and started fast. I could soon see Dan Hugo and knew I was closing on him, I caught him nearing the end of lap 1 and could then see Seth Whealing just ahead of me, and heard that Conrad was in 2nd and fading fast.
On the final descent of lap 2 Seth managed to catch Conrad and nip past in an exciting sprint finish, I couldn't quite bridge the gap in time and ended up in 4th, but with the 2nd fastest run split of the day. If only I had that swim skin.
Sitting in Burlington Airport now at 6 am East Coast time on my Panasonic laptop, about to fly to Colorado for the US Xterra Mountain Championships. Looking forward to catching up with Julie Dibens for her first Xterra of the year, after her very successful weekend this weekend. Next weekend should be very different, starting at 8000ft elevation and getting lots higher, in an epicly hilly course. It's going to hurt!
With 5 weeks of heavy rains it was extremely muddy, however it had been warm enough to make the swim non wetsuit for the pro's, and i hadn't packed my super speedy blue seventy zero point 3 suit, because of baggage restrictions. So on the start line I was the only pro without a swim skin of some variety. How much advantage they give and how much was psychological I don't know, but I lost far more time than usual. In the end this was to deny me 2nd place.
Onto the bike and I was in my element in the 'British' conditions and I had the 2nd fastest bike split, ahead of guys such a three times world champion Conrad Stoltz, renown as the best biker in Xterra in the US. I used my Cannondale Scalpel, with Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres which proved to be superb in the gloop, with Sundog eyewear keeping it out of my eyes.
Conrad and 2006 World Champion Nico LeBrun entered T2 together in the lead, with Seth Whealing and Dan Hugo together in 3rd and 4th, I was in 5th and had them in my sights and was closing fast.
Onto the 2 lap run I was inspired by my 4th quickest run split in Czech 2 weeks ago and started fast. I could soon see Dan Hugo and knew I was closing on him, I caught him nearing the end of lap 1 and could then see Seth Whealing just ahead of me, and heard that Conrad was in 2nd and fading fast.
On the final descent of lap 2 Seth managed to catch Conrad and nip past in an exciting sprint finish, I couldn't quite bridge the gap in time and ended up in 4th, but with the 2nd fastest run split of the day. If only I had that swim skin.
Sitting in Burlington Airport now at 6 am East Coast time on my Panasonic laptop, about to fly to Colorado for the US Xterra Mountain Championships. Looking forward to catching up with Julie Dibens for her first Xterra of the year, after her very successful weekend this weekend. Next weekend should be very different, starting at 8000ft elevation and getting lots higher, in an epicly hilly course. It's going to hurt!
Busy weekends for Squirt.Team rider Stuart Lockyear checked in from the Fowlmead Enduro
Gary Lingard, Matt Webber and myself, all using Squirt lube, won the 3 man team event at the inaugural Fowlmead Enduro 6. Riding in hot, dry and dusty conditions on the fast but technical course every gear shift was spot on...
Squirt also attended the 3rd round of the Merida series Lubing chains (and handing out jelly babies)in a beautiful part of Wales.Well done to all those that finished what turned out to be a tough route in challenging conditions.Look out for us at the next Merida at Selkirk.
Jevan Williams recovered (just about) from his broken arm returns to racing at the Pearce cycles d/hill race series and podiums in 3rd.Well done Jev.
Squirt also attended the 3rd round of the Merida series Lubing chains (and handing out jelly babies)in a beautiful part of Wales.Well done to all those that finished what turned out to be a tough route in challenging conditions.Look out for us at the next Merida at Selkirk.
Jevan Williams recovered (just about) from his broken arm returns to racing at the Pearce cycles d/hill race series and podiums in 3rd.Well done Jev.
