11

41 Days Left

41 days left. As I write this blog I have just 41 days until I hit the big four zero. It seemed such a long way off when I arrived at the top of Mont Ventoux at the end of the 2009 etape du tour, but now it’s just over a month away. I’m not usually one to get “hung up” about my age. I barely noticed turning 30, but for some reason 40 just seems really old to me! Luckily for me cycling is one sport where age is not much of a barrier.

On the start line of last year’s etape there were a large number of over 60 year olds (well that’s what I judged them to be). Many of them appeared to have no problem in producing a faster time than I managed. This makes me feel a whole lot happier. I still want to be completing these challenges for many years to come and I’d like to think that I could continue to improve on my performances for a few more years yet.

The good thing about predominantly being a sportive rider is that I can just challenge my own ability on any given event. I have set myself some tough targets as far as finishing times are concerned, but at the end of the day, if I don’t achieve these targets, I’m the only person who will be disappointed. I think that this is what makes sportive riding so popular. The pressure is largely “off” and relaxed and this encourages a pleasant and cordial atmosphere between competitors. The detractors of this type of event will argue that the lack of competitive edge means that riding sportives is a bit of a “cop out” but I disagree.

I love competing in road races. The thrill of riding in a fast moving bunch (assuming I’ve managed to not get dropped) is exhilarating. If I’ve summoned the energy for an attack, or even better get into a break then the feeling is fantastic, but there is never any time to enjoy the moment. It’s pure adrenaline. The more relaxed atmosphere of a well organised sportive is a real treat. Couple that with the sense of achievement upon the completion of the event and often the stunning scenery on the way round and it’s Good Times AL!

Whatever your level of ability from elite professional to complete novice I recommend that you ride a sportive this season. I’ll guarantee, at the very least, you’ll have a cracking day out!

Until next time, when I’ll be considerably closer to 40, ride safe

Rich

10

Structure=Positive Effect!

Hello again. Well that’s January out the way. Judging by the Facebook and Twitter comments most of us cyclists are pretty fed up with the weather interrupting our early season base mileage progress. There have been pockets of good cycling conditions and if you were lucky enough to have been off work on these days then your training will not have suffered too badly. I’ve managed a couple of longish rides in the New Forest and supplemented that with a good selection of track and turbo sessions.

I’ve found that making these sessions more structured is having a very positive effect. On the track our coach is keen to stress the impact and focus of each drill and exercise we are doing, whilst on the turbo, I’ve been using a coach based program that does much the same. I’m finding that this means that I can make a large majority of my training sessions really count. Previously I think I’ve wasted many sessions by not having a target. With time being my largest constraint to training it’s important to make every session valuable.

The pro riders meanwhile have no such hassles. A large majority of them were racing in Qatar last week. The last couple of winners of this very flat six day race have been sprinters so it was really refreshing to see a two man break stay away on the second road stage and gain enough time to not be caught for the rest of the race. I’m not sure what odds you could have got on Wouter Mol from 2nd string outfit Vacansoleil taking the overall victory, but I sure they were a lot longer than it being Tom Boonen or Tyler Farar.

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9

Cycle Season Has Started!

Hello everyone. The cycle season has officially started! The days of taking the first race steady and easing yourself gently into the season are behind us it appears. Many of the pro tour teams fielded strong squads in the season opening Tour Down Under. Caisse D’Epargne were virtually at full strength and their top riders were not hiding. The Spanish outfit were looking for the win with Luis Leon-Shanchez and he was being ably assisted by his team leader Valverde.

The battle over Woolunga Hill with World Champion and local favourite Cadel Evans was the highlight of the weeklong tour for me. British based Team Sky had a largely impressive debut. Greg Henderson and Chris Sutton were always in the mix for stage wins in the sprints. They were thwarted on most occasions by Columbia’s ultra impressive Andrei Greipel who took a hat full of stage wins and the overall. It was Evans’ performance for his new BMC team that I was most impressed with.

I have often been critical of the Australian in the past. I believe that he has often failed to grasp every opportunity to attack and has suffered because of it. However credit is deserved for his attacking style in his “home” race. Ironically I would not have criticised him for “keeping his powder dry” in January given that his main goals will be 3 week stage races in May and July but he gave it his very best shot and was not far away from securing an unexpected victory.

Next stop for the pro tour will be Qatar. This is bound to be a sprint fest, with only the nasty winds likely to break the peloton up. Cavendish will be out with a dental issue, but there will be plenty of fast finishers queuing up to take advantage of his absence.

My own progress continues to improve. My now regular track and specific turbo sessions are now being complemented with some longer rides in the New Forest. I’m starting to get to grips with the track. My Focus Pista is contributing hugely to my enjoyment indoor training.

I’m starting to master the art of holding a tight line around the bottom of the track and my confidence is growing with each visit. I’m lucky enough to have been able to join in the “Wiggle Sessions” at Calshot and “TrackyMalc” has really been putting everyone through their paces.

Back on the road thankfully the snow and ice have thawed. Only just in February there will always be a chance that we will experience another cold snap or two, but fingers crossed it will stay away long enough for me to build a solid base. I’m lucky enough to be able to get onto the New Forest within minutes.

The roads are quiet, but the terrain is not very challenging. In the next few weeks I hope to get across to the Meon Valley where there are more undulating routes to test yourself on. Who knows? I may even pop into Wiggle Towers. See if I can blag myself a cup of tea!

8

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that you all had a good festive period and that Santa managed to find you that obscure item of cycling necessity you requested.

I love Xmas morning, just after the little Carters have finished opening their presents, when I’m opening the multi tool or overshoes or cadence attachment for my “Garmin”. My joy is matched by apparent bemusement of all those around me. I can see them all thinking “if that’s what floats his boat”. By the afternoon most people have given up asking “what did you get Richard?” and have moved onto Wii Fit to burn off the calories.

Today I have been to my nutritionist for the first visit of 2010. I’m pleased to report that all measurements are moving in the right direction and I’m back on track to achieve my power/weight targets by the time the Sportive season is really upon us. I have almost addressed the hydration issue that was threatening to halt my progress so there was good news on all fronts. I’ve got to continue with this progress now. I’m back to the nutritionist in six weeks so I’ll keep you posted on how I get on.

Like most people the snow at the start of the year has forced me inside to train. A mixture of Turbo and Track has kept my motivation high and my fitness levels haven’t suffered too badly. I’m glad to see the back of the sub-zero temperatures now though and have been back out into the New Forest to catch up on some base mileage. My dhb windproof jacket and overshoes have been a “god send”. Having top quality thermal protection is really important and I’ve been really comfortable on even the coldest days. Impressed with DHB quality, Mrs Carter has made a first cycling purchase. She has some very attractive dhb R1 pink and grey ladies road shoes so that she can share in the joys of winter Turbo training.

The pro tour ranks have no such barriers! Most of them have flown south, like swallows, to avoid the inclement weather. I see Team Sky bolted for Valencia following a swanky, but very cold launch in London. Although I think that the weather in Spain was “unseasonal” as well. Further afield, the teams, new and old, of the pro tour are assembling in Adelaide for the “Tour Down Under” Armstrong and his Radioshack team are making their debut along with the inaugural outing of the British backed Team Sky. Both teams looked to have scored early success.

The Team Sky boys gave early intention to challenge Columbia Highroad for the best lead out train. In the Adelaide city centre circuit race that precedes the Tour the antipodean chapter of Brailsford’s boys looked well drilled and organised with Greg Henderson scoring a victory that could just have easily gone to his team mate Chris Sutton. With Mark Renshaw sidelined and George Hincapie gone, Mark Cavendish may well be thinking that things might not be so easy this season in the sprints as it has been in the last two. Robbie McKewen looked anything but finished in the final 100 metres in Adelaide. He’s back from a wretched 2009 and looked eager to make up for lost time. All this makes for a very exiting 2010. I can’t wait!

More next time,
Keep Warm, ride safe!

7

Looking For Alternatives

With the weather appalling for riding outside, I’ve been looking for alternatives to kick start my 2010 plans. I mentioned last time that Wiggle have loaned me a fantastic Focus Izalco Pista track bike and that I live less than 15 minutes drive away from the indoor Veledrome at Calshot. So I arranged an hours session to re familiarise myself with track riding and hone my skills with a view to a more regular programme.

Calshot allows you to ride alone on the track as long as you have a non riding partner present at all times (presumably to fetch help should things go wrong). I enlisted the help of my Dad for chaperone duties and took to the boards. The Calshot veledrome is a tighter track than those at Newport or Manchester, the 45 degree bends are no steeper but the fact that the track is only 145 metres long makes controlling your line at speed more of an effort.

In the past I have been nervous of the track, but what a difference a quality machine makes. I found myself relaxing into each bend with increasing confidence and was soon able to hold a steady line. I had an enjoyable hour and could really “feel the ride in my legs” afterwards. A few days later I had an excellent opportunity to return with a couple of friends and once again found the bike an absolute dream. I’m looking forward to riding at the track regularly throughout the winter both on my own and in a group. It will certainly compliment my training programme as I work towards my goals in 2010.

A visit to my nutritionist in early December confirmed that I had not been adhering to the healthy eating standards that I have set for myself. I was not shocked but I was disappointed with myself and am now “back on the wagon”. I can no longer play the ignorance card where nutrition is concerned. I know exactly what works for me and how to execute it, but willpower is another demon! I wrestle with the “go on have a beer” chimp a lot more in the Autumn for some reason and if you lose that fight the “eat what you want today mate, you can start on Monday” chimp already has you in a head lock.

The basic facts are though that many of the sportives I want to do well in next year involve some challenging climbing. If I’m to achieve the best results I need to be leaner. I did learn that I’m not so good at hydration as I think I am. At the suggestion of my nutritionist I began to chart my water intake on a daily basis and found that on some days I was falling a long way short. I have sorted that out now so hopefully when I return in January, things (measurements) will be moving in the right direction.

Thoughts are firmly fixed on next season for everyone now. Bradley Wiggins has finally signed up for Team Sky. Ben Swift hasn’t (or has he?). I do hope that cycling doesn’t go all “football” on us and become a mess of transfer gossip and turmoil. At the end of the day the riders want to be the best that they can be and get paid the most that they can do for their efforts. They have a short time span to do this in so they have to take every opportunity. Obviously contracts have to be signed and an element of protection needs to be in place for both rider and team, but let’s not get this confused with loyalty please. If we’re not careful we’ll have riders crossing the line kissing their team badge!

I’m looking forward to seeing the season kick off in late January. I think that 2010 will be a very exciting year for the cycling World. Let’s get Xmas over first though.

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. Ride safely and upright.
Rich

6

Soap Box Session.

I’m going to jump straight on my soap box this time.

What’s all the fuss about regarding the potential removal of the individual pursuit from the Olympic track programme? I’ve seen all sorts of campaigns in Facebook and Twitter ready to petition the UCI and the IOC in an attempt to influence the decision making process. What’s going on people?

Track cycling is a fantastic sport. It’s exciting, requires great skill and endurance and also many hours of dedication by athletes and coaches to achieve greatness. However it’s not the only sport out there.
The IOC took the decision before the Athens games to have 10 Gold medals available to track cycling. It’s not a new stance. If the UCI want to even the amount of medals available to men and women, then changes have to be made. It’s so negative and unfortunately typical of many British cyclists to “whinge” in the way that we have responded. Why wasn’t there this amount of uproar when the number of medals on offer was reduced from 12 in Sydney to 10 in Athens? The answer is simple.

It’s because we weren’t going to potentially loose out on any at that stage. Now we are a force to be reckoned with, we want it all our own way, it’s pathetic. When the kilometre time trial was removed from the Olympic programme in 2008, Chris Hoy responded by working extremely hard at the events that were included. Sure he’d of loved to add the kilo to them, but he just got on with the job. Why can’t we follow his lead? If the omnium is the event that will be included. Why don’t we initiate a programme to find the capable athletes and win that? After all don’t we have the best academies and coaches in the World?

Unfortunately it’s exactly this self centred attitude that prevents cycling in the UK from becoming widely accepted as a main stream sport. When potential participants are introduced to our sport, they are often met with jobsworth timekeepers and “clicky” little groups that are most unwelcoming. We need to look at the “bigger picture” and learn to embrace change. Why have sportives become so popular? It’s because there’s no need to have to endure that first encounter with the guy who tells you that your socks are the wrong colour or length. There’s no need to work hard to break down the barriers erected by years of tradition. You can just turn up and do the thing that you love. Riding your bike!

I’m back off the box now!

Like most people who are not blessed with the luxury of training away from the UK I’ve been finding it difficult to get out on the bike much. This has meant a return to the garage and the turbo. Most people I know hate them, but I find that if you can find ways to relieve the boredom, they’re not too bad. I’ve taken to watching a DVD while spinning away. I don’t usually get much time to watch films so it’s been a good excuse to catch up on a few.

I do raise the eyebrows of Mrs Carter’s friends when she tells them that I’ve been cycling in the garage for 2 hours. I think it conjures images of a madman riding around in small circles. I’m also about to return to the velodrome at Calshot. It’s no more than 15 minutes from my house, but in the last couple of years I’ve not used the facility. I’m a nervous track rider, but I’m determined to conquer my fears. I actually love riding on the track. However my lack of skills contribute to my nervousness. The wonderful guys at Wiggle have loaned me a Focus Izalco Pista track bike which looks the “berries” so I’m keen to get down there and start. I’ll let you know how it goes in my next post.

The bad weather is not inspiring me much to follow the healthy eating plan that my nutritionist has prescribed. I know what I have to do, but grey rainy days often leave me needing a “pick-me-up”. I’m back to visit the nutritionist in two days time. I have made improvements, but I’m not as far along the progress line as I’d like. I am taking heart from the fact that I’m still in a lot better shape than at this time last year.

Once this weather is a little more settled I’ll be back out on the roads of the New Forest getting some base miles in. Back soon, stay safe and dry!

5

Taking Advantage Of The Spanish Sun

Last week I went to Southern Spain for a family Holiday. I decided to get my Kiron Scandium posted out there so that I could take advantage of the warm weather. When my bike arrived the kind folks at Wiggle had added some of the new Me2 components for me to test. As I assembled the bike it certainly looked the part.

The new saddle, stem and bars were all white and gave the bike a distinctly “European” look. I was soon out in the Andalucía hills putting the Scandium through its paces. Actually the truth is that the Andalucía hills were putting me through my paces. I had travelled to the area before, but had never had a bike to explore. 5 minutes away from the apartment and I was in the 39/23 and I wouldn’t be getting out of it for half an hour. I was beginning to regret my slack attitude towards my diet that had set in post Etape.

As I climbed higher and higher above sea level the views were spectacular and the Kiron was a joy to ride. It had been a comfortable bike throughout last winter, but with the new stem, bars and, surprisingly, saddle it was a joy. I’m usually very particular about my seat and use a brand that had stood me in good comfort for a few years now. However the Me2 performed just as well, causing no discomfort after 2 hours serious climbing. I could have ridden all day. That would’ve upset Mrs Carter and the rest of the family though so I restricted myself to a couple of hours each day. I’m really looking forward to trying the 2010 Kiron range. They look good and I know they’re going to be so comfortable to ride.

One thing that was extremely noticeable was the attitude of the Spanish car drivers towards cyclists. They are a lot more sympathetic. As I approached roundabouts, drivers would stop a let me ride round, before moving. They also wait behind you as you approach junctions rather than overtake you then jam their brakes on as they do in Britain. It makes for a lot more enjoyable riding.

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4

My thoughts continued

My decision to visit the cycle show in London last weekend turned out to be a good one. Although many of the exhibitors looked tired from shows in Germany and Las Vegas, much of the product on show looked fresh and exciting. Appearances from Alberto Contador. Eddy Merckx and Magnus Backstead added to the excitement on the day that I visited. The current Tour de France champion looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights, surrounded by a large crowd of media and members of the public all trying to get a “piece” of the diminutive Spaniard. By comparison the 5 times tour winner Merckx looked to be taking it all in his stride. I do end up feeling sorry for these poor guys paraded by sponsors like performing animals. Obviously they are entitled to their “moneys worth” of publicity, but there has to be a better way I think.

I recently had the good fortune to be part of a “sponsors” ride. I had a ball riding in my local area alongside professional cyclists. The problem was that most of the 100 or so lucky riders and media taking part wanted to talk to one particular individual. I couldn’t blame him for looking a bit “grumpy” and harassed. He’s a professional athlete not a dancing bear. Again, there has to be a better way!

Back at the show, I had a great time chatting with the guys on the Wiggle stand about the exciting year ahead as part of Team Kiron. I also managed to catch up with Lou Lousadi who’s the superb organiser of the now titled KironDragon ride. I’m really looking forward to a duel with the Rhigos on my Rhigos in June.
In the pro peleton it’s been a fantastic 7 days for Silence Lotto’s Phillipe Gilbert. After victories in Paris-Tours and Giro Lombardia, the Belgian has really turned a season round for a team that couldn’t “buy” a victory in the spring. Now they have 2 classics wins and the Rainbow Jersey. I’m particularly pleased for Gilbert.

He appears to be a really nice guy and his attacking style is always entertaining. Now that all the racing is over for the 2009 season, the teams for 2010 will start to take shape. There’s a couple of new teams in the pro tour next year. Team RadioShack and Lance Armstrong will definitely cause the biggest “stir”. I’ve mentioned Team Sky before, but it will be great to have a British based team to follow next year.

Autumn is well and truly here. Fortunately the weather has not been too bad. I’ve learned a couple of valuable lessons this week though. Firstly, the importance of performing a pre-ride check of your bike. The lack of which came back to haunt a friend of mine whilst we were out riding last weekend. After 2 hours of riding he looked very fatigued. I had begun to worry about his ability to make it home and offered to swap his steel frame winter hack bike for my carbon steed. As I took his bike to carry on I could barely roll it. It turned out that his rear brake had been rubbing against the rim most of the way! No wonder the poor guy was struggling.

The second lesson learned was the importance of having good lights whilst riding in the dark. I’ve started going out for a regular evening ride and having the Exposure Maxx Joystick has been a “god send”. It’s nice to get onto the quiet roads of the New Forest to avoid the traffic, but with the quieter roads comes other hazards. Lack of street lighting coupled with the Forest wildlife certainly keeps you “on your toes”. Mrs Carter is a tad apprehensive about me riding in the dark. With a good friendly, even paced group though it’s been really enjoyable.

Next week I’ll be returning to see my nutritionist. I’ve mixed emotions about it as I know that I’ve neglected some of the good habits I had established earlier this year and slipped back into some of the bad ones. On a positive note I know that with regular visits to see her I can get back on track. I find it hard, especially at this time of year to adhere to a sensible diet. Mrs Carter’s cooking is legendary and with plenty of cracking looking cakes and biscuits around the house temptation is never far away. The trouble will be trying to haul those muffins up the Bwlch, Rhigos, Glandon, Telegraphe and Alpe D’Huez next year. Moderation is apparently the key! I’ll let you know how I get on.

3

My thoughts continued

I’ve been forced to move swiftly this week, to deny rumours that the reason I have chosen to ride Sportives next year is because that, from April, I can officially race as a veteran. I will be taking Sportive riding as seriously as any road races, but I won’t be following in the footsteps of one individual spotted in a Kent Sportive last weekend wearing a skin suit.

As the Road Racing season comes to a close, with only a few major races left, thoughts turn to other disciplines. Cyclocross and track are the usual favourites for those wishing to maintain their riding through the winter. Both Cross and Track expose my poor bike handling skills terribly so typically I’ll chose to spend the winter on the turbo. This year though I’m hoping to improve my track skills and I’m hoping that a few rides on my Focus Raven hard tail will see an improvement in an area I really must concentrate on.

Among the stories to catch my eye this week has been the Issue of 2-way radio use in the peleton. The UCI seem to want to eradicate their use while the riders and team management are very keen to use them. This will only mean one thing of course. They’ll have a big old “tear up” in the weeks prior to the first race. They’ll be a boring stand off between the 2 parties which may include a “slow ride” and the only ones to loose out will most likely be the watching public. I can’t see why the UCI have got such an issue. Sure, back in the day when there were no radios, the racing was often exciting but everyone evolves with technology and people develop different skills. Look how much impact a decent director sportive can have on a race now.

Whilst the UCI appear to have created one “yawn fest” situation with the radio issue, they may have saved us another one. By looking to remove the 4km Individual Pursuit from the Olympic cycling programme, the threatening tedious questioning of weather Bradley Wiggins would defend his Olympic title or concentrate on the Tour de France in 2012 could have been removed. I also applaud their desire to remove the Madison and Points races. The Madison is a true test of skill and endurance for the riders, but does nothing for my cause when trying to convince Mrs Carter that cycle racing is exciting and not confusing. The fact that both races are not often won by the person crossing the line first can make the anti-climax confusing.
My training has gone well this week. I’ve used the lovely weather to get some base miles in. By far the “sweetest” ride of the week was a Sunday morning 2 hour ride in the New Forest with a friend. What made the ride pleasurable wasn’t the lovely brisk morning, or the chance to catch up with my pal who I hadn’t ridden with for some time. The satisfaction came from the cunning skill and engineering that created the 2 hour time slot. Both of us have families and time is precious at weekends. So many texts and other messages were passed backwards and forward and many good turns for our “significant others” were carried out in return for 2 hours of fantastic riding. If you’ have a partner who does not enjoy cycling then you will know where I am coming from. One day someone will be brave enough to write an article on the “just popping out for a cheeky 2 hours love” ride.
We even managed to ride past a few triathletes who were competing in a local event, struggling to cope with an uphill section of the ride course on TT specific machines.

I’ve eventually decided to visit the Cycle Show in London rather than take part in a New Forest sportive next weekend. I did fancy rounding the year off on familiar roads, but the lure of shiny new bike kit and the chance to catch up with some friends won the day. For now I’m going to concentrate on preparing for next year. With many Kiron supported events to focus on there’s going to be plenty to keep me occupied.

2

My thoughts continued…

The last week has been a fantastic week for cycling. The World Championships are not exactly the pinnacle of the season, but they are often high on the priority list of quality riders wanting to add the rainbow stripes to their palmeras. The World Championships are also the only chance, outside the Olympics, that we, the cycling fans, have to support our country. We have allegiance to the riders from our country, but not necessarily the teams they ride for. This will change even more next year when we’ll have allegiance to a team from our country (presumably) but not necessarily the riders from that team. There may be mixed feelings if, for instance, Edwald Boassan Hagen, riding for the British Sky team were to out sprint Mark Cavendish, riding for the American backed Columbia HTC squad. The World Championships in Mendrisio will not be fondly remembered by the British Cycling fans. The U23 lads performed well both in TT and Road race, but the performances that we are becoming used to seeing by our senior squads were disappointing.
Bradley Wiggins brake problem was unlucky in the TT. He said that as he approached the summit of the climb he felt his rear brake jam on. I thought that was funny as I always feel like that at the top of a climb. Even in a brake free environment Bradley would have needed either a superhuman effort or a Honda Fireblade to catch the winner Fabian Cancellara. I actually had “goose bumps” watching the master class in TT handed out by the home favourite. Mr Wiggins still had enough humour left though to have a “twitter based” pop at some of the British Cycling media that evening.

Nicole Cooke was not having a good day in the Women’s Road race. The defending champion was the subject of a “did she fall or didn’t she fall” saga. Again most of this was played out on the ever growing popular social networking site Twitter. Weather Cooke fell or not mattered not as the responsibility of British success fell to Emma Pooley. The tiny TT specialist worked very hard to break clear from the lead group as she, by her own admission, has no sprint finish. The rest of the group were too strong and Pooley is now far too respected to be allowed any gap and all her hard work was in vain.

The finish to the men’s Road race was very exciting. After a mammoth 17.5 laps of the circuit the real contenders began to show themselves. It appeared that a break of 22 riders had ridden clear and the race would be settled between them (Sean Kelly certainly thought so). Cancellara had other ideas. The super strong Swiss machine powered across the 90 second gap within half a lap and tried to break the rest of the bunch who had “hopped onto his train”. Unfortunately his brave move didn’t work and Cadel Evans broke clear in the last 5km to earn a popular victory. Evan’s victory had many people calling for those who have accused him of being defensive to eat their words. I actually thought that the stroppy Australian had simply completed the finest “wheel suck” of all time when he latched onto Cancellara’s attack and then, while the rest of the “pretenders” waited for another burst from “Swiss Tony”, Evans sneaked off down the road. Just my opinion, but that’s how I saw it. I’m just waiting to see how many bodyguards Evans needs now he’s World Champion.

My own riding has been improving this week. I’ve actually named this week. Pigs and Cappuccino as many of my rides have encountered both. The weather has been fantastic and unusually coincided with me having some time off work so I’ve really taken advantage. I’m attempting to build the long range base that I will need for next year’s Sportives. I have a dilemma though. There is a local 100km sportive that unfortunately clashes with my only chance to visit the Cycle Show in London. I can’t decide which to do. I’m off to do some more Pig spotting now, but, on advice from my nutritionist, need to switch my coffee for green tea.