Since my last blog I recovered enough fitness to have made
it to Belgium to race for CT2020. It has been a 5 week experience which is both amazing and intense
and I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and particularly watching my form improve,
but as the season comes to a close I can look back content with what I have achieved this year and look
forward to the things to come next season.
But first I would like to start by thanking Dave Rayner fund
for their support along with CT2020 and particularly Spirit Bikes who I raced
for and who supported me whilst I was at University.
Racing in Belgium for CT2020 has been a big eye opener into
what needs to improve in the UK race scene and why it is an amazing opportunity
to go abroad and race. I can’t wait return to Europe next year for the whole
season.
Over the 5 weeks I have been able to participate in 2 stage
races; The Tour of East Flanders and Giro Ciclistico del Friuli (Italy), along
with lots of 1 day Interclubs and a few kermesses on the side.
Being a climber the Giro Ciclistico del Friuli was a good
test for me to see how I faired against some good Italian climbers and I didn’t
embarrass myself. However a crash on a descent on the second stage lost me a
lot of time and made a high GC finish impossible, although I was disappointed I
could take a lot of positives out of the race, which I hope to build on for
next season. The Team Manager was happy with mine and the team’s performance so
I hope to do more hilly races further afield next season.