It has been a long and eventful season and I thought it would be great to write about the ups and downs before the next one begins.
My season usually begins in November/December, which is when I get my base miles in and some strength and conditioning work done. I had a really good build up to the beginning of the year and was looking forward to racing long and hard. The first half of the season was almost non-existent as 'the crash' had put me out for about 15 weeks. It was a hard pill to swallow especially when all the hard pre season work and effort seems to have gone to waste.
What made it worse was this season was suppose to be one where I focus entirely on racing, having graduated in November last year. Well, c'est la vie! Nonetheless, I took it as a REALLY good break from cycling.
I came back training in late June after I was cleared by the physio and doctors. I was still on medication but could start training again. I took part in the National Road Cycling Championships with no form at all, but was just there to fill the gap and help my team mates. I got into an early break and was suffering most of the way. It was good as I get to feel what it was like to race again. The race really woke me up and reminded me that I was in crap shape, and it gave me motivation to train hard again.
Me getting feeding while in the breakaway with Danny Feng.
I worked hard towards the next half of the season, and the first race was in August; Tour de East Java in Indonesia. I knew I have little time to train, so I have to work smart and make the most of what I can do. I didn't have really good form going into the races, not finishing the Tour of East Java and Hokkaido. It was not easy getting back into racing mode and fitness after laying off for so long. However, they were good experiences and gave me more confidence to ride in the peleton again. It is not just about the fitness but racing smart and knowing the race is as important, and this usually comes along with experience and more racing.
In between races, while in Singapore, I did more specific workouts like motorpacing, including some uphill ones to get back those racing legs. Our final races were the Tour of Brunei, in which we secured the KOM Jersey, and Perlis Open. It was a nice to have finally felt like I was getting 'somewhere' and have at least some form, so I know what to work on for next season.
The second half of the season also involve racing with some new team mates. It was an absolute pleasure to race alongside Maxime from France and Bas from Thailand. Both great riders and really nice guys. I also did some races with Haidar and Sea Keong and learn lots from them!
With Bas at East Java.
With Max at Hokkaido.
After the UCI races with the team, I did a couple of small races and had some good results for myself. They include the Desaru Long D triathlon relay and IPOH KOM races. These 'results' are not just about placing 1st, 2nd or whatever, but they mean achieving personal goals that I have set out for myself since I started training in June. I felt more comfortable on the bike, generating more consistent threshold power, climbing more fluidly and comfortably etc. These small achievements make me believe that hardwork does pay off, and will spur me on to work even harder for next season.
Winning team: Raphael and Sky at Desaru.
IPOH KOM: Lost out to Taiwanese rider Fancy, who broke away really early into the race.
It was really great to be able to travel around to new countries to race, and meet new people and experience new cultures. This season was filled with highs and lows, but I am glad that it ended on a pretty good note.
I had a good break and off-season from mid-october to mid-november, and went for a nice holiday with Sarah to Taiwan. I will write about my Taiwan trip soon=). Now it is time to pull up my socks and burn more rubber to get my fitness up. In the meantime, it is also time to sort out all the problems I have with my body. Apparently, the fall I had earlier this year still nags me with a torn tendon and sore/swollen shoulder. I also have some issues with my left lower back. Hope to get all this sorted out and start some pre-season racing in December.
Time to FOCUS.
