First races in Finland

It's been a while once again. Since the last update there has been events more or less worth mentioning. Say ain't so. Some time trialling, some road racing, good quality training and even some golf. And oh, I moved back to Finland!

Here I've started now four times since my move. I've been racing solidly (quite like), but nothing spectacular hasn't happened, unless one counts my appearance in the NC road race as spectacular... Anyway, one weekend consisted of Lousku TT and Porvoon ajot – it was good one trainingwise as I achieved exactly the outcome I was hoping for. Last weekend was the nationals. In time trial I had bit of problems with the tyres and even more so with my body. It was one of those days that nothing seems to work and yet you keep pushing. However, I've learnt from it and it is all good. On sunday morning I started in the NC road race, had problems with my saddle, crashed, survived, got back on my bike, chased the bunch, never got back to the bunch and then decided to come out of the race. Albeit, my form was okay, different problems hindered my performances. Life is... (add the first word that comes to your mind). Anyway, sincere congratulations to the winners and medalists!

The reason behind the mediocre performances is in the training phase. We just started to lift up the intensity as planned. Now after some days of good quality intense training I feel that it starts to come together well. The program has been set and it looks pretty, yet tough. Once I get through this cycle of training and recover from it – the form should be alright if not good.

One view of time trialling.

So there I was on the start line with bunch of good guys on Saturday and Sunday in the remaining BUCS champs. Results were not the thing last weekend, but more to get used to bunch riding and get some really tough training to close the block up. Outcome was perfect: on Sunday night I was kind of standing my left leg in a grave. Both courses were really tough ones and nor did any of the guys make it easy for me, even if I asked kindly for them to slow down or wait for me. I got dropped on both days, but then again – no expectations except good training – so no harm done there.

The racing in a bunch triggered some thoughts on my own views of cycling and some realizations. Some could argue that had I won or done very well in either of the races, my views would be different. Maybe, but I don't think so.

Yet I had good time doing the bunch races, but I didn't feel the same way as if doing time trials or track pursuits. Whilst time trialling I barely think at all, I just go for it. I stare at the power meter and push the pedals, endlessly. Similarly in pursuiting, once I put the funny looking helmet on, I'm on it - fully committed, I'm in my office in my kind of comfort zone. Some people have claimed, that the sport is for the stupids – ride for certain distance as fast as you can, too simple. I've also heard that time trialling is for people too afraid to ride with others. The thing in TT efforts is that I'm in control of whatever happens, and there is no excuses to my own performance, with the exception of bad luck. Obtaining the control is one of the hardest things in cycling. There comes also the name 'race of truth' that is sometimes used to describe time trials – as no less than every time the strongest rider of the day wins, that is the real deal for me. It is the simplicity and complexity of it all – going controlled in flat out manner. I love what I do, and that's good for me.

Now then, don't get me wrong, I have a huge respect for road racers (note: same applies to bunch races on track). But I just don't get the same feeling and commitment in bunch races. I guess that the major thing affecting me is the uncontrollability. I can't control others unless I can out ride everyone else by a margin, which never happens. People attacking, chasing, tactics – taking the control of situation and me trying to react to them – they are all beauties of road racing. But, I just can't obtain that all, in the same way some other people can't obtain the needs of time trialling.

One way or another; most importantly – Warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does. So, whatever discipline may be that you love, keep on it. For me it is time trialling and pursuiting.