Recovery

It has been relatively frustrating two weeks since the accident in Turku. Not only the accident, but also my missing of the Scandinavian race tour. Admittedly I was on tour in Denmark as a team manager and jack-of-all-trades-guy. After I managed to get through my responsibilities of managing our great team and, most of all, driving with the convoy, I can only respect of the professionals – riders and staff. It was one hell of a job. Either way, we had numerous punctures and some crashes, which meant some work in the car.

I believe our team had a good trip to Denmark. Guys got loads of quality kilometers in big bunch and we had several guys finishing the races (which was target number one). Next year, we shall be stronger and fight more for the positions – ain't that right guys?

This week I've got back on my bike slowly, actually really slowly without slightest exaggeration. Believe it or not, one can ride bike or even Wattbike without the problem of sweating. It only takes some tricks and adjustments.

Here is a list of few:

-Accurately positioned fans

-Shorts without suspenders

-Perfectly cut base layer

-Couple feet of sports tape

-Bunch of Tena Ladies

Despite all, I haven't actually managed to do anything I would count as training. I'd perhaps call it riding bikes. Other than that, I have replanned the season, cleaned my room and other productive stuff (well, more or less). Actually more so, if I leave the hours spent browsing Ebay or other web store aside.

The stitches are to be cut off next week and I can get back to the real stuff. In fact, it is all good.

Another setback

The biggest disappointment hit me yesterday as I had the wound on my pelvis operated and found out that there will be no racing for me in Denmark. Nor will there be training for at least two weeks. We tried to make it ok for racing, but afterall racing now could lead to more serious problems and so on. Despite the disappoinment, I am travelling to Denmark with the guys. My role switched to supportive side.

There is no point in telling what is wrong or went wrong. The wound just got bad, and in all likelyhood it would only get worse by continuing riding.  It was a case of location and bad luck. Better to concentrate on replanning the season from now on.

I think that it has been slighty unlucky spring.

Taking another tumble

Down and out. I'm okay, kind of. My bike is not, definitely not. Well, second time on the line and second time down on tarmac. This time though it was more on the heavier side when it comes to crashing. Nonetheless, the good thing is that after a quick visit to hospital, I was on my way home. After a bit of bike inspection, which – by the way – was depressing, I'm lucky to be at home despite the rashes and aches. My bright yellow Vittoria helmet saved seriously lot, and now I need a new one. People, helmets are for good, and wearing them is also for good.

I've had a good, solid week of training leading up to the finale of the block, which was meant to be the race today at Turku. And as already told, it turned out to be a grande finale with less positive tone. However, I felt pretty good all day leading to the start. In the start, I felt good and the race was on. I rode well and again, felt good. Suddenly, I was down and quite being honest, didn't feel so good any longer. Racing accidents happen, although I hope I've taken mine now.

The major disappointment was the lack of first aid. I note, that I was not really in need of any special attention. The main issue to me was the first aid kit. I and other rider went to ask for first aid, they found a wallet sized kit with practically scissors and plaster. Also, when asked for a location to go, as in a hospital, the answer was along the lines ”Yah, we do have them in the city”.

Yesterday, I stood on the side, whilst there was some bike riding going on in Turku. I did not even plan to ride in the first place, so nothing drastic there. I'm planning to test myself and my ability to ride bikes properly this evening. The crash and disappointment hit me big as I've really been looking forward the races in Denmark and this, by any means, was not the preparation I had planned for. Now I'm asking questions, if my good to ride rather than how is my form. I keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

Taking a tumble

Picking some adjectives to describe the Finnish season opener held in Pori would be nervous, uneasy and disorderly – to say a few. I think I'm safe in stating I was not the only feeling that way. Nonetheless, first race is now done and I hope we have gotten the most fumes out.

The course was easy and weather wasn't a factor either. Those factors combined with the delightfully big pack of riders made a quick race. As an unwanted side it provided some serious crashes and tumbles during the race. We had a plan, which we all agreed upon. It seemed to work quite well, as the team was present in major moves and breakaway attempts. However, due to the aforementioned factors made the formation of a serious break practically impossible and as we went for the last lap, it was pretty much apparent that the race would be decided in a sprint to the line.

I made a smallest of gaps after last roundabout at 80km point, but never got far. Initially, it wasn't meant to be an attempt, but more taking the bunch to speed to avoid attempts. Then it all happened quickly, as it always does. I dropped a few positions into the bunch to recover for a moment and made space for our guys on their way to the very top positions in the bunch. It was touch and go. Myself and dozen others were down testing the tarmac. I survived remarkably unscratched, except my left hip, which took a hit. My walking looks funny and isn't easy for the moment – nothing too bad. And yes, the bike is fine! One guy from IK-32 took a serious hit and was left unconscious after the accident. Luckily, one of our guy, Pete - paramedic, was there and he took professional care of the situation until official race crew was there. Hats off! After all, Jouni came out with a broken jaw. So needless, but could have been a lot worse.

My race was over and I rolled to the finish to hear that we had a podium to begin with. Saku sprinted to third, but wasn't satisfied as: ”I had the legs to win!” Either or, to me there was more positives in our effort, and easy fixes can be found to take another step forward. Personally, I managed my race satisfyingly. Although, a slight disappointment was my missing of the finale – such things happen. My legs weren't nor good or bad, which was good after some hefty week of training. I'm quite happy after all, except my hip hurts and really looking forward for race to come.