MANCHE ATLANTIC

So writing blogs isnt really my thing but with all the free time after training I thought Id give it a shot. So the past week has been both an emotional and bizarre week in France.

Firstly a very sad day for French Cycling with the passing of Roman Guyot, when hit by a Truck during training last week. Not really a topic one would like to go in to as it usually just ends with cyclist and motorists pointing fingers at one another. But really shocking as one does not expect something like this to happen in France.

This past weekend I raced close to Brittany, a raced called Manche Atlantic, famous for the ammount of spectators on the final hill. Which we would pass 7 times before the final Show-down. As we arrived at the venue we where welcomed with rain & hail. But much to my surprise stopped a few minutes prior to our departure. A Few minutes prior to our departure The Vendèe Team ligned up at the front of the peleton as there was a moment of silence for all to pay their respect to the passing of Roman Guyot.

The race started off nervous as always, 160km of undulating terrein but nothing serious. The break of the day only went after about 80 odd kilometers. Sixty kilometers into the race their was a slight gutter section which ripped the bunch apart, leaving only about 50 riders infornt. Shorty after this acceleration a small break of 4 riders went clear. Resulting in the whole peleton being rejoined.

As we approached the hilly circuite we would be passing seven times the break had over 6minutes with less than 50km to go. No Team was really controling the race which made it quite difficult to follow the right attacks. On the final two laps of the circuite my legs really did not feel great and I was merely surviving to stay in contension with a small reduced peleton left. I finished 51st not really contesting the sprint for the minor placings, 55sec off of the eventual winner Kevin Lebreton.

Training at this moment for the bigger races has been more of a priority than resting for each race weekend after weekend. You win some you lose some. Next up will be Louison Bodet on Saturday and Nantes Segre on Sunday in preperation for GP BUXEROLLES (French Cup) on the 20th of March.