May Went By Really Fast

So much has happened in the last few weeks, so I guess you are lucky to get the short version?!? The last news was that I was going off to Holland, it was unreal and a great insight into Pro team racing.Of course I incurred the mandatory crash wounds too. I stayed with Australian Josie Tomic and her Team Flexpoint, who were kind enough to let me tag along for the weekend. They are such a professional outfit and an obvious difference to my small club team. Everything was done 100%, so organised and with such talented riders, it inspired me to take my racing to a higher level.

Since my return I have a different perspective and am aiming higher. I have been training harder and to a structured program. I won two of the Championship of Flanders Series (KVV), the first at Passendale and last weekend at Heusden-Zolder. It was quite the novelty at the presentation, when the announcement came over that I had caught the train for 3hrs to get to the race, crazy Australians! In the breakaway group there were about 11 riders, with 2 each from Lotte, AA Drink and Plaatland. In the final metres it was down to me and the Belgian Champion, Ilse Geldhof, who has also become a great friend of mine too.

• I have sent a collection of photos to give you an idea of Belgium. The guy in the blue jacket is the race marshals you see at every race. As the photographer and now great friend, Olivier, says, they is always some old guy with old-school cycling jackets on and have this amazing passion for the sport. http://users.skynet.be/nomadic/
• Ronny, my crazy housemate!!!
• Emma Johansson and Martin Vesby at the BBQ
• Brussels, naar market square.
• My new TT helmet?
• The field is more of a scene before the crops have begun to grow, but a common sight a few months ago.
• hmmm not sure if the other photos made it in the attachments?? let me know? Hopefully more cool shots to follow! Got a dream?

Make it a reality

Stop Press

But wait, there's more! Today I spoke with Warren the Australian National Team Coach to discuss the racing in France an Italy. But he also gave me more news.... In addition to the racing with the development squad race* at Limousine and Carnevale I will also be racing with the main Australian Team, so the schedule is jam packed now:

*July 19: GP Carnevale d'Europa, UCI 1.2 ITA
*July 24-27 Tour Féminin en Limousin UCI 2.2 FRA
+ Aug 3rd: Sparkassen Giro, UCI 1.1 GER
Aug 10th: Holland Hills Classic, UCI 1.2 NED
Aug 24th: GP de Plouay-Bretagne WORLD CUP, FRA
Aug 26-30th: Trophée d'Or Féminin, UCI 2.2 FRA

If there was anything I could ever have wished for in my first trip to Europe, then it has all been answered! It definitely says that hard work, patience and commitment to your dreams will eventually pay dividends. When you think, just 6 months ago I was changing my sweat-drenched pants after working in an UG gold mine in Outback NSW..... I have to do a double-take to realise how far I've come. Of course its never been done alone, its always great to know you have so many people supporting you from back home- I always wear my Illawarra club gloves racing, so I'm riding with you all in my mind :-) So I guess that means I won't be back til about Sept 1st.... i better go change my flights!