Morvélo Test Team

See the other Test Team Riders 
« Back to blog

All pain, no gain

It's been a while since I've updated my blog. As is often the case, too much work, not enough time. It's been fun though, with the new Morvélo range being delivered and sent out to stores and also working on a quick promo video that has got people talking. Still I was directing that one and not riding which is good and bad. I wouldn't liked to have handled those steps at the speed Gareth and Phil were!

Morvelo-rede-everything-youtub

Still a few weeks before that I'd done an MTB race which, despite the glorious autumnal day, I suffered major mechanicals, which, I hold my hands up too, are down to my own ineptitude. So it was that I was very much looking forward to the cross race on yet another dry day in London. This time there were over 180 of us! So, with my usual midfield start I tried my best to pick my way through. Gareth (the guy in pink in the video) had made his usual fast start and wasn't to be seen again. Fellow KMP rider Phil (the guy in Yellow in the video) stuck with me. Isn't he nice.

Hillingdon_cross

As you can see from the picture, even at this early point I was blowing out my arse. The pace was furious and due to the dry conditions, unrelenting. I felt I was full gas ALL the time. Even in cross races I normally find some time to recover. Phil early on became tired of hanging behind his Directuer Sportif so sped past. The gap he gained in such a short time was a double edged sword. Great to see him going so well again. Painful for me to try and reel him back.

Needless to say I didn't. Check the face.

Hillingdon_cross_2

Hurting. A lot! I nestled into a small group of four and spent the next 45 mins dangling off the back and somehow just working my way back. I refused to be dropped despite the searing pain all over. It really was like an off road crit with pacelines developing on the straights. Fun. In hindsight.

Still I stuck it out and tried to make a few moves towards the end just pipping a Sigma rider over the line for 39th. 39th! Only last year I could do top 15 and I'm sure I haven't got that slow, that quick. Where are all these fast riders coming from? Time for me to take a word of advice from the Morvelo Arm Warmers - T.T.F.U (Toughen The Fuck Up)

Hillingdon_cross_3

Photos courtesy of Cross Crazy

Posted by Morvélo