Robert Winder

After a long winter off its finally time for the “announcements” - not like you need a drum roll - or its even secret anymore.

I announced in September or October last year that Mex was going to ride for new outfit, Code 3.  Well she didn’t.  A bump too many on the road to signing the “pro” contract, (give without the get is a bit harsh).  So she traded the need for racing less with the ability to race as much as she wanted.  Its a long story, but worth asking about next time you’re in a 4-corner crit with her.  The good news is that Mex found a spot on the team with the blue spots, fantastic for her to get the kind of validation that she is good enough to race on a strong team.  Anyway, it was fun during all the shenanigans in October - January.

Metromint have surely got the most prolific recruitment process in the amateur ranks, at least on the womens side.  (I hear the men have it a bit easier, but should at least make sure they know when the bell lap is! :))  Anyway, I have been impressed by the whole team ethos and set-up; they’re dedicated to the cause of women’s cycling and I don’t think enough is said about their contribution to the W4’s fields last season.  They dominated a category as a team, they all upgraded in the closed season and they’ve recruited 2 others, as well as Mex, that can do the same thing again in 2008.  I like the one for all, all for one attitude.  We work for each other and upgrade together, especially as they all show up for races too.  Excellent.

Its nice too that Ruth consolidated her growing passion for cycling over the winter.  She started out riding with us on easy Sundays in October and is already punishing others on the Saturday rides.  She’s going to be a prolific racer this year, with bags of experience by the end of it.  We don’t even need to apply any pressure to get her out on the bike.  She’s happy to ride Mex’s old beater Felt and never complains.  Last week she rode to the Junction with us, 2,000 feet of climbing up Diablo, when I met up with her she told me that “that [climb] wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, I feel much better than I expected”.  Perfect!  Watch out for her in some of the juniors and W4’s races.  Pass on any encouragement and knowledge that you’ve got - she is a sponge and wants examples galore.

This year will see me sporting new colours too.  Too many skeletons, mostly fully decayed by now, to go over the issues of last year again.  I contemplated several options before jumping on an established program with Lombardi’s Sports.  The team has a fair number of big-guns to ride for and I’m looking forwards to puking at the end of masters & p12 races having given all for the cause this year.  Its pretty exciting in general, but specifically, to be able to race with some of the strongest & smartest U-23’s, as well as the experienced 1/2’s.  BTW, congratulations to Tyler Gough for his Valley of the Sun Crit win on Sunday.  Way to go, Ty.  Win #1 of the year, I’m looking forwards to much more reflected glory, even if the shadow is pretty long by the time it reaches me.

I’m fed-up of missing racing and having to spend all my life on the mountain training.  I should’ve done Santa Rosa on Sunday, sounds like Nathan gave Joel a tough lesson, but would’ve been fun nontheless.

Snelling isn’t far away now, here’s to turning the pedals in anger again.