Tag Archives: Hua Mark Velodrome

October 12, 2015 · 12:13 am

Fading into the background. Getting dropped like a fly

I’ve fallen behind on SO many occasions that I can’t help but start to wonder how many times can someone actually get beaten down and still expect to get back up. What’s worst this time was that I actually worked my butt off going in. Numbers were constantly going up, the training was focused, confident I was on the right track. But I came out with a beating so bad, I’m struggling to find any positives at all to walk out with my head up.
You might be on the right track, getting faster, but not fast enough yet. People on the outside don’t care about the process, they just want to know the outcome. Like life, racing is brutal. If you get dropped, you’re not fast enough, period, don’t bother trying. That’s how people are on the outside.
While I would have preferred to have my trusted circle run through this difficult weekend with me, I have to settle for an exchange of wise words thanks to the wonders of technology. It will be a trying next couple of weeks as I look to dig myself out from six feet under.

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Filed under training updates

Tagged as Bangkok, Hua Mark Velodrome, racing, reflection, Track Asia Cup, track cycling

October 8, 2015 · 4:59 pm

Camp and the rest of it all

Went into camp with a positive frame of mind, both physically and mentally. The bulk of the work has been done and what I needed more was familiarity, with all the elements of the track, equipment especially. I probably should have psyched myself a little better because by the third day in, I was beating myself up pretty badly for the lack lustre times. Somehow I’ve always managed to screw things up between the ears. Maybe I’m not as mentally tough as I think I am. Okay, obviously I’m not.
As our host starts to prepare itself for the Bangkok edition of the Track Asia Cup, I can’t help but sense that the feeling of elitism is very much still present. I miss having that team element. Hell the last time I ever felt like I was in one was back in 2010, 2011 with Mercs.
It was great to touch base with my mentor and to hear of some awesome news. Words of encouragement from people you trust goes a long way.

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Tagged as Bangkok, bkk, CCC Shuzenji, Hua Mark Velodrome, mental game, Training, training camp

November 21, 2014 · 2:08 pm

Trying to keep my head up

So my recent hit out at the last round of the Thailand track championship in bangkok didn’t go quite as planned. Carrying some improvement in form from last month, I was aiming for a good showing. I madet the decision to try out a few changes with my gearing.

Photo courtesy of Thai Cycling Association.

I probably should have stuck with Carl’s rule of thumb: use a gear the fastest YOU can go at to give yourself the best chance of winning.
So I might have bombed out (again), but this is up there on the valuable lessons learnt.

It’s about 3 months before Asian champs and I’ll be getting into the thick of things. I head back to CCC Shuzenji in December and I’m working on a training camp in January. In the meantime, plenty of ergo and gym sessions.

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Tagged as Bangkok, Hua Mark Velodrome, racing, thailand

August 9, 2013 · 7:14 am

Week in review, Singapore Road Cycling Criterium Series

I was meaning to write about the rebirth of criterium racing in Singapore last weekend. Procrastination got the better of me. One thing led to another and here I am, a week past and I’m waiting to board my flight to Bangkok for round 2 of the Queens Cup, which is the Thailand National Track Cycling Champsionships.

Rewind a week ago, Singapore saw the rebirth of criterium racing, courtesy of the people at Rad Events. What I would estimate would be a 100 over riders, gathered at Tampines Industrial Avenue 2 for Round 1 of the Singapore Road Cycling Criterium Series. The turnout was wonderful: teams with tents, photographers sprawling all around, spectators at the critical U-turns to catch the action. I can imagine the many other riders’ hesitation and were eager to see what it would be like before signing up. Round 2 will be a blast.

I’m definitely no crit expert, but I’ve had my fair share of racing, all learning the hard way. I wasn’t particularly comfortable with the two right U-turns, but so were all those in B grade. If you’re wondering (more like questioning) WHY I’m racing B grade, like I said, I’m no crit expert. It’s the socially responsible thing to do. I’m not able to take the U-turn at speed and getting stuck with the A graders is just a disaster waiting to happen. I went on full gas with 2 laps to go but it wasn’t to be. I didn’t take lap times, so I obviously had went too early. I was caught at 3/4 lap to go.

On to more exciting things this weekend: Track race! I can’t wait to get on.

Here are links to some photos from the crit series. I won’t insert any into this post, but if you have Facebook, get on and check them out!

Sports Snapshots
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.499876116759716.1073741833.369289756485020&type=1

Rad Events
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.492982487456300.1073741830.411801865574363&type=1