Wednesday 11th July 2008: It's now only a day to go before competition, though it's underway for the
junior riders. today started off at 8:00 with breakfast and then a short road
ride the weather is really nice now maybe 22-24 or so. this afternoon me, anna
and lucy went down to the track for a short activation session which consisted
of roller warm-up of 20mins plus a rev out, then a flying 100 on warm up gear
84".
Back to the pit gear up and pop in a 5 spoke front wheel to feel a little
speedy. another flying 100 follows which was ok but i messed my line up a little
coming off the top too late, the line here is a bit funky as the transition is
bigger than the likes of manchester and the 200m line comes up just out of the
corner, the line here i think is more critical than most tracks.
You have to
come off the top quite sudden to utilise the track you've got to be on the ball
with it. I then did a rolling acceleration on the same kit. The nerves are
building up now, the track gets really busy especially the pit area, it's key
here to stay focussed on your job and not get psyched out by the competition.
Spirits are good though especially as the team sprint and pursuiters [junior]
are in the finals this evening. I'm looking forward getting started now.
Tuesday 10th July 2008: Just back from the second day at the track, the weather is bad! raining and cold
but the wind has dropped, i started out today with a one hour road spin with the
sprint group of odp male and female plus accademy sprinters and jan. it lashed
it down! but the roads were flat and clear and fills an otherwise boring morning
laying in bed watching diar german tv.
The track session was roller warm up then
3 flying 100m sprints going through the gears. they went ok, not flying but had
long jersey on and leg warmers etc, it's more to get a feel for the track and
confirm gear choice. yesterday's track session felt pretty good, 2 sets of
starts some solo and then a half and full lap effort in team sprint formation,
me in man two followed by Jason and David Daniell on the back.
The weather was
much nicer yesterday though so that may have picked up my mood and the times
were decent. just an easy day tomorrow of road ride for around an hour then back
on track wednesday for a pre race activation session.
Speak Soon, Matthew
