9th at Calais French GP

Yesterday I was 9th [and the Montlucon team 10th] in the fourth round of the French Grand Prix in Calais, northern France. The race was always going to be a little tough as I had only one week back on the bike after 2 weeks in the Greek Islands stuffing my face, swimming and relaxing on the beach. I was able to jog daily for 30-40 minutes so I didn't pile on the pounds.

The race was very fast on the first run and the pack was really splintered out on the second lap of the first 5km. I was a couple of seconds off the leading trio but we bridged up quickly on the bike leg. The bike was very fast as Benny Van Steelant was attacking from the front but I managed to find good wheels and get through ok. On the second run, I was trying my hardest but not quite able to go with the lead group. 9th place was still a solid result and again took some scalps. The break didn't cause much physical deterioration but has been mentally refreshing so hopefully I can crack a big win soon.

After the race, we had a sobering 14 hour drive from Calais to Alpe D'Huez were I will be getting acquainted again with the French Alps. Training with us here is Yannick Bourseaux, Gael Mainard plus Aussies Shaphan Cox, Luke Wheeler and James Attard

The results of the race are here http://www.fftri.com/spip.php?article482

Regards
Raf