It seems so dull and English to start my final blog of the year talking about the weather but, searching the internet for the weather forecast for the coming days, has become a daily obsession.  On reflection I am unsure why, as on waking I have normally just gone out irrelevant of the weather – the wind, rain and ice just adding excitement to my winter rides.  They have been going well and have offered opportunities to learn and experience new things. The main thing being that bacon sandwiches sit better than sausage sandwiches once I get going again after a café stop.

Aside from obsessional weather tracking and interesting cycling it has been a quiet few months.  The only piece of work I had was in London for the National Lottery.  The Lottery has have funded me through UK Sport on and off for almost 16 years now.  From day one it always funded both able-bodied and disabled directly at an equal level.   I feel this has created a much more of a level-playing field in sport and has been a significant factor in the improvements of competitiveness in Paralympic sport.  The Paralympic movement has grown, in its own right, over this time.  With this growth, media interest and recognition has also increased.  Almost daily I hear talk of London and am usually asked about it.

When it was announced that London had won the bid for the Olympics and Paralympics I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t somewhere warm and different – only a 2 hour train journey for me.  But now I am excited by the prospect of racing in such a large event in front of family, friends and a home crowd.  I almost give it as much thought as the daily weather forecast.

The piece of work in London was a class of 2012 photoshoot, involving one Paralympic and one Olympic athlete from each sport.  It was a lot of hanging around, but I caught up with a fencer who I went to University with which was good.  Then for the photoshoot ... they had me stood on a chair at the back for more than 30 minute.  it was a lesson in not worrying!  My balance is poor at the best of times but when stood on a chair thinking if I fall I’ll probably do damage to myself and several other hopefuls, it caused my balance to be even worse….  But I survived... and so did they!

This year has been better than last year with Element14; the events I have attended have been full of energy.  The one that will be remembered for a long time is the Hungary sales conference that was immediately after the World Championships.  It picked me up from a horrible place – thank you!  The year that lies ahead looks good.  We are currently working on a exciting project that should raise my prospects in London, but I’ll tell you more about that in January!

Wishing you all a great Christmas but more so, a fruitful year ahead full of many emotions!

Recently I competed in a race in Bressica, Italy.  The race is a part of the European Cup series where points can be acquired to get places for London, 2012.  This was the first international event I had competed in since the frustrations caused by losing at the World Cup in Segovia.  Since Segovia I have felt much more focused and driven in training, I was keen to see the results of this in racing.  Going into Bressica feelings of both excitement and apprehension were there, feelings that were missing in Segovia.

The night before the race thunderstorms kept me awake.  After tormenting my girlfriend the previous day about the heat and sunshine, I saw it as a karma for such comments!  I awoke to torrential rain for an early start, and thought all going to plan I could be back in bed for 10.30!  The race went as I had planned and I won, the following day I reproduced this winning form in the time trial, taken both wins and general classification.  The win was a boost  to my confidence, but I realized how good losing had been in Segovia. 

I may have mentioned in a previous blog that I am a fan of snooker.  One of the things the BBC does to try and make snooker more glamorous (I am still baffled as to why it’s needed!) is to ask the competitors a set of questions.  One of these questions is ‘what drives you, the thrill of winning or fear of losing?’  I feel after these recent events, I don’t know if it drives me more but certainly the emotions and impact that losing has on me is certainly much more profound than that of winning.  Chiseling away at my ego, taken me out of my comfort zone and pushing me harder than before were all the result of losing.  I realized that losing had been greatly welcomed, maybe while confidence boosts are needed at times, honest reflections and criticism is also needed to continue progressing.

I hope to continue to use what I learnt from Segovia in my preparation for the World Championships next month. 

My trip to Sydney was a success on many levels.  As I said in a previous blog, it had been 11 years since I had last raced in Sydney.  The event was the 2000 Paralympic Games and I entered wet nosed and naive.  Leaving behind the madness of a misspent youth, I got to Sydney with so many expectations but so little preparation.  I could write for hours about Sydney and the events that followed, but to sum up I went mad and didn’t touch the bike again for over 2 years.

So returning Sydney to race held some apprehensions.  We were located in Olympic Park, the Time Trial circuit meandered around some of the sites of the park, including the foot path around the main stadium, now under the name of The ANG Stadium.   Many memories came and went as I got a feel for the course in the days running up to the event. While these memories were playing with my head, it was also a time of excitement having the opportunity to ride a state of the art new trike.  The frame being made of carbon fiber is much lighter than my previous trike, and with the design being scrutinized by leading designers it has led to an amazing machine to ride.

The races seemed to take an eternity to arrive after 10 days of waiting, though during this time I took the opportunity to become a connoisseur of both Cheese and Ham and Ham and Cheese sandwiches.  After much sampling I feel I favor Ham and Cheese on brown bread.  When the races did finally come, I rode both well although I think with a little apprehensive as it was my first races on the new trike and I feared crashing it and being ‘hung-up’ by the team.

Having won both, we got treated to some fine dining on Circular Key by the Australian Element14 overlooking the Harbor Bridge and Oprah House.    Much laughter was had as we learnt more about Australian cultures and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.  I left Sydney in a very different place 11 years on, with fond memories. 

I embarked on a trip to India for the first time in six years, last month.  As I said in my previous blog, school never felt good and as soon as it finished at 18 I wanted to see what else the world had to offer.  I travelled for several years after that in Australia, Europe, Pakistan, Nepal and India.  India was the place that most attracted me, although it was not a love at first sight relationship.  Setting out the first time, it was chaos, hmm...  no I was chaos.  Going through adolescence, becoming aware of my disability in a big way and unsure where I slotted into the world.  I was seeking acceptance in the world while failing to accept myself.  India was possibly not the place to do this.  Some people  are not afraid to ask question; the most frequent being ‘what is your problem?’ in reference to my disability.  It was something I didn’t know the answer to and magnified it as a problem for me.  It took me several years, much self-hatred and a long journey to answer this question.

I drifted from the tourist highlights like the Taj Mahal, to the beeches, to the mountains in the north and then to the home of a tradition of Yoga I had been around in small amounts for much of my life.  This small amount was about to become a big amount.  Known both as a Ashram and a University of Yoga, a spot in Bihar was going to become my home for sometime as I submerged myself into a yogic lifestyle.  The ashram is enourmous, several buildings that can hold thousands and beautiful gardens, though a little too manicured for my personal taste.  It is surrounded by a fifteen-foot wall and barbwire to stop both people getting in, and out – something I wanted to do on many occasions.  I was up at 5am everyday to do yoga practices and then worked mostly in the kitchens and library.  I learnt something about how my body and mind worked, the games you can play with both and to be comfortable in it.
Returning to India after six years I was a little apprehensive, leaving behind all my loves and comforts with a small rucksack, asking why am I doing this....  I got into Kolkata for the morning rush hour. Unlike England it feels like there are  no such things as lanes and a highway code.  It is far simpler than that – how big the viechle determines who has right of way…  The bigger the better!  The horn tells others where you are constantly in a friendly sort of way.  We weaved in and out of Kolkata in an old Ambassador, me observing the craziness, while thinking how well it works in it’s own way.  I felt a warmth for the place and the journeys it had taken me on in the past.

I returned to the Ashram, getting an over night train that night.  On the station I fell asleep on my rucksack and nearly knocked myself on the platform.  Once on the train I found my bed (beds are provided on Indian trains) and passed out to hmm of the train until getting to my station in the morning.

Once back inside the Ashram, enjoying the pleasures of an inch thick mattress and plugless room, I enjoyed some time to chill.  But soon the body started to twitch for home and the bicycle….  I became aware of what my goal was this year, and indeed for every future year that I cycle.  This is an important year in the build up for London from a political view.  The team needs to maximise the places it gets allocated for London through winning certain races this year.  In reality, this year will determine how many medals the team can win in London.  It can’t be ignored that the legacy, be it cited as sporting, cultural, political or economic of a close on £10 billion investment in the games rests on the abilities of the athletes and our support staff.   A big medal haul from the British team could significantly influence and shape the lasting legacy of London, 2012.  Gosh, the success of a £10 billion expenditure rests in my hands…  This is one way of looking at things when determining what my goal is; to win races, get points for London, win in London and help the country out of over one trillion pounds of national debt.  But I think this just adds to unnecessary pressures.  So, my goal is simple, to give my all to my training and family life…  All else is a bonus!

Since returning from India, I have been getting back into training.  I lost a lot of weight in India after getting sick – 6.5% of my body weight to be exact!  So I have been combining training with overeating (mainly things from the sweet variety), to great success.  I weighed in at perfect body weight today, but still have a bit to go until I am back in the form I was in before going to India.  I’m loving training at the moment, so it shouldn’t be too hard.  I have my first race this year, in Australia, in May – a win there would be a bonus!

The approach to Christmas this year has held its own particular style.  As the days shorten and the immediate pressure of the racing season ebbs, winter is a time to consolidate training, focus on gym work and prepare for the events of the New Year.  2010 has, however, presented the interesting dimension of snow and ice which adds a certain edge to road cycling.  On days on enforced rest I have flicked through more magazines and TV channels than usual all with a dominant  Christmas theme.  During this process I have become aware of a pressure to ensure the 'perfect' Christmas and the inherent competition involved.
 
I wonder ...... how many recipes and schedules can there be for the perfect Christmas dinner?  Can it really be that complicated to cook an enjoyable roast dinner?   Is there a short cut to the 36 steps to a stress-free Christmas?  Do people really buy jewell encrusted collars for their pet dog?  Indeed do any of us really need all the presents we will be forced to open with delight on Christmas day?
 
So my plan for Christmas is to recognise that Christmas is not a competition to create the best Christmas dinner, buy the most original/expensive present or decorate the house in this year's most tasteful manner.  It is a time to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family and to show our affection with meaningful gifts.  It should not require the tenacity and determination of a schedule not far short of that required for major cycle race!
 
I wish you all a very happy and relaxed Christmas and thank Element 14 for the all their support I have received during 2010, allowing me to have a fantastic year on the bike and may it continue!

I'll be back in touch in the New Year with my next blog…

The immediate aftermath of becoming double World Champion in Canada wasn’t so rock ‘n roll as some other wins ...  I returned home and just got on with an essay I had put on hold.

It’s always a funny time after a big race. In the past I have experienced a range of  intense  emotions, from an inflated sense of superiority to great vulnerability and nothingness.  This time, however, the rollercoaster of emotions weren’t so broad and, while unsettling, only lasted a short period.  Since then things have been great!

I don’t think I had acknowledged how much of an impact losing the World title in 2009 had had on me.  Since winning this year I have found a new confidence to attack all.  Gary Brickley (coach) decided I didn’t need to have much time off after the Worlds this time and I was soon back in training.  Gary had spotted a weakness in my riding and came up with a new approach.  This involves doing something I had always avoided in the past, though I don’t want to give too much away at this point!  However, last weeks training went really well and I’m feeling I am starting to see the benefits.

While training has been picking up and essays have been handed in, I’ve been getting invites to Element 14 premises, to meet people and learn to more about the company.  I flew to Lyon to meet the team there and do a talk at their Sales Meeting.  I was met by Karina, the General Directors (Daniel) personal assistant at the site.  Daniel had lent Karina his swanky new Audi to ensure I travelled in comfort and style, causing me much amusement and a silly smile. The dynamics of Karina and Daniel (well Daniel intermittently) translating my talk into French led to a very relaxed presentation.  It was a great trip.   I really enjoyed meeting the team and being treated to some amazing chocolate deserts!

More recently, I was lucky enough to open the new restaurants at the Canal Road and Maybrook sites in Leeds.  The new restaurants had been commissioned to replace the old style canteens for employees on the sites.  Both similar in style, they offer a fine selection of foods in a relaxed environment.  I got to taste the food after doing the openings which was very tasty indeed…  and a wonderful display board had been set up to show my achievements to date and show people my new website, www.david-stone.co.uk.  I love the site.  It took some gentle persuading to do it, but think Dave Seipp and Ian Baxter have done an excellent job setting it up.  Thank you both!

Thank you all so much for the wishes of luck for the Worlds and the jersey!  The jersey was a very touch, clearly you knew what I was eyeing up! 

I raced yesterday and it was eventful but finished in success!  I am now the World Time Trial Champion and it feels sooooo good.  Losing it last year made me want it so much this year and I had to bite my lip when I found out the result.  

The course was hard, with a long climb in i,t before descending and then going along the sea front – not as glamorous as it sounds, very industrial!  Normally climbing is my strong point but I struggled to get into a rhythm and at the top was 10 seconds down on the Italian with about 5 kilometers to go.  Shortly after the start of the descent I caught my minute man, an Austrian.  In Time Trialing, it is a race against the clock where you are set off at minute intervals and the person who does the fastest individual time, wins.  Therefore if you’re caught, you are meant to let your catcher pass and give them at least 20 meters distance, or else it it is seen as drafting and therefore cheating. 

The Austrian, instead of abiding by the rules, chose to give me about 20 centre meters distance and sat on my wheel, coming past at times, messing my race line up and slowing me down on corners.  This had both a massive impact on where I could ride, but also my race mentality as I shouted at him to get his distance.  The confrontation continued to the finish and on completing I was less than please!  These feelings got worse as I learnt the Italian had ten seconds on me at the top of the climb and I had to wait anxiously for the results.  The results are relayed over radio between team staff and I was left reading every facial expressions as I tried to ascertain whether I had won or not.  Finally the news came through that I had and by 43 seconds, which by that time was a massive shock and great feeling.

My mind now moves to the road race on Sunday.

The start of the Football World Cup marked an important day on my route to London, 2012.  It was the first day of the Paracycling World Cup in Segovia, Spain.  The event attracted more than 290 competitors in search of glory and qualification points for their country, for London.  Anyone who is hoping to go to London was in Segovia.  This provided an excellent opportunity to compare my current level with people from around the world in my Category.

After watching the BBC weather reports for Spain for several weeks prior to going and seeing thirty plus degrees, I was starting to prepare and psych myself for glorious weather….  But unfortunately the preparations were not necessary, with rain and winds greeting me from the airport and the sun refusing to come out until the return journey to the airport, weather wise it was disappointing!

The road race came first and the course was very exposed.  It was on a plain surrounded by mountains, the winds were high and it was only a matter of time before the rain started to fall.  The race started with the World Champion from Italy (Georgio), attacking.   I followed and got on his wheel.  We started to work together with other riders sitting behind us.  This technique is called drafting and for those sitting behind the front rider, it makes the ride significantly easier due to being less exposed to the winds and being in a riders slip-stream.  This continued over the first climb, on the second climb I put in an attack that led to the Italian and I getting away together.

We started working well together and soon had a big gap.  We were coming down a descent on the back part of the course when I suddenly heard the sound a tyre bursting followed by a loud bang.  I looked around to see that Giorgio had crashed, the natural instinct is to stop and check he was okay, but being in the race and not being a doctor, I continued.  I held onto my gap for the rest of the race to win.  On finishing I learnt Giorgio was cut and a bit bruised, but otherwise well.

However, he had turned up to the start line with a new carbon trike, which I had been in awe of having never seen one built from carbon.    It was masterpiece, but it unfortunately cracked as a result of the crash.  This highlights the difficulties of using carbon on a machine that needs to have some flexibility due to it having three wheels on the ground and forces that result from this.  We’re working on it for my carbon trike, but I’m giving nothing away in public!

The time trial was two days later on a flat and very quick course on large open roads.  I was aware in recent weeks that Giorgio had been beaten by a relatively new Czech rider, who is also called David, in a race in Italy.  David had come second behind me in the road race and I felt he was the man to beat.

In the time trial he was set off two minutes before me.  Once underway I got into a comfortable pace and soon caught the person who had started a minute ahead of me.  I could see David in the distance and he was my target.  As I gradually gained on him, feelings that I was getting back into form and all was looking well in my progress towards London ran through me.  I passed him with about 2 kilometres to the finish and finished strong.

Winning both the road race and time trial really felt good with a full field.  My focus is now on the World Championships in Canada, in August.  It’s a very hilly course so I’m doing lots of work in the dales and have been getting torn apart by a group of friends from Yorkshire Road Club who go out on Saturday morning.  They are a very strong group riders and a force to be reckoned with…