UPDATE: Manuel Prado

6 weeks so far in Costa Rica, and not one drop of rain! Training has being perfect and speed intervals are starting to take place already so I will be ready for the races in April-May.

My return to the US is now set for February 15th, just a day after the 7th annual Ticos Jam. It is a BMX event organized to promote BMX Freestyle in Costa Rica, remember that this is how I got started riding bikes. It is very important for me to promote this event and keep the riders here in Costa Rica busy rather than learning other things out there in their neighborhoods.

Back tracking a little bit this past weekend I did another training race just 10 minutes away from my house here in Costa Rica. The race was put together to help raise funds for the local school, so I was all about it when I heard. The race had some great views and in only 2 hours we rode in several different weather conditions, from tropical dry to tropical rain forest and much more. Most of the races in Costa Rica don’t have much single track and this race was no exception, although not very technical I was able to tackle the 48km race with 5600f of climbing in only 2:06. Today’s Monday, and I’m taking the day off for some rest and tomorrow I resume my training with some fast Vo2 intervals.

Hope your riding is going well and hope to see you all local California riders very soon.

Chao!

MP

VIDEO: 2010 Australian MTB National Championships

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UPDATE: Sid Taberlay

Wildside 6 out of  7

Spent the week on Tasmania’s rugged west coast participating in a four-day stage race- Wildside. As usual there was a great turn out of Australia’s top riders, and the event easily made its cap of entries. It started on a dry Cradle Mountain and fast racing. I narrowly managed to take out both stages on the first day, and was feeling comfortable with the pace at the front. Day two was a different story; I sliced my tire within the first kilometer. I thought I was all-good from learning a little trick in the past- throw a GU gel wrapper on the inside of the tire to hold the tube in. Which worked fine until the tube blew out 3 minutes later, (at that point I knew the race for GC was over) I couldn’t work why the tube blew out, after fixing it a second time I realized the Gu wrapper was sliding around on the inside between the tire and tube with all the sealant. I now have a new trick- put the edge of the wrapper between the tire bead and rim to hold it into place. I made it to the finish in 138th The rest of the race I found myself feeling more comfortable as the stage and rode away from the front group for 6 stage wins.

Was great to see Mike Tomalaris and team on hand to cover the event, check out all the great footage posted on the blog.

Once again, Thanks to Nic Deka and his team plus the volunteers for making one of Australia’s greatest MTB events.

Full results: http://www.wildsidemtb.com/

Sid Taberlay

INTERVIEW: Sid Taberlay

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UPDATE: Max Plaxton

On the Up

I finally made it into my new place and it rocks. It for sure took longer than it should have, but being a “pro athlete” and not exactly having the income of Tiger Woods can make it difficult with the banks. Still have not rode in about 10 days. My bikes have been in my local shop, and my stuffs all over the place. It has been a little easier to get out for hikes and runs, or to the gym, that’s about to change though as the season starts at the end of next month and I am itching to get those saddle sores happening. Not sure if I will be firing on all cylinders for the 1^st race, but the season goals come a little later fortunately.

It’s an exciting time of year, as we should start to get some of our new equipment, which is always a nice treat and bumps up the motivation that much more. It kinds sucks living in Canada sometimes and having to have stuff sent up from the USA. Customs can make it tough but hey, there is a border for a reason and I’m happy to be part of America’s hat.

Got to get out before the rain comes,

Plax

VIDEO: Day 4 of the Wildside, Australia

VIDEO: Day 3 of the Wildside, Australia

VIDEO: Day 2 of the Wildside, Australia

VIDEO: Day 1 of the Wildside, Australia

CYCLINGNEWS: Wildside, Tasmania, Australia Day 4

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