Off Season

I can't really remember when I last had a real "off season". After the 2009 season (my best so far, which resulted in a 73rd place in that year's Vélomédiane), I rolled straight into the 2010 season. I felt fit all winter long, and by the time I went to the French Alps with 6 friends on our yearly "Honesty Tour" in August, I had ridden over 9000 kilometers. However, I couldn't find the motivation to have the same (ultra) competitive weight as the year before (something Delphine didn't mind at all), and in addition my being headhunted and changing jobs 3 weeks before the trip resulted in a disappointing performance when it really mattered.
The many training rides did pay off however, since I was still able to finish second, but only due to me being the one who best dealt with long distances and multiple cols per day. In all honesty, I must admit that although I finished second, I wasn't the second best climber. I was the 2nd best rider overall.

The fact that I couldn't perform at the same level as the year before was frustrating and a bit demotivating as well. I planned to ride the Vélomédiane and the Charly Gaul, but in the end I only rode the first one (held one week after our return from the Alps). I gave everything I had, which resulted in a 191st place. It was the best I could do on that day, but I know I have the potential to do better.

However, when I got back from Honesty Tour, my motivation was completely gone. I couldn't even pick myself up for the weekly wednesday evening ride along the "Schelde" the week before the Vélomédiane. Therefore, I decided that this year, I ought to have a proper off season.

Starting? The moment I got back from Honesty Tour
Ending? Whenever I feel like cycling again, or at least minding my nutrition, but certainly not before I get back from Rome (20/9)

Doing what? Everything even a remotely motivated cyclist who wants to perform shouldn't do: eating greasy food, drinking too much alcohol, going out, giving in to one's M&M's addiction, throwing parties,... the fun stuff! In sum: not thinking about the bike, and the best part is: I really believe this will make me stronger in 2011! En avant la musique!

I've decided to follow the example of this famous "off season"-er...