Brad O'Leary 2009 Results

2009 Results

AMCA MX1 Championship Rd Eight, Norley
4th October 2009
Picture courtesy of Mike Wood

Hi all,

Today saw the final round of the Championship roll onto the sandy circuit of Norley. The track was slightly dry and dusty, but generally well prepared for the event.

Qualifying

This session went really well, I was riding smooth and using some really nice lines. During the session it rained a couple of times which made it slightly harder to post a fast lap. I was happy as the session came to a close, my time gave me 3rd pick of the gate for the rest of the day.

Race 1

As the gate dropped for the first time I'll be honest in saying I was slow to react, I managed to get into the top ten pretty quick so I wasn't too concerned. What was worrying me was that the bike felt foreign to me and I knew there was something wrong with my front end, I couldn't turn, jump or ride the bike at all properly. I battled on through and into 6Th position at the flag. After a closer examination of the bike, it was clear to see that my start device had wedged itself against my fork leg, only giving me half of my suspension movement.

Race 2

Knowing the gate was dropping very quickly, I was out and away in third as we approached the first corner in the second race. It took me several laps to pass second place man and get chasing the leader, unfortunately he had pulled too much of a gap on me so I settled for a good solid 2ND.

Race 3

Going into the last race I was around 35 points behind the leader and only 13 points ahead of 3rd and 4Th place. As the gate dropped for the final race of the season, I rocketed out and into second place at the first turn. As the pack bunched up slightly I dropped a place or two, determined to make up for this I tried to re-take a few positions but slid off on one of the fast sweeping uphill bends. The whole chasing pack roared past just avoiding me, I was up and ready for the off until another rider smashed straight into the side of me. Lifting his bike off mine I was keen to get away but this other rider had different ideas, pushing me off my bike several times as I was about to ride off. I eventually got away from this said rider and tried my hardest to salvage some points.

I crossed the finish line in 22ND position, feeling deflated and upset. I congratulated the championship winner as it's been a tough year for each and every rider.

Looking Back

Finishing the season with a 4Th in the AMCA and a 6Th in the IMBA championships, I can honestly say that I've given it 110%. Not just myself but the whole team around me, everybody has given their all and that's all I can ask from them.

Regards to results, I'm bitterley disappointed with both championships because I'm capable of winning, and during this year I've shown that. I'm not here to make excuses for myself, I'm here now to build on this, learn from all the experiences and to come back bigger, better and stronger for next year.

2010

For next season I'll be staying MX1 AMCA & IMBA but also branching out into the British Masters series. I will contest each and every round giving my all, wearing my heart on my sleeve and racing with the passion that has burnt inside me for the past 26 years.

Thanks

This season wouldn't have been at all possible without the outstanding help and support that you guys give, and have given for many years. For this I am truley grateful for and I struggle to find the words to show my appreciation.

On a personal level Steve my mechanic has been flawless all year, the bikes are always the best in the pits and I've also met a true friend who I've grown to admire so much.

Masssive thanks to Mick, Sammy, Wendy, Alan H, all the boys and my long suffering Mum and Dad.

Yours in Sport
Brad O'leary

AMCA MX1 Championship Rd Seven, Walterstone
13th September 2009

Hey All,

The weekend saw the Championship roll into Hereford and onto the fast hillside circuit of Walterstone. Below is how the weekend went through my eyes, as it unfolded in front of me.

Qualifying
I'll be honest in saying that I was feeling tense before hand, this meant that I rode pretty stiff and not to my best. Still, I had a job to do and qualified 7th. Not my best but it wasn't that bad.

Race 1
As the gate dropped my big KTM rocketed me out the gate and into turn one in the lead, as I exited the turn another rider slid into me, and took me down. I re-mounted and chased the disappearing pack, with the track being fast and fiery, I could only manage a 9th at the finish flag.

Race 2
Once again my Michelin's worked great and fired me into the first turn in the lead, keeping the power on and keeping out the way, I slightly drifted wide and dropped a couple of places. As I exited turn three, I was deliberately t-boned by another rider which fired me over the ropes and off the track. Feeling pretty annoyed I untangled myself and once again chased the fast disappearing pack of riders. This race wasn't so good as I was feeling the effects of the incident mentally and physically, crossing the line in 13th I was bitterly angry. I focused myself and looked forward to a better race three.

Race 3
As the gate dropped for race three, I was within the top ten. I kept tight lines for a few laps to make sure we didn't have a repeat of race two. By keeping the tight lines the leaders pulled away slightly. Once I had a gap behind me I was able to concentrate on reeling in the riders in front of me. I passed half a dozen riders and made great progress to get 3rd position at the flag.

Looking Back
I came into the meeting 23 points in the lead and I've come out of it 23 points behind, and let's be honest it's down to a hand full of people and riders who are out to ruin my championship.

During the long tear jerking journey home many thoughts crossed my mind, but as we entered the gates of home I thought to myself that "we can still win this".

We can win this with the positive mental attitude we always have, we can win this by continuing to give 110% as we always do, we can win this by conducting ourselves in the proffesional way we always do.

These few people have only added fuel to the fiery passion I have in my heart, the passsion which drives me to succeed and which will win me the championship.

It's not the report I want to be writing but hey "it's tough at the top". Massive thanks to all the team and supporters, thank you.

Yours in Sport

Brad O'leary

IMBA MX1 Championship Rd Five, GB (Condover)
30th August 2009

Hey All,

This weekend saw the UK round of the IMBA roll into town and to a well prepared Condover circuit.

In the IMBA we have two free practice sessions each 20 minutes, the sessions are timed but gate positions are determined by championship positions. The practice sessions went really well and i was feeling great for the races.

Race 1
Getting boxed in slightly on the start, I was in around 6Th position, frantically trying to push forward I made a silly mistake which tangled me in the ropes. Now in the mid twenty's, I had my work cut out, I put my head down and pulled my way through to 6Th or 7Th.

Race 2
Wanting to make a better start this time, I grabbed a great hole shot and lead the field into the first few turns. Knowing the speed of the trailing riders I knew I had to get my head down, flow, be smooth and keep hooking up the gears on my big KTM. At mid distance, Frank Teitz the German passed me and I honestly thought would pull away, I watched him closely for two laps and then put a sweet pass on him to regain the lead with two laps remaining. Knowing I had the speed to win I once again put my head down and crossed the line for a great win.

Race 3
Feeling confident I once again got the hole shot in moto 3 and started to pull a slight lead from Teitz who once again was hassling me. This time Teitz passed me earlier on and I sat behind him again watching lines etc, our speed was so evenly matched that it was neck and neck all race long. I did push with around 4 laps to go but due to the rain the track was getting very slick and slippery. I crossed the line in 2ND and feeling so so good.

Today was a great day, riding in the Great Britain shirt in front of the home crowd is such a buzz. My speed, fitness etc was great today which gives me great confidence for the vital few AMCA and IMBA races which remain.

Overall On the Day

1st Frank Teitz
2ND Brad O'leary
3rd Heiki Van De Berg

Huge congratulations to the organising club as the event was faultless, superb track and facilities.

Steve on the spanners is faultless as usual, having the confidence in him is great. Also thank you to the crowd who cheered me on all weekend, last but not least thank you to each and every sponsor, helper who constantly support me. Thank you.

Yours in Sport

Brad Oleary

AMCA MX1 Championship Rd Six, Nympsfield
23rd August 2009

Hey All,

I'm sitting here slightly battered and bruised from the weekends events, this evening I've been cycling and swimming to ease the aches and pains. This is how the weekend went through my eyes, be it slightly blurry at times .

Practice and Qualifying
This session went really really well and I was riding smooth and steady for a 6Th qualifying position, my lines felt fast and the bike was handling like a dream.

Race 1
I gated pretty well in race 1 and was around 5Th, as the front pack entered the whoops I tripled in and the majority of others only doubled in, I leaped into around 3rd but only as far as the last whoop. A rider turned in front of me and as I was carrying more speed from the whoops, we both ended up in a big heap on the floor. Feeling very dazed I remounted and managed to finish the race in around 21st position, these few points could prove vital so I did my best.

Race 2
After the first race nightmare, I was determined to do well in moto two, I gated well in fourth and settled into a good rhythm. Knowing I was faster in parts I pushed on and into the lead, again I pushed on and into a 5 second or so lead. I kept a similar pace and carried on to take the race win.

Race 3
Feeling very happy with my race 2 win I was confident I could do the same in moto 3, but behind my passion to win I was hiding terrible discomfort with a number of bumps and bangs. The gate dropped and I was in a great 3rd position, but the red flags were waved for a fallen rider etc, so we headed back for a re run. Again the gate dropped and I was in a good position in the first turn, but I felt a push from behind thus stalling my engine. I quickly got myself composed and started to crawl myself towards the disappearing 36 riders. Feeling the affects of race 1, my progress wasn't as good as I hoped. I managed to get into 6Th position but a late mistake then dropped me back to 9Th at the flag.

Result on the day
1st Elliot Barrs
2nd David Campbell
3rd Charles Hollis
6Th Brad O'leary

Sunday was a tough day mentally and physically. Knowing I had the speed to do well, I'm disappointed with the outcome as valuable points could have been picked up. Championships aren't about could have beens or should have beens, so it's back to work and training with my mind fully set on doing well at the next round.

The overall championship standings now look like this.
Brad Oleary 830
Charles Hollis 807
Ben Saunders 789
David Campbell 786
James Russell 710

It's certainly going to be an action packed last two rounds. It was great to see old friends at the weekend and also sponsors who came to watch, thank you all. Big Steve on the spanners was awesome as usual so a massive thank you to him. Finally to all you guys who are reading this now, as this action packed dream wouldn't be a reality without your fantastic support.

Yours in Sport

Brad (bruiser) O'leary

AMCA MX1 Championship Rd Five, Branston
2nd August 2009

Hey all,

It's Monday evening and I've just finished washing and preparing the bikes after the weekend's racing at Branston for Round 5 of the AMCA championship. The bikes etc are all ready now for Thursday as we leave for Switzerland and the IMBA championship. As for Sunday just gone, here is how it went .........

Sunday ......Race Day
Practice and timed qualifying

After extensive rain and even more rain, the track at Branston was looking very sticky to say the least. Our session was out first and the track was at its worst. I sat out most of the 10 mins free practice to stay clean and mud free. Once the timed session began it didn't take long to get muddy and for the bike to get really heavy. I sat steady and put two slow laps together which ended up being my fastest as the session was littered with fallen riders. My 11Th position in qualifying wasn't a true gauge of my speed as the track would dry out fast and change considerably.

Race 1

The first race started well as I entered the first corner in around third position, I was soon halted as a wild Suzuki came from nowhere straight across the front of me. After this little hick up I was around 7Th position so I started to pick my way to the front, I gained a lot of positions early on and kept pushing until I was in the lead. I stayed in control and took the first race win.

Race 2

This time away I wasn't so well off as I got boxed in trying to come from the inside few gates, I kept my cool and began the charge to the front. By mid race I was 5Th and still pushing hard, James Russell and I then tussled for positions which pushed us further up the field and nearer that podium. I managed to grab 3rd at the flag but was annoyed with myself as I lost two or three laps when I adjusted to another riders pace.

Race 3

Feeling confident for race 3, I moved nearer the middle of the start, this proved a good move as I entered the first turn in 2ND position. Taking a couple of wrong lines in the deep ruts thus dropping me to 4Th and again making life hard for myself. I pushed on and got back into 3rd, nearing the end of the race I twisted my knee and ankle in another one of those deep ruts. In some pain I had to ease off the pace slightly and again dropping to 4Th at the finish flag.

Today has been up and down, but coming away still in control of the championship has made it worth while, if I can keep on the podium all year then I won't be far away. Lessons are still being learned and I know I'm still not riding at my very best.

Mechanic Steve once again prepped the bikes after each race and they just look stunning and in showroom condition, even in the bad weather. A big thank you to Steve, also massive thank you to you all because each and every one of you enable me to do this.

Yours in Sport

Brad O'leary

IMBA MX1 Championship Rd Two, Holland
12th July 2009

Hey all,

I've just returned home from the second round of the IMBA championship which was held in Holland at Oss.

I'd travelled to Holland slightly earlier than normal, to get some practise in the sand. I had two days riding in the sand, one at Dunkirk and one at Lommel. I really enjoyed these two days and believe it helped me for the forthcoming race.

Race Day Sunday 12th July

Having walked the track several times, I was feeling confident as I rode around in first free practise, the track was still smooth and not really many lines to be seen. I was happy with the bikes set up, tyres, suspension etc and was looking forward to race one.

Race One

As the big foreign start gate dropped for race one, I jumped out the gate and up the first uphill in around tenth position. I knew I had my work cut out as the riders in front were mostly sand demons from Holland and Belgium. I worked hard all race and pulled my way into 5th at the finish flag.

Race Two

This race was pretty much a mirror of race one which is slightly boring to read but there was some excitement mid race as myself and a Dutch rider locked horns for a battle that would last all race and result in him eating sand for his efforts. Excellent fun in moto two and another 5th position.

Race Three

Once again I got a good start and was heading for the first turn when two or three riders fell in front of me, using my "if in doubt, go flat out motto" I somehow managed to ride over several bikes and bodies but thus meaning I was in around 25th position at the end of lap 1. I used my head and rode sensible all race, taking places where possible and being as strong as I possibly could. At the flag I'd managed to get into 7th position which I was pretty happy with as it could have been a lot worse.

Summary

This long weekend has been very enjoyable and a pleasure also, the bikes and team worked as one and we seem to be making improvements every week, physically and mentally.

A massive thank you to everyone, I can't begin to show how much I appreciate all your support.

Yours in Sport

Brad Oleary

AMCA MX1 CHAMPIONSHIP AT KERRY RD 4
21st June 2009

Hey everyone,
I've just returned from today's AMCA Championship @ Kerry hosted by the Druids club, and I'll be brutally honest and say that today was a bad day at the office.

Qualifying
I was feeling great coming into today's meeting, with the bike and my fitness being in great condition. After ten minutes of free practice, I put my usual fast two laps in and was 3rd, I tried to push and reduce the 1.7 second margin to the leader but it just wasn't working. I was happy with my time as I'm usually a lot faster in the races.

After my qualifying session my mechanic noticed that the spy glass on the engine had been smashed by a stone, so it was a case of swapping the WP suspension onto the spare machine. Also during the session a stone had seriously damaged my left hand which left me very sore and swollen. Still, I had a job to do and I was going to give it my best.

Race 1
I got a great jump out the gate and into the first turn in second position, I kept the throttle open and tried to get into the lead, but the leader ran wide thus taking me even wider. After the first lap I was around sixth position. I kept pushing and got into 3rd which I was happy and settled with.

Race 2
Again I got a good start and was around sixth after the first lap, once more I pushed myself forward and into third or fourth. But I made a silly mistake by falling in a tight turn which undid the hard work I'd just done on the previous laps. I dropped to 7th at the flag which I was very disappointed with.

Race 3
Determined to do well after my second race nightmare, I wound myself up and got a medium start. I pushed my way into the top ten and into 7th once more. Feeling the affects of my hand, I settled and accepted that today just wasn't going to be my day.

Overall
1 Ben Saunders
2 David Campbell
3 Charlie Hollis

6TH Brad Oleary

Reflection
Today has been mentally challenging as I've been putting all the background work in and fully focused to do well. I've come away disappointed but determined to come back stronger. I'm still leading the championship by 6 points ahead of Saunders, and a further couple of Hollis.

As usual my mechanic Steve prepped the bikes to showroom condition before every race, which makes me feel fresh with new kit etc as well. My next championship races are in the IMBA European champs which are in Holland in 2 weeks and then Czech Republic after that.

Many thanks to each and everyone of you as this wouldn't be possible without your support, this once more drives me to succeed.

Yours in sport

Brad O'leary

AMCA MX1 CHAMPIONSHIP AT CLEOBURY RD 3
24th May 2009

Hi to you all,

I've just returned from the third round of the AMCA championship at Cleobury Mortimer hosted by the Wolverhampton Club.

On arrival the team and myself were greeted with a super track and and excellent show of how a championship should be run and organised, top notch and faultless.

Practice/Qualifying
With the track being heavily watered, the surface was very very sloppy for the majority of the session. I posted a 9TH position mid session, not happy with this I came into the pits. Steve quickly cleaned the bike off and with a fresh set of ripnrolls, I was back out and feeling lighter and fresher. I posted another time which put me in 6TH and with a lot of traffic this was my best lap.

Race 1
As the gate dropped for race one, I was 2ND going down the first big downhill. Hollis was in front and I was determined to pass him quickly and push forward. I passed Hollis within two laps and tried my hardest to push on and get some breathing room. I pulled from Hollis and the chasing pack, with two laps remaining Brad Turner was closing me in and tried to make a pass on one of the tight up hill turns. I managed to stay in control of the race and onto take the finish flag.
1st O'leary, 2nd Turner, 3rd Saunders

Race 2
Again in race two I managed to get a good start and into the first turn within the top five. As I exited the turn, I was involved in a small incident which left me in around twelfth position. I focused myself and settled into a good rhythm, reeling in the riders in front and continuing to push I was third at the flag.
1st Turner, 2nd Saunders, 3rd O'leary

Race 3
This race was a mirror image of the second moto, as I was tangled up with a few riders in the tight second turn once more. Within 3 laps I was around fourth and settled. Saunders made a move pass me and I went straight back past him in the tight second turn, I was to close for comfort and we both fell back to around ninth. I picked myself up and pushed back to fourth at the flag.
1st Turner, 2nd Saunders, 3rd Hollis, 4th O'leary

Overall result
1st Brad Turner 174 points
2nd Ben Saunders 158 points
3rd Brad O'leary 157 points

Summary
I didn't feel 100% perfect today, maybe my lines or my style didn't suit the track. The bike and team was working really well so I can only blame myself really. I've come away still leading the championship but by more than before today, so it's not been such a bad day at the office. A huge thanks to mechanic Steve for his faultless work and first class presentation, big thanks to the rest of the team and to all the sponsors, beause without them none of this would be possible.

Yours in Sport

Brad O'leary

AMCA MX1 CHAMPIONSHIP AT BEVERCOTES RD 2
3rd May 2009

Hey all,

I've just returned from a full weekends racing, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

Sunday was Round 2 of the AMCA Championship at Bevercotes and Monday was an AMCA gold licence "AMCA Day" at Hawkstone Park. Here's how the weekend has been through my eyes.

Sunday 3rd, Round 2 AMCA Championship

Qualifying

With the Bevercotes circuit being wide and with plenty of room for overtaking, it was relatively easy to put a good fast lap. I did my usual practice and two fast qualifying laps, this putting me in 3rd place on the grid.

Race 1
There was a lot of confusion at the start of race 1 as we had to re-start three times until the starter was happy with the gate etc. So as the gate dropped for the 3rd time, I was in the top 10 and struggling to see with the dust. I pushed on regardless and picked off places where was possible. Around mid race I was 3rd behind Hollis and Saunders, Hollis fell handing the lead to Saunders and myself into 2ND. Following Saunders I could see he was slightly rattled knowing I was behind him. I made a move into the lead with 3 laps remaining and pulled around 9 seconds on Saunders. Crossing the line I felt happy and composed.

Race 2
With a clean get away in race 2, I grabbed a great holeshot and put in some super fast laps to try and break away from the chasing pack. Around mid race I got the signal that I'd pulled away from Hollis, Barrs and co. I settled knowing all I had to do was keep it on two wheels and keep at the same speed. I crossed the line 8 seconds clear of Hollis, Barrs, again feeling great.

Monday 4th, Hawkstone Park

Today was great, no pressure and a quality track to ride and enjoy. I won 3 out of 3 today with no real challengers. It's a great end to the weekend.

Looking Back

Taking the lead in the championship feels great, knowing I have the fitness and speed to do the job is awesome. The bike is working great, handling like I could only dream of. A million thank you's to mechanic Steve for a performance equal to my own. Also to all you guys for your constant support and the faultless products you supply. THANK YOU

Many many thanks
Yours in Sport

Brad O'Leary

AMCA MX1 CHAMPIONSHIP AT CULHAM RD 1
26th April 2009 Pic by Mike Wood

Practice & Qualifying
With a full starting grid of 54 riders, it was very important to get a good clean qualifying lap and also to stay out of the dust. As the time ticked away in qualifying, I was settled in 3rd fastest which I was very happy about.

Race 1
A the gate dropped, I was in a good position around 5th. As the pack entered the 3rd corner, I made an aggressive move past 2 or 3 riders into 2nd position behind Charlie Hollis. I reeled Charlie in and made a good pass on him around the outside of a fast turn.

After 5 or so laps, I had gapped the following riders and was feeling very good. A silly mistake of my own dropped me back into 3rd with Hollis and Saunders back in front of me. I passed Hollis and went after Saunders, we had a great bar banging battle with Saunders pipping me to the flag.

Race 2
Again I got a good start and into a top 5 position. I ran into the back of the rider in front, which caused me to crash and aggravate an old collar bone injury. Having to start from the back of the pack, I worked my way from around 30th up to 9th at the finish flag.

Race 3
With my collar bone in pain and heavily strapped, I knew it was important to get a good start, which is what I did and settled into 3rd position and reeling in big Dave Campbell and Clinton Barrs. I passed them both and once again settled into the lead with Saunders hot on my heels. Saunders and myself continued to swap positions until the finish flag, which he just pipped me to once more.

Overall 2ND Position.

Looking back on today, I'm very happy as I've got the speed, fitness and most importantly, the desire to win the championship. Massive massive thanks to mechanic Steve and all the team.

Yours in Sport

Brad Oleary

DUNKERQUE DISASTER AS THIEVES STRIKE

Hey everyone,

As I sit here on Monday evening (6th April), I'm left feeling very empty and upset with the events of the past ten days.

A week ago I drove out to Belgium with my girlfriend and another eight friends for what should have been an awesome weeks riding, in preparation for the first IMBA round in the deep sand of Dunkerque.

As the week passed I enjoyed lots of riding at Lommel and Honda Park, just to mention a few tracks, and despite a few mechanical gremlins, I was feeling great as was my Proppa.comGear4 KTM Team mate Jack Taylor.

We travelled to Dunkerque mid morning on Saturday to meet up with my Father, mechanic and also Jack's Parents, along with our race bikes etc., which they'd been preparing for us to race as we were out practising on the number two bikes.

Saturday was the normal schedule of walking the track, scrutineering, noise testing etc., the track was long and fast and not as deep as the tracks we'd been preparing on. The mood of the team was one of excitement and happiness ready for the days racing and some good results. As Jack and another friend, along with Jacks parents, went off to the hotel for the night, I settled down for an early night in preparation for race day.

As my Father woke me Sunday morning, the words that came out of his mouth crushed my heart and left me with nothing to say for the rest of the day and still now I'm shattered. Jack's van containing his race bike was broken into at the hotel and completely gutted, race bike, new kit, helmets, oils, fuel cans, stands, clothes. Everything gone!!!!!

Also another van was broken into containing Jack's practise bike and our friends KTM 250F along with all his kit etc everything gone. The whole incident was caught on hotel CCTV but the French police do not seem to be interested which makes our pain even worse knowing it's highly unlikely that the bikes will ever be seen again.

My racing still had to go ahead so I was focused on the task and set at it. Practise went really well and I felt really fast, knowing my week in the sand had done me some good.

Race 1 - As the gate dropped, I got an awesome start and slipped into 2ND place behind a super smooth Dutch rider. I kept the pressure on and stuck with him for half the race, as my mechanic informed me we had broke away from the pack, so I settled and crossed the line for a solid 2ND in race 1.

Race 2 - This time away I wasn't up the front, I tangled with another rider and went down getting a face full of sand in the process. I put my head down and started to pull and pass some of the 40 riders ahead of me. I reached around 9TH position then those midweek gremlins came back to haunt me as I grinded to a halt with a seized motor, my race and day was over as my number two bike was unrideable after the midweek issues.

My day and troubles seem so minor compared to those of Jacks and my other friends. Jack's season seems to be over before it has even started, I'm trying to get round and call you all individually so please be patient as I will call you. I'll be totally honest as I am all the time, Jack feels like this is it and really can't see his way out of this black hole. I'll personally get a bank loan to enable him to ride and to just see him back smiling and happy. Jack wont take anything from me, neither will his parents and I'm asking you all for some advice on how we can get things back on track for a rider who has been heart broken by mindless thieves.

I thank you all for reading and hope we can group some ideas together.

Kind Regards

Brad O'leary

O'LEARY OFF TO A FLYER FOR 2009

Sunday 8th March
Badby, the first few weeks on the bike after the winter training feel great. 3 wins at Badby.

Sunday 15th March
Wigsley, the track at Wigsley was prepped to tip top condition and proved a great days racing. Once again, I had 3 wins and my confidence is building.

Sunday 22nd March
Apex, we took some time away from racing this week to visit the Apex track and was greeted with friendly faces and a first class track. I had 4 good sessions where my speed was steady and my rhythm was really good.

Coming soon - 10 days in Holland and Belgium - watch this space......