Well, another month is upon us, filled again with big plans and high expectations. Most of the team is racing at some point, and I find myself wrapped up in the excitement of watching how everyone performs, and hoping that everyone reaches the lofty goals they have set for themselves. And then, an unexpected turn of events, literally upends these reveries, that leave some of the crew scrambling for their appointment book to schedule physiotherapy appointments...
So, once again, here is my review of the current status of the team, in no particular order. other than to make note of the three most recent visitors through the doors of our publicly funded medical system.
Peter Watson - after a near death collision with an F350, Peter has bounced back into fine form, securing a podium spot at the Salty Dog last week-end, with an impressive performance, nearly 15 minutes improved over last year. Still a bit bruised and sore, he is likely the only athlete on the BPR roster that could have returned to competition so soon after such an accident. Watch for continued improvement as the bruises heal...
Manny Fehlmann - long winter months on a trainer left Manuel craving sunshine and a true desire to show off his hard work this week-end. He looked really impressive on the pre-ride on Friday, until a tiny error, with his handlebar catching a tree at 40km/h, sent him airborne and straight into the CT scanner, where he was diagnosed with a small tear in his right kidney. It will be 6 weeks before he is back to fighting form. He looked ready to dominate the SD, and I have no doubt with a structured plan for rehab, he will come back stronger that ever.
The Quail - within 24 hours of a strong performance in his first ever Cat 1/2 road race, teh Quail was fighting off a mysterious bug that took him to the ER for countless interventions and treatments. Despite dropping down under ideal race weight, he started the SD to show his support for the team. Three more days of rehydration will likely give the Quail his wings back.
Big Ring Schulzy - though she has not been to an ER recently, she really should have a reserved seat in the waiting room. She is continuing to battle against some tough symptoms that don't allow her to perform to her potential. When she is in form, she is nearly unbeatable...we can't wait to help her get back to full health.
Martin Courtenay - posted his best ever TT result last week in Kelowna...not bad for another victim of winter cross-training. Shoulder pain has seen him refocus on cycling events this summer, which will surely bring some discomfort to those who face him at the Masters Road events.
Simon Craig - just recently back from Ironman Utah, and already talking about his comeback at IMC in August. Simon had a solid swim and strong bike, but failed to meet his goal of qualifying for Kona...we will be revising his nutrition and hydration plan in prep for a dominating performance in Penticton.
Ian Crossthwaite - a couple of small mistakes with fluids put an early end to a great performance at the SD, but he looks really fit a strong. If he makes good use of what he learned in Salmon Arm, watch for him at upcoming races!
Thomsen D'Hont - absent but not forgotten. He may be making a visit to see us again soon, and is putting together a 2-year plan to climb the ranks towards a position on the National XC ski team in prep for 2014. Stay tuned!
Warren Ellis - probably the most aggressive rider witnessed at the SD. I will let him give his account of the mayhem on lap 7, but suffice to say there were pieces of bike, rocks and dirt spread wide across a large swath of trail when Warren was finished with that guy!
Matterhorn - continues to face the battle with fuelling and hydration, and I am committed to fixing this problem once and for all. Phone meetings planned for later this week...
Jenny Gayfer - we heard scattered reports of strong riding in the Cat 3/4 event at RtR last week-end. Still awaiting a race report to hear her side of the story...
Joel Johnson - still MIA, but not forgotten. Rumour has it he may return to ride with the crew at the COBRA Century ride at the end of the month. Cross your fingers, and hold on tight.
Jason Killermartin - riding for RIDE Okanagan, and looking strong as ever. We miss seeing him in BPR gear, but still enjoy his company until he starts putting the hammer down at the Crits.
Majo - "most improved" athlete at SD< dropping 45 minutes from last year's race times! Strong all day, and outperformed her expectations. A tribute to strong commitment and preparation.
David Nelson - continues to impress with ongoing improvements in strength and power. Add this to his excellent handling skills, and the new Crit course is suiting him well.
Monica Nelson - we haven't heard much from the race front, but she looked good at SD, and raced well, taking a podium spot in the mixed division with David.
Jen Segger - back from a number of world wide adventures, and making preparations for Ultraman Canada. Watch for her this week-end in the Oliver area.
Ginny - came close to securing that spot to Kona while racing in Utah, and has already registered for IMC before touching foot back on Canadian soil...
Tanille - seems to get stronger every time we see her, and is racing well.
Shawn "Slayer" Wenger - splitting time between HUGE rides (200-300km) and some week-end road races, she seems to be excelling at both! The incident with the pig is not a joke...
Chris Willett - the hardest working coach in BC...busy but always smiling. If you have not made contact with Chris for updates on testing, time to give him a call.
Special thanks to Brock for his incredible wrenching skills at SD and in Utah, and for the continued support of our sponsors, including e-load, which will now be sold to BPR athletes at discounted prices through Brock and Cindy and Re-cycled Accessories. Contact them directly to place your order!!!
garvernon@telus.net
