So its been a few months since my last blog posting but now a week into my off-season its time to put some words together and sign off on this 2013 season.
Having stepped on the plane to the USA way back on February 4th and now already in November its been a busy nine months; five months in the USA to start with and four months between USA/Belgium/UK is a lot of km’s covered… by plane, car, boat and of course by bike!
The official stats: Three wins, four additional podium placings and 2nd & 4th place finishes on overall classifications, amongst others.
Add to this the hard work on and off the bike for the team and sponsors and it doesn’t paint a bad picture at all.
In addition, all the new people I’ve met along the way, all the places visited and all the stories that have come out of season 2013 mean the season will certainly occupy a chapter or two when I finally get round to writing that book.
So what’s actually been happening since my last blog posting?
Well the answer to that is quite a lot – and far too much to write about in this review.
But in brief, more time in the USA included some more nice performances including another podium, 4th place overall finish at the Green Mountain Stage Race and another nice team performance in Bucks County Criterium (the day before flying back to Europe) rounding things off nicely across the pond.
There was some in-season summer time at home with my family (which made a nice change), with a race or two included and a nice run of Pro Kermesses in Belgium, including some nice breakaway action which of course was a delight having spent so much of these last years there.
And so for a few thanks.
Too many people to mention everyone by name (for fear of forgetting someone) so I’ll keep it fairly brief… but thank you all regardless!
To all at Team SmartStop Mountain Khakis; managers, staff, teammates, sponsors et al. Thanks for welcoming me into the team this past year.
The Dave Rayner Fund for your continued support in 2013 – greatly appreciated as always (please check out http://www.daveraynerfund.com/ ).
To my coach Luc Wante for once again keeping me in shape, even from across the pond!
To Blair Morgan and Paligap for yet again continued support in the form of Cycleops Powertap.
And of course to all my family (especially my Mum, Dad and Brother) and friends (new, old and everyone in between) for your great support throughout the year, in the UK, Belgium, USA and wherever else – truly, thank you!
So the bikes are away and the bags unpacked. Time to recharge the batteries before the path to 2014 begins.
That’s a wrap on Season 2013 – until next time!
Dan
