PFEIFFER GEORGI
For me the first race of the year marks the end of another tough winter’s training; battling the daily cold, rain and wind, with the occasional day of snow and ice thrown in for good measure.
Some days the pre-ride dressing and post-ride thawing exceed the actual riding time – not forgetting the extensive clean the bike requires after each ride. Or at least this has been my experience up until this winter, where instead of braving the elements in Bristol, I booked a flight to Barcelona.
I have now completed my first Spanish winter, split between living in Girona and training camps in Calpe, both of which have provided extensive amounts of sun. The training as a result has been great, being able to accumulate long hours on the bike, with high-quality intensive efforts, but does it make you soft?
This question came to mind recently as I was waiting to meet a group of riders at the stone bridge (the watering hole for cyclists in Girona) and was wrapped up in full winter gear while everyone around me was in shorts. My dad also came to visit for a week to break up his winter, and the difference in clothing was comical.
I’m currently preparing for the Spring Classics, where bad weather is a staple and can influence the shape and outcome of a race, so part of me was excited to see a day of rain on the forecast to test out my newly minted warm-weather legs. After dusting off my rain jacket, I headed out for my efforts and I’m pleased to report that they were all successful, and I still remembered how to corner in the wet so maybe a winter of sun wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
I guess only time – or perhaps a snowy Flanders – will tell, but at least my bike will thank me in the long run.
Pfeiffer Georgi rides for DSM. Follow her on Instagram @pfeiffergeorgi
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