Racing at 1877 Preston Park Velodrome in Brighton

Last Sunday I had the pleasure to race in the oldest cycle track in world, the Preston Park Velodrome was dug out by hand by the British Army in 1877.The length of the velodrome is only 580 metres, the thought of racing around it for 40 plus minutes gave me a feeling of boredom. Therefore I have decided to enter first race of the "Apres The Hot Recovery Drink Wacky Races Series".

One of the false flats.

Surprisingly, my boredom kicked in really quickly,I recall checking my computer at only 13 minutes into the race.Through my mind a lot thoughts were flying, from my father passing away to the way of pulling out to this boredness.

Following my father advise during my life, I did not want to give up so I have turned up the engines and start riveting.

Another great view from above.

The field of 32 was a good quality of riding,there were few slow ones,but that is part of the game.I was quite impressed to see few guys with turbo trainers before the race to warm up then I did not see them at all during the race.Usually those are the ones who push.But obviously not in this case.

Racers getting ready to go on track.

The speed and pace was high for a cat 4 race,but I was comfortable so I stayed always at the front and made it up if I lost a position due to wrong position or coming out from the front pack.Few guys that we lapped, suddenly were with us again racing for a postion.

That was a bit of shock for few of us that overlapped them twice, but interesting on sportsmanship conduct principles.

Well done to the Blazing Saddles Team to work as a real team and to get all the 3 steps in the podium.

It was a good result and also good to gain the first 2 point after 4 races for this season with a finish in 8th position.

Those photos were taken in the warm up lap.

Someone shouted at me to keep hands in the handlebar,I nearly choked.

Until next time enjoy riding.Keep getting SaddleDrunk.

Ciao.

SD.

La Bellissima Tiffany Cromwell & "Omloop Het Nieuwsblad"

I had the chance to catch up with Tiffany, after a long time and I have kindly asked her to tell me more about tomorrow race the "Omloop Het Nieuwsbald' 2014.

Tiffany wearing the flabbergasting kit.

Tiffany will be defending her title from last year win in one of the most acclaimed races at the beginning of the season.This season she rides for the Team Specialized-Lululemon.

Especially the first in Europe for the riders after the different tour around the sandy,windy and hot Middle East races.

Following are Tiffany explicit words:

Het Nieuwsblad is one of my favourite races not only because I won it last year but it is just a cool and exciting race. It is the opening race of the classics and a great warm up to Flanders, there are plenty of cobble sectors and tough climbs to punish the legs and really sort out the tough from the weak.

I expect the women's race to be a hard fought battle. The course has slightly changed this year, we have lost one climb but added more cobbles which I think will make it more challenging. It certainly will be a race of attrition being the first European race of the season combined with the cold weather and difficulty of the course.

I expect it to be an aggressive race and the racing to first heat up over the Cote de Trier (not sure of spelling) and the Pateberg and continue all the way to the finish where we will see a small group or a late attack going for the victory.

Personally I have high exceptions for the race being defending champion, I want to be strong and have a good race as I am targeting a lot of the early season classics so it would be nice to start strongly but not peak in the first of them as I did last year. My Specialized-Lululemon team have a strong squad here and we're looking towards the win.

If amateurs have the chance to do a similar race or ride the roads of the Omloop I would highly recommend it, then you get a true sense of the feeling it is to ride these roads and just how tough the cobbles are on your body and how difficult they can be to ride. It's a fantastic challenge.

SaddleDrunk wish Tiffany and her Team good luck for tomorrow and a big Thank you in sparing some relaxing time before the while doing her nails, which a peculiar charateristic of her.

Ciao e Grazie,let's get SaddleDrunk.

SD.

Intense moments for SaddleDrunk

Ciao everyone, you have not heard from me for a long time.The reason is because 2 weeks ago my first and greatest friend,guidance of each step of my life passed away.

RIding in the Italian Apennines in my Father's honour.

My Father, now will follow me forever in all my rides, each centimetre I ride, He will look from above.Rest in peace mio Amico.You will be missed by us all.

After this short reflection in honour of my Father, I give an update of the future plans ahead.

First, we will have the first SaddleDrunk Bike Ride in London soon where everyone is welcome to join.Any levels,bikes,clothing are welcome.Barriers should not be raised by those factors to those who love riding.

Then, I will be going to South Africa in Cape Town to take part in the biggest cycling event, "The Cape Argus" where I will be riding with a local team from the Western Cape.

Also, while there I will be having a pleasure to cooperate with a Japanese top cycling website and a South Korean cycling magazine. Talks will be held about the event and to arrange future plans for cycling in those two countries.

Modern Art in Madrid,Author Gian Nicola B.

The following weekend, I will be racing back in UK on a closed circuit than on a Sunday I will be road racing. It will be different story.

More races and events will be in SaddleDrunk calendar for 2014 , but one not to forget will be the biggest cycling event "Over The Hills" in Italy starting the 25th of April 2014 for 3 days.

You can email SaddleDrunk to get more informations,details and also to register and be part of the SaddleDrunk Team.

I will be riding for the occasion a bike from the Tour De France 1998 winning team. The team of the greatest rider Marco Pantani "Pirata".The bike is one of the Gregarios of Marco.

Gavino's bike,in the garden in Italy.

The photo was taken by Sirotti.The bike is the one at the front right.

Thanks again for following. Do not forget to get SaddleDrunk.

Ciao

SD

Imperial Winter Series 2013/2014 Race 10 4th CAT

After thanking the weather few times for the stunning days, last saturday we paid the toll for just a 24 hours rain splash.

Richard and Lucy from Imperial Cycles, they had a nice surprise present when they arrived to the circuit which they did not expect.A turn of the circuit was completely flooded.

For the crew was a tough challenge to get the race going, and avoid the disappointment,anxiety by the riders. Therefore they came up with all sort of ideas and plan A.B,C,D etc etc to get the circuit dry. They were all in deep waters with pumps & hoses and wellys.

It was a great team effort that managed to delay the start of the race by only 30 minutes. This is why their skills of organising racing has been award with the chance to take care for the Crit at the next London Bike Show in London next week.

The race start in an easier way than usual, it was like a 24 hours "Le Mans" start.The wind was with us and again quite strong,probably stronger than ever for my experience.This was my third race in the circuit, so I took in consideration loads of factor to gain a good position, and to finish the race better than the previous time.

The Race Commissaire has briefed us in the meeting that maybe was going to be shorter than normal. His little speech gave us a sort of mystery race with the unknown to when expect the final "5 laps to go" sign out.

The race again evolved more or less with the same attacks from various riders from the teams, few unattached riders as well, including my self founding for a short spell with the top 5 and have a quick chat with another rider,before being rejoined by the rest of the peloton.

It was a definite improvement in my race tactics. I was waiting for a sprint to start in the last lap, but not so early.This attack made by few riders, left few of us at the front not ready for it, and making us working hard to regain any positions lost.

I was pleased with my result, still an improvement from last time 26th to 21st...

I am looking forward for saturday, Race 11 and the season "finale" by Imperial Racing Team and Imperial Cycles.

Many thanks again to all of them that made everything possible for us enabling to race last saturday.

See you in few days.

SaddleDrunk.

SaddleDrunk Cycling Kit !

SaddleDrunk with the team from Ideart Sportwear in Italy, have finalised the cycling kit.

The Kit has been designed to maximise the colour pattern giving a retro look and more traditional feelings for cycling, and to provide visibility for other road users. The materials have been picked personally by SaddleDrunk, to choose exactly where to place them and to make sure are beneficial for each body part. The materials chosen are placed in the correct parts to give protection,ventilation and visibility. The silicon button seals have been hand pick to avoid the silicon seal rashes and/or the feeling of being too tight.

The top at the front as a long zip and at the back has 3 pockets.The legs have also reflective material on the side and on the back.

The chamois(padding) chosen is to give the maximum benefit for riding long hours and to provide ventilation, and to avoid chamois chafing.Also the choice of the padding could be vary for those requiring more padded chamois or less according to their own personal choice or needs.

The Kit is available to order at stefano@saddledrunk.com

Please write your sizes and any special requirements for the kit. Manufacture time and delivery 4 weeks.