21st Feb, Fuertebike Int Maratón, 70km

Another great race in the Canary Islands. Caleta de Fuste was to be the start and finishing points this year of the slightly shorter 12th edition of Fuertebike.

There was some tough competition this year but I managed to be the first home for the second year running.

We lacked the usual customery wind of Fuerteventura and the sun was out all the way.

For most of the race Ruben Rusafa (Orbea, WC XC star) and Mike Felderer (Sinttesi, Italian Marathon Champ) and myself stuck together.

With 10 km to go Ruben upped the pace on the first of a series of hills leading us to the finish. I matched him until I realised I had more left in the legs and then drifted in front of him. I then TTed it for a few kms to the finish line.

A surprise to win against to young lads on course length of 145 mins.

With Ruben having placed 4th in a World cup XC last year and racing for Orbea at an Orbea sponsored event I did not think I would be able to have more speed in my legs. I started cycling again on Jan 1st after two months off at the end of last year and so I thought i was a bit rusty right now.

All good....next wonderful race is on 14th March in Gran Canaria. The Open de Gran Canaria.

See www. canary-bike.com for more details of the race and the following two (in La Palma and Lanazarote).