Nick Mulder Racing
U23 cyclist living, training, and racing in Europe.
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Life can be a Bitch - Winter 2010
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So basically for those of you that I am regularly in touch with know ive had a real rough winter. In november I broke my elbow and wrist when I hit a pothole preceding what was supposed to be a night I'd likely not remember. Unfortunately I remember it perfectly...
Luckily it didnt stall my training by too much. I had to take about 7 days off before returning to the trainer and weight room. A few days later I was battling the cold artic temperatures outside with a big sock over my cast. I didnt lose too much fitness but I didnt gain too much either.
I managed to get 2 solid weeks of training in before exams approached. Since I am also a student I actually had to study a little bit. Exams went ok, very well if you consider my inputs relative to others.
Then it was off to the US. My flight got cancelled so I came in a little later. I got in some good training with old time friend Shannon who's stepped up and is racing for GPOA Cannondale next year. I put in 20 hours that week on a bike with a seat 3cm's too low; Josh later told me following my CycleLife bike fit. He changed a lot of things and all I can say is its worth it, I feel stronger, faster, and more comfortable. Thanks!
Shannon and I then traveled to Mexico with our families where it was warm and sunny with 70s and 80s all week. This was great, getting 5-6 hours in on a few days and spending the rest re-fueling by eating quesadillas and fajitas. My CTL jumped and I finally felt like I was strong again.
Our Mexican vacation ended before I had even realized it started and it was back to a cold DC and even colder Maastricht. I took a few days off to recover from Mexico to let the effects settle in.
Like most of my teammates I was scheduled for a lactic threshold test to measure my fitness. I felt really weak the day before the test, legs just didnt have any snap. The morning of I woke up and still they felt a little heavy, oh well, here goes I thought.
Before I knew it the test was over and I was dripping in sweat as bloody tissues, from pricking my finger, littered the ground. The results? Not bad considering the bad luck i've had. Just shy of 350w at threshold with a lactate of 6.5mmol.
But what I was most proud of was my sprint, something I was born with but neglected the past two years. I was a time trialist, and a time trialist doenst sprint - so I thought. But I ended up smashing my teammates records doing 20w/kg (seated), I did 1480w yesterday ha.
For me it was really nice seeing that my hard work this winter was starting to pay off. I went to the weight room once or twice a week and focused on increasing my power. It worked.
And just like that it can all be taken away - in the flash of a second a car rammed me off my bike today. My teammate Tom and I were on our way to a team meeting, just cruising when an aggressive driver pulled out of a parking space, narrowly missing my teammate but trapping me against the curb. I had no where to go but over the hood.
And BOOM just like that. I was seeing red ready to knock the driver out. But just then as I tried to scrape myself off the pavement I realized there wouldnt be any yelling or fighting. I let out a big FUCK before sinking back into the snow as a tear rolled down my cheek as I lay there in disbelief.
Now back from the hospital I await the final verdict about the operation on Tuesday. Full sedation is a must. Recovery?...Lance was back on his bike after three days, I will be back after two.
After a big morphine shot in my ass, some x-rays, and a sling Doc said I was ready to go. I then joined my teammates at ParkHotel Rooding - our main sponsor for lunch and some talks about next year. The team nutritionist, doctor, physical therapist, and mental coach were all there - I am looking forward to working with all of them this year.
They talked we listened. Overall I am really happy to be riding for this team. A group of 16 riders that are ambitious and hope to reach their full potential in the sport accompanied by a manager and director that put just as many hours into the sport as we do.
I was surprised by all the support I received, I guess they realized I havnt exactly had it easy this winter. We got our casual wear, I look pretty fly for a white guy (minus the sling).
But blah blah every peak has its low; mountain has it valley. 'It sucks a fat one' is how my teammate put it.
All I have to say is, again, I will be back. 2010 is still going to be my year. My goals? 1) Put others through more pain than I put myself through. 2) Show people I can sprint. How? 3) Win a classic(s). And it would be nice to stay on my bike (But thats optional. As long as I cross the line first).
Cheers to 2010.
Proost!
Update-2010 here we come!
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Well its been a long time since I have updated my site. My bad.
So far whats happened. I finished off my first year as a u23 cyclist - although my results were alright I think I learned a lot and became a lot stronger. 2010 will be a year for results and to make the move to a continental team. My goal is to win a u23 classic. Maybe its a reach but the year will soon tell. All I need is that final bit of luck and the rest will fall into place. Thats what I was missing this year on two occasions - but oh well.
Well 2010 didnt start out that well - I visited DC which was nice and did a few long rides with DC Velo dudes but as soon as I returned I broke my left elbow/right wrist. What a combo! I was heading out for a party but hit a ditch and flew several meters.
Its ok though. Im back now and have been training outside as well. Starting with the 10 hour weeks and 2x weight room - which is doing me a lot of good. I do 20m intervals once a week and am currently doing around 355 which isnt too hard. Lactic threshold test this thursday.
Anyways next year I will be racing on the same team except basically its a total new group of riders. Most had to leave some went pro.
Well off to bed - university is alright. Doing it because I need to but not because I enjoy it. First finish school - then go pro. Not other way around.
If you havnt checked out WWW.VELONATION.COM TO SO. I write for it and some pros have blogs there enjoy.
Well hopefully I race the Giro in 2012 in DC 
Thats the plan! Seeya on the road!
Omloop van Medel
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1. Im out of school. Yes! Summer! Looking forward to my family visiting and going up north to the farm for a weeks.
2. Omloop van Medel 182km
Sweet u23 race through Dutch poulders and on dikes. Not too much wind so echelons didnt play a huge role. My role was to get in the break with my team mate Yannick. Basically I attacked from the gun and got away for a while. Was brought back, then we turned onto the dike and it was just a flurry of attacks at speeds above the 55. I somehow ended up being in most of them but nothing got away. I had to bridge three times which really took it out of me but it ended up being useless. Unfortunately my first attack I drove it really hard through a pothole and cracked a carbon rim. Ended up riding like that for 50km, rubbing breaks everything. Didnt notice it until I switched it.
Once I got back to the field through the cars the winds started picking up, this was after 100km. The peloton got slammed into the gutter and gaps started forming. I quickly rode to the front and went with a few attacks. A group of 9 formed in front of us with a team mate and the national champion. I was 50m from closing the gap but just couldnt make it. Then a group of 6 caught me with a rabobank and the leader in the u23 competition. We drilled it and it was pretty obvious I was strongest but the cooperation was bad and the rabobank guy wasnt doing shit. After a good hour of chasing we got to the local circuits which we had to complete 5 times, the gap was less than 30 seconds but grew again as riders were skipping it turns.
Then on the final lap of the local circuits a big group with most of the continetal riders bridged up. I chilled and attacked as hard as I could with 1km to go but got pulled back with 10m to the finish. FUCK. oh well finished 19th, but I had legs to win. My team mate finished 3rd. A good day for our team.
The following day was another u23 classic and I felt great but the rain was terrible that the race was extremely sketchy. I rode the first kilometers in the first row which didnt make it bad but as soon as we turned onto the cobbles I flatted and my race was more or less over. I rode back to the last group but since the cars werent allowed to pass I had to ride back with these losers...I basically pulled a group of 30 around for an hour. We averaged 50kph for the first 2 hours and couldnt close the gap to the peloton. Damn cobblestones.
At least the chase showed that I wasnt tired from the day before because I hit 367 avg and 390 normalized for my peak 30min. Again...had legs to win.
I will update more when im back from "training" more like riding from coffee shop to coffee shop
Catching Up - Euro campaign continues
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Well the form is there thanks to Fleche du Sud. I went to the race replacing my team mate who had crashed really hard a few weeks before. I ended up being the highest placed finisher on our team despite the fact none of us had GC aspirations.
Quick recap:
Prologue - I was really motivated to finish high but I ended up losing time. It was 4.2km with 14 turns. I didnt feel comfortable on my time trial bike losing seconds in every turn, and explosiveness is my greatest weakness. On the longer flat sections I could motor but I lost too much in the turns, definently room for improvement!
1st Stage - After the bad prologue I wanted to make up some lost time. Within the first few kms I got to the front with my whole team. The attacks went and my team mate was in it to collect the points up the road. He took the jersey. From 0-80km I sat tucked in behind Trek-Livestrong who were riding tempo (50kph). At km 80 I went for a pee stop. Bad luck/timing, as I rejoined the peloton we turned left and went up a 2km climb @ 10%. It sucked and I had to do everything just to hang on, closing gaps as riders were flying out the back. Second climb a few kms later I hadnt been able to move up and was stuck in the same situation. At the top of the climb I had to close another gap, then side winds picked up and broke the peloton up even more. Again I managed to go around the riders, then the third categorized climb I couldnt follow and had to pay for my earlier efforts. Its a shame because I had great legs. I ended up riding in with a smaller group behind the first group, no shame as there were plenty of pros in in the group.
2nd Stage - Queen stage. No single piece of flat road. So much climbing ahhhh. First 10km there were sprint points and since we had the jersey we had to keep it together, riding tempo at the front. After 27km we had the steepest climb Ive ever ridden, only a 1.5km climb but the final 500m were close to 20%. I was so happy with my 27T. Then 13km later there was an uncategorized climb which we hadnt written down. Again I got taken by suprise, sitting a little too far back. Ben King was in the same position and we rode from the back to the front. Eventually halfway he kept going and I thought the climb was over but it kept going and the peleton broke right in front of me with cross winds at top of the climb. I drilled it as hard as I could with a small group, including 3 riders from USA. We were all rolling well but when they pulled through it slowed, pissing me and the rest of the group off. But they just didnt get it....The next climb I rode to the first group only to get stuck in the same situation as before, too far back.
3rd Stage - Again the sprint jersey was ours but we had to defend it. 2nd place went up the road in the first 10km with the sprint at 15km. The first 4km was a climb. I rode tempo but was really hurting but so was everyone else since the group thinned out immediately. The second climb after 8km I drilled it and brought back the group of 10 riders including the 2nd place rider and several Rabobank riders. That gave me motivation to keep it together till the sprint. Just rolling it as hard as I could. Luckily Tjarco could finish off the job and take the points. The jersey was ours...I stayed with the first group till the final circuits where I was missing a little extra and let a gap fall, losing 30 seconds or so. Average speed was 46kph!!! (with several big climbs)
4th Stage - Legs were feeling stronger but still tired. Again we had to control till the sprint. A group rolled off with Tjarco in it. No worries. 20km after a furious chase by the 2nd place Cycling Team Jo Piels the peloton was back together. The break was about to form and I tried to get in it. It was like a pro race where the first hour is hardest. Unfortunately the one time I didnt jump I missed the break, I hate when that happens! Oh well. Again a climby stage, the break got reeled in the final circuits where we were constanly going 55kph. 5km before the finish was a really hard climb, 2km at 12% after several hard days. I had missed my feeds and was feeling pretty light headed but rode from the 3rd group to the second group.
This was by far the hardest race id ever done. all the climbs, all the continental teams and pros. And especially the hard work we had to do for the jersey compromised our results. But we walked away with one of the jerseys. I wish I had gotten some results but I have now learned how important it is to start the climbs at the front. Races like these make me stronger and more motivated for the next ones. Depsite the little preparation I had I was able to help my team, they were very happy with me. So thats good...
Grand Prix Coyote Cafe Kayl
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While my team mates were hanging out in the team bus before the start I decided to go warm up despite the pouring rain. I knew that in hard races like this a group goes and stays away. I wanted to get into the move.
On the first rise on the first of 10 10km laps I put in a attack to test the legs and see if I could create a separation. I got about a 100m and was quickly joined by a continental differdadge rider. Unfornutaley I was totally demoralized when we took the turn and looked further to see a long 3km climb. As I was already riding at my max I wasnt ready to blow up this soon.
Luckily I started the climb with the first because it felt like my legs seized up, the cold rain running over my legs didnt help. On the descent where we were going 90kpu I saw some gaps forming and used my 71kg to fly past the climbers. Across the start finish a group had slipped off the front hovering 10 seconds in front of us. Since my team mate Tjarco was there I knew that it was a good move. I tapped my team mate Tom and quickly flew past our group and bridged the gap. We kept the pressure on and rode the climb at a decent pace, not too hard 400wish. But we quickly got a 1 minute gap.
Fastforward a few laps with 3 to go. I continue to work but a lot of riders are skipping turns. Since Tjarco is really strong I continued to drive the break. A lap later after the decent on a slight rise to the start finish Tjarco attacks and gets away with 3 other riders.
My team mate Tom and I disrupt the chase and they quickly get 30 seconds. Its all out attacking now, I follow and neutralize most of them. On the climb Tom attacks twice and I follow dropping a few riders. Then 5km later at the start finish Tom goes again and I let him get a gap, the rest is almost in tears swearing at me in many different languanges including kazakh
Anyway on the climb its basically 4 vs. 1 but I
cover everything and then go myself and drop the riders in my group.
Eventually finishing 6th, 2nd U23. Snagging a result and 85 euro.I also got a 5kg pot of Nutella.
Photos:
Hel van Voerendaal
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Our race was 10 laps of a 15km course which featured 4 climbs. The longest climb 1.4km was the fromberg and was where everything really was supposed to go down. But in the end it was the strong crosswinds that really made the race hard.
I felt good the first 5 laps, strangely my pre-race motivation had dissapeared and I was often seen near the back. Every lap, every climb, every windy section, gaps formed and I unrelentlessly closed them. The hardest part was that the feed was at the top of the first climb with 15% at parts but totally open to the wind. So if you were chilling in the back you would have come out of the peloton to the side the wind was blasting from to get your feed. I took one feed and missed the other.
In the end with 2 laps to go I started feeling the fatigue of all my actions and the lack of fluids which resulted in some pretty bad cramps. Up the fromberg I had to let the peloton, at this point no more than 45 strong, go. It was pretty demoralizing because I should have been there and could have if I had a) drank more b) raced in the front. Lessons learned...I guess.
It was however an end to my string of bad luck which have included 4 crashes that have highlighted my spring. Hopefully all the bad luck is out of the way and now I can concentrate on getting results.
Check out the "photo gallery" for some pics of the race...
Later
Omloop Lek en Ijssel
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We had to ride 2 large loops of 65kms and 2 smaller ones of 20kms.
The race itself was extremely sketchy, 200 testosterone loaded guys all aiming for that one shot at becoming pro. Opportunities seem to outweigh the risks in these cases, explaining the many crashses, including my crash in the first 3km. The rest of the race was a fight for position with the crosswinds tearing the peloton into groups, no matter how strong you are you have to ride in front, with 200 riders this is never easy.
After crashing the race was neutralized since it took place on an extremely narrow road with water on both sides, luckily I fell flat on top of some other riders whereas the unluckier riders went for a nice dip - head first. The number of jokes alone would have made me abandon, algea covered bikes. It was a hilarious sight.
Once we got going again, my expectations had hit an all time low. But I quickly forgot my deep cut as I stormed from 200th to 50th in one pull. Always makes me feel strong
After resuming my position in the front the attacks were non stop but the wind was throwing everyone in the gutter and all were nuetralized. As the tempo increased 50-60kph at times it was obvious the first race decider was about to happen, yes the turn onto the dike. I was around 40th not ideal but safe for now. Turning onto the dike the wind was a smack in the face, and as expected the peloton was broken up. I managed to sneak into the front group as it broke right behind me. In the end 20kms later a second group came back and we were close to 100 strong.
The same story for the next big lap and small lap. Fast forward to final lap.
My legs feel great, I tell my team mates and they take me to the front. A group of 17 are off the front with 30 seconds and only 10km to go. Attacks are flying and Im in all of them. I feel like im flying, but then the turn onto the dike and I get cut off forced back 20 spots. Damn, I realize time is running out to move up and start fighting hard to move up. Luckily a (big) team mate clears the way on the right side of the dike and I move up on his wheel. Then a strong attack goes from the rider that won the first u23 classic two weeks ago. Thats my ticket.
I jump aboard and he rails it for 2kms but then dies, I attack with everything I have (hit 1300w) and then railed it 2x as hard, within 1km I had closed the gap to the breakaway. Wow, suprising myself, I just sit on, take a breather. @*#$&@* theyre starting to sprint, I try my best to move up but its already been 1km to go and its a full on sprint, I dont even feel my legs and pass 6 guys to get 11th. Great result as a first year but really wishing I had realized the sprint was coming up. Could have won!!!! Oh well, im motivated now more than ever to train hard and win!!!! Monday I race in belgium.
Thanks for reading. By the way, Holland was extremely a-typical today - it was high 70s and extremely sunny - no rain. Wow
301w NP for 4 hours. In case you were wondering
Report / Random Thoughts...goin' pro
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This weekend is when it starts, my first u23 classic of the year. This race will show me how far Ive come this winter and how far I still need to go. The race, Omloop Lek en Ijssel, is 170km long on flat, narrow roads where the deciding factor is the wind. Positioning is crucial.
I have convinced myself that I have to ride in the first 20, whether I have good legs or bad legs, as long as I am there I am safe and wont be in the gutter. Riding in the gutter is a horrible feeling and unexplainable unless youve actually raced in europe. Kilometer after kilometer hanging onto the wheel in front of you as if it is a matter of life or death. Praying the riders in front of you stay strong and dont undergo any moment of weakeness and let gaps fall. In this case, your worst enemies are your best friends. Saturdays forecast is favorable, with light winds and sun.
After saturday I have the possibily of racing on sunday and monday. Both races in belgium and non-classics, monday seems favorable with the 2000 euro prizes.
Depending on this weekend's preformances are my future races. A race that I am pretty certain of riding is Arno Wallard Memorial, a UCI 1.2 race, close to 200km filled with cobbles and often fought in hard man conditions. Vaconsoleil and Skil Shimano will send strong teams so I will have my first taste of real pro racing.
I hope to ride strong here, of course its easy to say that I want to ride well but I have no idea what to expect. These are real professionals but all I can do is my best, and this race could be my ticket to the next level.
Ive been thinking lately of why I want to go pro.
Im not sure, its extremely hard and financially discouraging unless you are extremely good. Can I be that good? Time will tell, so far my watts are pretty impressive for my age, but thats not what wins races. Thats what im still learning.
Being pro means committment everyday, training in rain or shine. Focus, eternal motivation. Mental strength. Talent.
Do I have what it takes? I think so. Do I want it? Hell yeah.
Bring it on!
GP Faber (Lux)
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First two laps I was conserving energy, patiently waiting for the race to fall into pieces. A lap later the climb coupled with everyone in the gutter breaks the peloton into several groups. I jump from the second group to the first group where we now have 25 riders. Going up the climb (not my strength, I was hanging on for dear life) guys are flying out the back. My team mate (30+ 2005 world champ) attacks at the top, a group of 10 goes and I bridge up solo. The break is composed of 3 team mates, 6 continental riders, and two random riders. The pace isnt too hard except for on the climbs. I feel comfortable and try not to do any more work than the others. Lap after lap still hanging on the back of the climb. Until 7 laps to go (56km) my team mate attacks with two other riders after the group got a little crazy with some eyeballing and skipping turns. The three are gone and my other team mate insists on attacking, I ride tempo on the front and my team mate flies past. Taking 3 riders with him. Bad move, now im isolated and have 56km to ride. I slowly drop my companions and am in a full out time trial try to get back to the 2nd group of 4 up the road. I catch one dropped continental rider then another. The gap bounces between 20 and 30 seconds after 3 laps. The tank is slowly running on empty as I battle the head wind at a constant 360w. Then boom, I hit a wall. And realise im screwed. I look back in desperation (only 24km to go) and a new team mate is coming, unfortunately this was close to base of the climb and I had 0 time to recover from my 32km effort. Damn, I get popped right at the bottom as I fight towards the top with only the cheers of the people keeping me going. Another 8kms later and the chase group catches me. I recover, sprint, and end up 22nd, 32 finishers, 5th u23. Again, great effort just missing that result. It will come soon! I was dissapointed not to have finished in the top 10, something I think I should have deserved but oh well. Its only march. The form is slowly coming and im looking forward to the races to come. Btw Kim Kirchen won this race when he was younger, maybe next year.
Btw power junkies, 3hr race with avg. of 300w. Peak 20min NP 394w. Peak 30min NP 369w. Peak 1hr 361w. TSS of 244.
Yes records!
Euro Race #1
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The weather was great high 50s with sun, just enough to wear shorts and arm warmers. The race started and I quickly rode to the front as my team mates warned the first hill would approach within the first 15km. I weaved through slower riders and jumped wherever I could find a gap, desperate to start the climb towards the front. Immediatley on the climb two of my team mates attacked with one other. I followed a counter and put in an effort to bridge up. It was too early and my legs werent ready so I slowed up. I rested at the front and then followed another 4-5 counters within the first 20minutes as riders realized who was up the road (Rob Ruijgh and Tjarco Cuppens our two best riders). I started getting tired from all the countering so quickly dropped back and rested for another 20 minutes. Unfortunatly the main climb caught me off gaurd but I was strong and rode up with the first group as my team mates were reeled back in. I then followed another counter, with a team mate (Jeroen Dohmen) and another up the road I just sat on until we were clear. Then I started working and we bridged up only to be caught on the next climb, where I slowly dropped back towards mid pack.
After about an hour of racing on the descent I attacked hard and got away with another rider. For about 10minutes we were swapping pulls at 450w and were clear of the pack, with about a 20second gap. 5 minutes later Tjarco, three other team mates, and another 6 riders bridged up to us. The 12 us swapped pulls with other sitting on longer than others but the 4 of us were driving the break for Tjarco. An hour later a chase group of 8 caught us containing Rob. This was on the final climb, several kilometers long. I had to dig deep to stay with the group and was getting quite thirsty as only one of my water bottles would open. Further up the climb Rob attacked and took several riders with him putting me in the hurt box. I tried to follow but my body couldnt, my legs were crampy and feeling the effects of some hard riding. Eventually I got picked up by a chase group and had a flat tire on the finishing circuits and called it a day. I was pleased to have been in the group but had wished that I had been better prepared because I could have avoided the cramp. The work was there but the result wasnt.
This weekend Im racing in Belgium on saturday. Im looking forward to a good result.
In two weeks is the first u23 classic where I want to ride well.
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