NICK MULDER RACING

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!