At the time of writing this first entry I have only 10 days left until I leave! So, first things first, I am going to be based in Rennes and riding for VC Rennais. I will be living with the ‘Tardif’ family from the 10th of February to some time in late September/October. They have sent me some pictures of the house and I am a lucky boy! It really is pretty, right in the centre of the town, and 1km from the service course. I am also obviously really looking forward to going.
Let me also say, that when you get an opportunity like this it would be very easy to think you are someone that you are not. I am full-time cyclist, not, a professional cyclist. I really want to keep a sense of realism about this year. I do have everything mapped out and have targets set with the people who have got me to this point and I am going to do, and continue doing, everything to the best of my ability to ensure my career as a bike rider will happen.
Now with that said I can get on with writing the rest of the diary. January has been okay for me really, not great, but okay. Training was really hard for the first week then I had one week which I was ill and therefore, since I have been training flat-out since October I was due a rest. I have had two adaptation weeks after being ill and feel all the better for doing so.
I have said a few goodbye’s and have a few more to do, but its quite hard when your friends are far away at university but I am trying seeing as I am gone for 8 months. So that’s all I have to say for this month really. I would obviously like to tell you more but that is really all I have done for the last 4 weeks!
So that’s all for now. I will write to you again at the end of February with news about my training camp and the first few races. So until then, keep well, and I look forward to talking to you soon!
Take care
Matt
