Sunday run

Hadn't been out on the bike that much recently so was glad to get in nearly 4 hours on Sunday, heading south to Tossa de Mar before heading up the St. Grau climb. As the weeks go by in 2005 there's more and more out on the road. I passed another tour company a few times, Germans by the look of it, and some different teams - notably Barcelona (in association with Excelent Center). You may know that the big football teams here sponsor several sports - i've been aware of Barcelona and Real Madrid basketball etc. over the past year or two but it was still strange seeing the team in full kit and bike, all emblazoned with FCBarcelona. Imagine seeing the same thing in the UK with Celtic or ManU?!

Anyway, the barcelona boys crept up on me on the climb, but when they tried to pull away - since i'm really an Athletic Bilbao fan - i gave them a 'kicking' to get to the top first!

Cicloturismo/Continental racing

Cicloturismos or cycletours events are very popular all over Spain with particularly big turnouts and high quality in the Basque Country and Catalonia. Thousands participate in these annual series' for quality prizes - a large range of quality is also evident, from hairy legged grannies to ex-pros and top amateurs.

I completed the Olano event in the Basque Country last year and intend to do a few this year as part of the Catalan series. It really is the best option for cyclists in the UK to get a first taste of Continental racing.

The Catalan series is one of the most competitive around, with some hard 6hr, multiple col rides. I'm going to offer these as part of MACstrong tours, so if you're interested in tackling 1 or even the full series, drop me a mail.

Also, here´s a link to the Basque and Catalan triathlon calendars for 2005. Given my experiences in the Basque Country las year i would particularly recommend the Ordizia long distance Duathlon (14th or 15th May) and the San Sebastian (Donosti) Triathlon (26th June). Let me know if you need some advice getting to these - i may pop back myself for a few this season and am already committed to the Oñati Duathlon on the 19th March.

El tiempo de enero

. . . or january's weather.

it seems like the spanish cold snap is over. it was f***reezing the past week with the last day or two of the couriers v albert 'battletour' a chilly few degrees. however Girona was one of the very few places in all of Spain not to get hit with snow. Mallorca, Gran Canaria and Murcia were all hit hard with the white stuff - and it was never off the news.

strange that - south, east and west all with more severe weather - any geographers out there with an explanation?!

but back to a balmy 15 yesterday with Girona being the warmest spot on the peninsular. all in, it didn't rain once in january with an average monthly high of 16 degrees C.

keep an eye on the website's weather.com magnet for weather news.