I returned to Europe after a solid winters training in Stellenbosch just over 2 weeks ago. I cut my time in South Africa a little bit short so that I could meet and work with World renowned Irish therapist Gerard Hartmann for a short period in Limerick – I was already back to full training but I wanted to make sure I had no underlying structural problems which would lead to my ‘hip niggle’ returning. I made great progress in Limerick and left there motivated and satisfied I would be 100% able to carry out a good block of training in Spain.

When I was home I also picked up my new Specialized SL3 bike, Mizuno and Lucozade products – all of which have been tested and have served me well in Spain.

Although I have had a lot of training to get through I have also packed in 2 races – I won in both Fuente Alamo and San Pedro del Pinatar – my victory in Fuente Alamo particulary pleasing as second on the day was multiple World Champ Ivan Rana - of course it is always nice to win races but as you know I am a realist and know there are bigger challenges ahead – my theory of relativity says ‘these things are all relative’.

As I missed Sydney and Seoul World Championship Series races my ranking has dropped slightly and so as yet I have still to make the start line in Madrid – but I will keep you updated.

I leave Spain tomorrow for England where I will meet up with British Athlete Tim Don for a short period. In May I will race the Great Run Manchester 10km before returning to Spain for my build up to June.

Thanks again for your continued support,

As my brother would say “it’s all good”

gav