Clasica de Almeria

 

I have recently read Mary Webb’s The House in Dormer Forest. Many people dislike this book, I was fascinated by it. I am sure that last summer I cycled through the locations that inspired it, I know the deeply wooded valleys where families could be lost for generations - living by the own obscure rules and the country churches that have changed little since Norman times. This is what inspires my cycling, I couldn’t just pass time by watching the computer count the miles. That is what I love about watching cycling in Europe, even the most basic of club competitions take place on the open road and visit places along the route. I did attempt racing in the UK, both as a BC rider and in the Veterans league. Most UK racing takes place on uninspiring circuits – one hour plus 10 laps. Not for me, I like to go somewhere.  Hence why I tour and ride Audax. It’s the thrill of reaching a far-flung place and riding home again that I find exciting.

Bunch sprint in Roquetas De Mar

Reach for the finish. Italian Matteo Moschetti takes first place.

The English Disease

Time Trials are referred to as the English Disease in Europe, but really it is the circuit race. Events have been forced down this route due to lack of cooperation from the authorities and several loud internet-based critics. The Clasica de Almeria may have only been one of hundreds of races held across Europe each weekend, but local town halls see such races as a way of promoting their town with free TV coverage and therefore ensure that every facility is made available to organisers. Cafes, bars, and restaurants saw a welcome boost to Sunday trading. Local people enjoy a brief touch of glamour as team convoys and staff descend on small sleeping towns. In the UK, councils see street closures as a hindrance rather that a potential for trade, and as for the police – don’t even go there. The UK really has become a petty-minded country of shop keepers.

Ok to Dive.

 

Well I passed the medical without issue. There was even a few well placed, ‘Bein!’ from Dr Jose.

‘Bien, bien.’ Came his response to an ECG check and as he asked if I did sport, and what type. I could see a clear and regular trace go across the screen. He was impressed and didn’t question my answer - I cycled and climb mountains. Blood pressure was also bien and I was pronounced fit and healthy to dive. This was much more thorough than anything I had experienced in the UK. There were no condescending assumptions – like an electric bike would be good for getting me around the park, or The Wrekin hardly qualifies as a mountain. This guy had the evidence to show that I did something extremely beneficial to my heart and circulation; neither was he trying to lure me into some programme or medication that would bring government funding into the practice.  Now I’m just sat waiting for the weather, rough weather has hampered my return to diving in a post covid world.

Return to the sea delayed.

Sunday came with promised sun and winds that continued to whip the med into something resembling the peaks on a meringue. Hence, we headed down to Roquetas De Mar to watch the finish of the Clasica De Almeria. The previous day had seen the women’ race finish in Vera, that was a two hour drive from here and would have required an early start to see either the start in Vicar or an early for a long drive. Neither were favoured after a late night in Oscar’s Bar.

The men’s race was one day cycle race of 190Km finishing 14Km away in Roquetas. It had attracted some big teams and names – Movistar, Euskatel, Isreal P.T., Bora – Hansgrohe and Ineos Grenadiers. The biggest name being last year’s winner Alexander Kristoff.

What always amazes me is the speed these guys travel at, I know a peloton generates momentum, but managing 47Km/H in a strong wind and over 50Km/H heading for the line, really makes my average speed look pedestrian. I do wonder if professional riders actually enjoy the ride? There are many club and amateur riders who know nothing of the places they ride through, it is only the Strava times that matter and it that which gives them their buzz. I just see cycling as a faster means of travel than walking. I can pass through the boring bits a little faster and saviour the places I like. During my preparation for the LEL, I visited some unknown corners of Shropshire that really are undiscovered.