My first time in a Keirin race. I started in a good position.


Everyone came together for the final sprint, and I wasn't in the best of places.

I was the first to jump out at 220m to go.


But in the end I just didn't have enough power, and I finished 4th, beating 5th by 1mm.

This time I started in 2nd, and like in the first round, I took the wheel of Mouris (NED).


He gave me a good leadout, but I just wasn't good enough in the end.


I finished another close 4th, but this time with energy to burn.

I started in 4th, needing to put in a good ride to qualify for the final.


I was completely boxed in, and finished 5th.


No more Keirin for me. Now I just have to rest up and get ready for the sprint tomorrow.

I come up against Jonathan Bellis first, and then if I beat him I will probably face Taylor Phinney, who is here for the same reason as me.

Round 1


I started in the wheel of Bellis. I would like to stay there.


Unfortunately he managed to get behind me. I tried to shake him off, but eventually ended up settling with it.


I went for an early sprint and easily shook him off. Good start.

Round 2


I started too slow, and had to catch up. Off course I did this gradually.


I made the pass early enough, and I held on to take the 2-0 win.


Round 1


Up against Phinney this time, it would be harder to get through.


He was more powerful - obviously - and took Round 1.

Round 2


I needed to win this one. I tried to get through quickly and I did.


I slowed down a bit quickly, but I managed to win it closely.

Round 3


I was able to be in his wheel. Things were looking good.


I got through, but I'm not the best sprinter and I was quite tired a bit to early.


It was so close going into the finish. I tried my best to get through.


And I lost. I just didn't have the last legs.

The final bracket:


And so my off-season track adventure ends. Was it successful? Maybe; we'll see come the road season. There's still some off-season to go though, so I can do more road training and get used to it again. I was walking out of the velodrome, when I met Sofia...

I have accepted an invitation by local organisers to participate in an amateur race on December 22 in the Argentinian country. Miche have agreed to pay me a large sum to wear their jersey, so that is what I will do. The race is one I should win, as it is a hilly circuit with a bunch of local amateurs. Still, I have no form and the Argentine Amateur Calendar runs for the whole year, so it should be a good way to start my road preparation. I will be disappointed with anything other than a win though, as the course is perfect for me.