As any normal kid in Canada, especially in la Belle Province, I was addicted to hockey at a young age. I also played soccer, judo, baseball and Alpine Skiing, so I was very active at a young age. I soon became very interested in Motocross, however my parents didn't give me consent to participate in that sport because they felt it was too dangerous so I turned to Mountain Biking, and thus my cycling career began!
I would ride my bike everywhere, and I was out everyday looking for new jumps and things for my bike. I had thought racing would be a good idea, but I didn't know such a thing existed until a small sports store opened just down my street, and I instantly signed up for my first race. I also joined a club there, and got my first taste of training, and racing bikes. In my first year, I did very well. Because the age categories are cut off on December 31st, I was racing with riders a year older than me, so they had a physiological advantage on me. My first race I came 4th overall, and the rest of the year, I consistently placed very high, so I knew I had the natural ability.
When I was 14, I signed up for a Cycling program in the Sport and Studies school, and my parents helped support me even though the school was 30km away from my town. I met Francis Paradis and he introduced me to all disciplines of the sport, although I had no interest for Road racing at the time. But that changed after a winter of training with Francis. I became interested in road cycling!
My first road race I went full throttle at the sound of the gun. I realised I had to ride in the pack, so I drafted for almost the entire race before making a useless attack and finishing dead last. As my first road season went on, I found less interest in Mountain Biking, and more and more in road.
2nd season, I quit MTN biking to devote all my time to the Road. My Dad bought be a Louis Garneau bike and I was able to join Élicycle-Sport Experts , and I even had the chance to meet Mr. Garneau himself, who helped me with some advice. In my 2nd race of that season, I took the win.
The next few seasons, high finishes became a regularity for me, and I was now on Jittery - Joes a semi-pro team. They offered me a great structured racing schedule but by the end of the season, I felt a move was needed, so I moved on to Kelly Benefits.
The atmosphere within that team was great and I won the U23 National Title for both Road and TT, so I was very happy. At KBS, I wanted to race a more North America circuit so that I could stay close to home and finish my bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering too. But in 2010 I felt I was ready to move on in my career, so I went to Europcar and I finished in a great position in Paris Roubaix the hardest day of racing on the whole cycling calendar.
My Style of riding I think is an all-rounder, kind of like Paolo Bettini. I think I can climb fairly well, and I can sprint well. I'm also good on the cobbles, and my TT is by far my strongest area, so I just hope I can keep improving really. My hope is to race in the Tour de France and win as many stages as I can along the way. Winning Monuments would also be great.
Edited by valverde321 on 03-02-2012 04:27
Welcome to my Blog section! In here, you will be able to see my latest Blog entry, as well as an archive of all my blogs. With the success of it last year, I will also probably be bringing back the "Ask David" segment, although I will have less time to answer off-topic question, and I'd really appreciate if the questions were cycling oriented, or had something to do with me.
On this site, you will be able to find my latest results, general news about me, you can get a recap of my previous seasons, and there will also be my race calendar for the season. I will release my traning schedule and keep track of my best results. Not only that but I will introduce you to my team-mates and have brief reports on some of the more important races that I dont participate in. I can't forget about any news Regarding my team, as well as a summary of the Current Pro Tour teams.
This may seem like a lot to cover for one person, but I think I will be able to manage, and I hope you guys enjoy it, as I like doing this type of thing.
Here, you can read up on my past 3 season's since I started working on my blog and the current season, which will be my fourth season. This wont be the prettiest section here, but I hope it gives you a good overview of my past three seasons. So feel free to read it, if you want!
Thank you!
Edited by valverde321 on 03-02-2012 04:27
Team Sky, and Spidertech have now confirmed their merger. This is huge news, as the biggest cycling team in the world adds another pretty big sponsor to the team. Not only that, but a bunch of Canada's top cyclists will now join Britains top team. The squad seems to be filled with almost all British and Canadian riders, however there will be a few top riders from other countries, like John-Lee Augustyn. This now becomes the premier location for the British and Canadian riders and the team will provide them with top facilities, equipment, training and staff to help them get the best results for themselves, team and sponsors.
No doubt this is a big time of the year with a lot of transfer action winding down, we will be prepared to write our annual Transfer Overview, covering the biggest transfers, as well as some of the "sleeper" transfers, and of course to highlight any rising stars that may be on the verge of stardom.
So stay tuned!
Davide is a returning rider for the team, and a fairly strong sprinter. Obviously being Italian his main goals will be for the Italian races, but with the amount of strong sprinters on the team (some which we will get to later) it may be hard for him to be the lead sprinter at the Giro.
Josh Atkins is one of the younger riders on the team, and coming back for his 2nd season with the team. He's seen as a rider for the future, but his climbing ability can be used to his advantage, by being a good team-mate for whoever his team leader is. He will be a valued member of the team, but could be a leader in a few years time.
John will be a good teammate for the team. He could probably be a leader on some other teams, but he opted to stay here and try and help his leaders get as many wins as possible.
*New Addition*
Adam Blythe is a new rider on the team. The sponsors wanted more British flavour, and Blythe was out of a contract. Having him on the team adds to the sprinting dominance, although the team may be lacking a top sprinter, unless we signed one......
*New Addition*
Boivin should come in to please the new sponsor, but he will also provide depth as another strong sprinter for the team. He is also still young, so his future as a top sprinter is something that could happen through hard work, and Sky is the right team for that.
Ross Creber is just a domestique, but he's a good one, and the team is glad to have him. A team cant be all leaders, now can it.
*New Addition*
David Boily is another promising Canadian to join the team, and he will be one of the teams best talents for the future, with lots of promise as a TTer and an average stage racer, something the team could use a little more of.
*New Addition*
Dekker joins the team! What can I say. I hope his abilities give us some wins, but I see him as more of a domestique nowadays after coming back from his suspension a few years ago.
Alex Dowsett should be one of the main sprinters top lead-out men. He wont have much value elsewhere however, so his racedays may be a bit limited to flat races like the Tour of Oman.
Edvald Boasson Hagen, what can I say about this guy? He's amazing at everything, he may be our top sprinter, and he's a good TTer and hilly rider. His cobblestone riding is alright too! I love what he's done for the team in his time here, and I know he can have more strong years, for many to come!
Chris Froome, is quite the guy! His speciality is climbing, and I think he would make a great domestique for the team. I know he likes to climb, and he's been working on improving that part of his skillset.
*New Addition*
Sergio is new to the team, but he's been linked for many years. Sky have been interested in him and for good reason. I see him as the next Alberto Contador, so it would be great if he could stay with us, for a long time!
*New Addition*
What kind of Canadian team would it be, without the current legend from Canada, Ryder Hesjedal. He will most likely be the leader for the classics, letting the other leaders have the Grand Tours. He should be a rider that will get us a lot of wins too! His goals for the year will be the two PT Classics.
Ignatiev the Russian diesel continues for another season. He was an important part of the sprint train last season, so I anticipate that he will be this season as well.
*New Addition*
This is probably our biggest addition to the team, during the offseason. Kittel was a free rider, and after our first target Cavendish was taken by one of our main rivals, Garmin, as well as Wiggins, we felt the need to reply with our own world class sprinter. Kittel will be the man for the Green jersey, and I think he will be the rider with the most wins on the team, come the end of the season. In terms of his quality, there just wasn't anyone else even close to him available, so Sky had to get him at all costs to achieve the goals set by the sponsors.
*New Addition*
One guy that could really help Kittel get some wins, is Kevin Lacombe. He will have a few chances to ride on his own, but will also work as a lead-out man as the team just doesn't have enough already.
Maaskant has been a great rider, and his Cobble abilities are his strongest discipline. I know he will be and underrated rider for the team, but I hope he can get success in the Northern Classics.
Mollema stays with the team, after Kreuzigers departure hoping to be the top guy, but Hesjedal changed that. Still he will probably be able to lead the Giro team, and get a great result too! Its sad for him, but I know he will understand, and thats the important thing really.
Peter Kennaugh is another one of the riders returning to the team for another season. He will be a valuable teammate for Mollema and Hesjedal, and he could get a few chances to lead himself. He's making all the steps possible to becoming a team leader. The team may be too crowded for that though.
Stannard will be a great teammate and a great workhorse. I like his strength as a rider, and that you can always count on him to be there for you, if something goes wrong. Under appreciated rider if you ask me.
Swifty will be our own little Oscarito! He's good on the hills, and has a good sprint on the more uphill finishes. I'm glad he's still a part of the team, he could help the victory tally by the end of the year for sure!
Daniel Teklehaimanot is not only a popular rider, but he's also fairly good. I would still say he's more of a teammate for the team, but his attacking style would be good for the breakaways, something we dont have a lot of.
Andrew Tennant is purely a TT rider., and thats not a bad thing. He could get into some races if there is a TTT just on how good he is, although that may be a bit of a risk. Other than that, he could be a good breakaway rider as well.
Thomas is a real fan favourite. His video documentaries are a blast to watch and his results in the past few seasons have been great. He's more of a Jack of all trades, master of none, but his cobble riding is strong as well as his sprinting.
Peter's little brother Timmy is not as strong as him, but he could be in a few years. I like what he brings to the bike, and I think he could surprise a few people in a season or two.
Not really sure if Uran is still enjoying his time here, but he is still a class rider, so he will do his best to win when he's the leader. I like his attacking style, and his hills ability.
*New Addition*
What can you say, other than wow? Valverde was left out to dry with Movistar, and Kreuziger was unhappy at Sky, so Valverde could be the perfect replacement. He's just as good, and is very willing to prove he's still an elite climber/stage racer. Some will question why he signed for Sky, but they wanted to have him, and also because they believe in him. He's only signed for one year, so if it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out, but we do know that Valverde is very excited about his new opportunity, and doesn't think he will have any problems getting along with the others on the team, even as the clear team leader.
*New Addition*
Rick Zabel is the last of the team presentation. He is a goos sprinter now, but some say he will be a better sprinter than his dad was, as well as a stronger all-rounder. Sky may have gotten a steal, but only time will tell. It wont be the training that decides it, as the team has quality training staff and procedures.
Sky - Spidertech have released their jerseys for the 2014 season
The team have released their jerseys for the year, at the teams opening training camp. The designer of the jersey, is none other than world renowned ANFreeman, who has designed jerseys for many teams in the past.
The new american team takes over for Radioshack, and should provide a nice change of jerseys. The team is based in the States, but like before its hardly an American team, as it has the same managers as before, when the team was known as Radioshack.
Team Rating 4/5
Astana
One of my favourite teams, just because of how seriously they take their nationalism. Astana is full of Kazakh riders, but their best rider is probably the Italian of Scarponi who is one of the newest riders on the team. I think this will be a very exciting team to watch during the season, and I hope the sponsors can keep the baby blue jerseys in cycling for a long time to come.
Team Rating 4/5
BMC Cycling Team
BMC like usual are one of the strongest teams in the world. With Gilbert, Hincapie, Hushovd, Evans, Van Avermaet and Van Garderen they are for sure one of the best. For Sky, I'm sure they dont want to see BMC in many of the same races as each other.
Team Rating 4.5/5
Cantabria
Cantabria are the team taking over for Movistar. Many wanted to see Caisse d'Epargne come back as the sponsor, however that would have been very hard to do, and I very suitable sponsor in Cantabria step up to take over the team anyway. The team consists of pretty much the same group of guys, although the addition of a French rider could be a sign of things to come. The only thing, is they are still a little weak everywhere but climbing
Team Rating 4/5
Cofidis le Credit en ligne
Cofidis, I wont lie is a very weak team, and could be the favourites to relegate this year. They have lost Thomas Dekker and haven't really added anyone near his ability, so what helped them up, wont be there for this year. Taaramae will lead the team. For French cycling it would be nice for them to stay in the Protour, but I doubt it.
Team Rating 3.5/5
CSC - Saxobank
CSC are a welcomed team back into Cycling after a short time away. They take lead of their former team, and brought back their two former leaders the Schleck brothers. The goal here is to win the Tour de France for sure, and I could definitely see it happen.
Team Rating 4.5/5
Euskaltel - Euskadi
Dropping the Basque ties was a big blow to the cycling community, however the addition of Lastras and Navarro cant hurt the team all too much. Of course the main thing is that the team keeps their Orange jerseys, and they have! One major blow to the team which should be mentioned is the retirement of Samuel Sanchez who was a great rider for the team.
Team Rating 4/5
Garmin
Garmin are now the biggest rivals of Sky with many of our targets on th team, and the shocking amount of British riders. Wiggins and Cavendish would be the biggest. We were unable to get Cavendish, so we resorted to our 2nd option, however having Cav and Wiggo does add some rivalry. We also stole a few of their riders, so its only natural. However I see them as a very strong team as well, as Theo Bos could be quite the addition for them.
Team Rating 4.5/5
GreenEDGE
GreenEDGE are one of the coolest teams in my opinion. They have almost an entire roster of Aussie's and good Aussie's at that. Goss, Gerrans and Porte are the three big leaders of the team, but I see Simon Spilak as a strong rider for the future.
Team Rating 4/5
Katusha
Katusha are one of my favourite teams, because they are similar to Astana. They still have their two ageing stars, Rodriguez and Menchov, but hopefully Galimzyanov can get over the hump and become that elite sprinter that people saw in him a season ago. Ballan also joins and will no doubt give them the boost they need for the classics season, with Purito and him to be able to contest in both disciplines of the Spring Classics.
Team Rating 4.5/5
Lampre - ISD
Damiano Cunego is a great rider for the team. But what about when he isn't racing? This team isn't very strong. I'd say they will be near the bottom of the Protour. Maybe not to relegate, but I dont see them winning much without Cunego.
Team Rating 3.5/5
Liquigas - Cannondale
Liquigas are again one of the best teams in the world. I see them getting atleast one GT Podium with Basso and Nibali. But its not just those two. Its Sagan and Viviani as well. I love this team, and think they can win a lot of races this year!
Team Rating 4.5/5
Lotto
Apart from Greipel, Lotto are a very weak team. I could see them relegate if it weren't for Greipel, but really everything depends on him. I love this team so I would like them to continue in the PT, but its something that has to be considered.
Team Rating 3.5/5
Omega Pharma
Omega Pharma are quite possibly the best team in cycling! They have Contador and Boonen, Velits and Leipheimer, and De Weert. I dont see where this team cant get a win, and thats important for them. But most importantly, Contador. This guy can most likely get a GT win when he wants to. For Omega's they will want him to get lots of Mountain wins.
Team Rating 5/5
Rabobank Cycling Team
This Dutch team will be led by Robert Gesink! Will this finally be his year? I like what Rabobank have done, and they have a good supporting cast of riders who will get a good amount of wins, as well as give great support to their leader Gesink.
Team Rating 4/5
Team Type 1
Team Type 1 have taken the cycling scene by storm. The sponsors have given a lot to spend on riders, and they have improved greatly. They dont have a lot of quality, but they have a few big names. Despite this, I see them relegating, which could see their better riders leave. Still it would be nice to see this team stay, as they also have a very good cause.
Team Rating 3.5/5
Vacansoleil
Vacansoleil are a lot stronger with van den Broeck giving them a legitimate GT contender. I like their way of riding and Poels could also add some depth as a climbing team. Gustav Larsson is another big rider, as his TT ability can give the team a good chance in any TTT if there were any in Grand Tours putting his GC leader in a better position.
Let's hope the sequel is as good as the original! Good Luck with the conversion (you are doing that right?), and can't wait to see David in action in 2013!
P.S. That's one determined Canadian there.
I mean David in the graphic btw, but you seem pretty determined yourself.
Teddy The Creator wrote:
Let's hope the sequel is as good as the original! Good Luck with the conversion (you are doing that right?), and can't wait to see David in action in 2013!
P.S. That's one determined Canadian there.
I mean David in the graphic btw, but you seem pretty determined yourself.
I'll answer this quickly, before I get too many more... (if I do at all, who knows)
Thanks Teddy! Does the graphic look nice?
I will be converting it. Well more like, re-creating as closely as possible. And thanks!
He is
Me? I'm not determined, there's another word for what I am, but its not appropriate for the forum.... Edited by valverde321 on 22-01-2012 07:05
The graphic looks really nice. One tip, I'd duplicate the layers of the two little pictures, then put on some radial blur on the second layer so the effects of self-cropping aren't visible. You'll see when you do it.
Still a really nice graphic. Only just noticed the Canadian flag in the background.
The graphic looks really nice. One tip, I'd duplicate the layers of the two little pictures, then put on some radial blur on the second layer so the effects of self-cropping aren't visible. You'll see when you do it.
Still a really nice graphic. Only just noticed the Canadian flag in the background.
Great! Those suggestions, were good. I also had a little more fun. I played around with the pen tool, and did what you suggested.
Looks like something big is coming, I can't wait 
