|
An All-Rounder from the Land of the Long White Cloud
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 14-11-2008 20:28
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
January 17th 2007
Have you ever been to New Zealand? Have you ever read about it in an atlas or in 'National Geographic'? Have you ever watched a documentary about it or seen parts of it in 'Lord of the Rings'? Have you ever seen those ridiculously annoying '100% New Zealand' adverts?
If so then you'll know that's it an amazing and wonderfully diverse country, full of awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking coastlines and sublime geysers (not the cockney type). It is a country that can change from rolling countryside to urban metropolis (OK, that's a bit of an exaggeration) to sky-scraping mountain ranges in 15 minutes. And this country that has everything is having an impact on it's people. On it's cyclists. Because when they are out on their bikes they have to tackle every type of terrain (including the worlds steepest climb at a soul-destroying 42%) and therefore can win on any terrain. The government love their sport and are trying to advertise activities that all the public can participate in (not just rugby). Cycling is one of these sports and has recieved 5% of lottery sport funding over the past 2 years. The first products of the professionally-orientated end of this programme are about to make their first tentative steps out into the world of pro cycling. This means finding a pro team. And one guy has found one (with the help of a few others). And now PCM.daily can bring you a diary of his encounters over his time as a pro cyclist.
PCM.daily.com presents:
Adam Hickey! |
| |
|
|
| SportingNonsense |
Posted on 14-11-2008 20:38
|
Team Manager
Posts: 33046
Joined: 08-03-2007
PCM$: 200.00
|
Good luck! |
| |
|
|
| micke007 |
Posted on 14-11-2008 20:44
|
Stagiare
Posts: 193
Joined: 01-12-2007
PCM$: 200.00
|
sounds interesting
contador rulezzz
|
| |
|
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 14-11-2008 20:56
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
Hello.
I'm Adam Hickey.
I'm embarking on my first season as a professional cyclist and I will be based in Europe, Belgium to be precise. I will be on the Babes Only-Villa Park Lingermeer-Flanders squad, a large Continental team, looking to make a step up to Pro Continental next year. The sponsors hope for good results and we have a relatively strong squad, led by classics man Rony Poelvoorde. The team is Belgian but has some assorted foreigners, including a Brit and a Spaniard. I kinda got the job because of my uncle, the owner of Babes Only (not a porn website but a womens clothing range), who gave me a place in the team when I told him I was looking for one. However, I feel I can fully justify my place in the team. I fly out to Belgium in 3 days and then I will i have to choose where I live: in the team house, in rented accomodation or with my uncle. We'll see.
Anyway, 24 hours on a plane means enough time to provide you with a potted history of me and my life and my aims for the future.
Seeya in Belgium! |
| |
|
|
| G_Larsson |
Posted on 14-11-2008 20:58
|
Sprinter
Posts: 1779
Joined: 25-03-2007
PCM$: 200.00
|
Nice start, good luck!
Team Manager of Team IKEA-Bianchi
[url=(color=#0000ff] Team Info[/url]
Media Room
You'll Never Walk Alone |
| |
|
|
| ember |
Posted on 15-11-2008 10:13
|
Team Leader
Posts: 6866
Joined: 27-03-2008
PCM$: 700.00
|
Nice choice of riders, good luck! |
| |
|
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 16-11-2008 10:09
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
A History of Adam Hickey
I was born on 12th June 1985 in The Royal General in Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand. We lived in Christchurch until I was 2, when we moved further south to Winchester, a suburb of Timaru. I spent my childhood, going to the local primary school and learning to ride my bike. When I was 11 I started secondary school, after earning a scholarship to a school in Timaru. This meant a 20km cycle to and from school in spring and summer and a train journey in winter. I met lots of richer kids at secondary school, many of whom owned racing bikes. I made friends with a guy called Timmy and he invited me to go riding with him and his mates. He was up for just letting me tag along and take it easy but his mates, cruel teenagers as they were, wanted to test me and my cheap Halfords bike out. We were going along at 20 mph with these guys at little surprised at me staying with him. They then introduced me to the 'Piggy in the Middle' game. I was the piggy and when anyone went off the front of the group I had to catch them. One after another attacked flat-out along a rolling road near Pleasant Point and each time I would bring them back. When I asked who was Piggy next, no one responded. I had gained confidence now and told them it was only because I was better than them. It was a challenge they couldn't refuse. They told me that if I attacked they would all catch me. I feigned non-understanding of 'slipstream' and was ready to prove how much better I was and that no one messes with Adam Hickey. I attacked up a small incline and never saw them again.
I soon joined a cycling club, but a different one from those goons. I trained with them twice a week and twice a week I went out on my own. I usually rode into the hills towards the Alps when I was on my own. For birthday and christmas my parents said they would pay half of a road bike for me. With $500 (200 pounds) in my pocket I bought myelf a standard road bike. Within 2 years with the club I had outgrown them and needed new challenges. I waved farewell and joined the South Island Road Club, aged 14. That year I won the South Island Youth (U16) Road Race Championships. I missed out in the TT by 12 seconds to a guy with a $15000 TT bike. I didn't even have tri-bars! The club saw my talent and decided to club together and raised $2000 for me. With $1000 from my work and another $500 from my parents, for my 15th Birthday I bought a quality racer. The next season I dominated. I won the Youth Tour of the South Island, the Junior (U18) Tour of the South Island, The South Island Youth Road Race, TT and cyclo-cross championships, The South Island Junior Road Race, TT and cyclo-cross championships, The New Zealand Youth Road Race, TT and cyclo-cross championships and the New Zealand Junior Road Race, TT and cyclo-cross championships. The next season, aged 16 I joined the New Zealand Development Squad. I competed in all the big New Zealand events on the track and road but it was only last year, when we also competed in Australia, that I made my big breakthrough.
It started with the New Zealand Elite Cyclo-Cross Championships, where I beat the reigning champion in the sprint. Instead of riding track I rode cross and kept winning in Australia, taking 2 Australian Cup events. When the road season started with the Tour de Vineyards, I was flying. I took the first stage in the sprint and won the second with an attack on the finishing climb. I held the leaders jersey until the last stage. I crashed with 10km to go and lost a minute to the front runners and lost the race by 2 seconds. Straight after came the Tour of Wellington. Against some quality opposition, I took out 2 sprint stages, lost in the sprint after doing all the work on the hilly stage and won the TT. I avenged my defeat in the Vineyards by taking the overall as well. I contunued to dominate the Road scene in New Zealand, although good opposition was pretty scarce. I had to wait until June for another big race: The National Championships. The defensive tactics of the home teams previously had played into the hands of sprinter, Julian Dean. Our team were determined to do some damage. It was raced in and around Wellington on a rolling circuit with one proper climb, 1km at 14%. It was 174km long and the crowds were flocking around the Start/Finish line in the city centre. We had a rider in the break and, when it was pulled in by the vigilant home teams, we upped the pace massively. My 6 team-mates left slammed it into top speed for 10km and when they pulled of, with 10k left, the pack was down to 12 and I was alone. We hit the climb and I put in a lightning attack. I was away and the others were left looking at each other. Julian Dean scrambled after me on the descent, but it wasn't enough, as I took a sensational win, thanks to great teamwork. The end of the season meant the Tour of Southland. I took off in the mountain stage and romped home with 5 minutes to spare. My season was over. And there was definite interest.
Small professional Australian teams flocked to my door but I wanted big. I wanted Europe. My uncle sealed me this sweet deal and, in a few hours, I'm gonna be in Flanders, the epicentre of cycling.
This is how it's meant to go. |
| |
|
|
| Ad Bot |
Posted on 22-12-2024 12:42
|
Bot Agent
Posts: Countless
Joined: 23.11.09
|
|
| IP: None |
|
|
| schleck93 |
Posted on 16-11-2008 10:16
|
Classics Specialist
Posts: 3715
Joined: 04-08-2007
PCM$: 200.00
|
Great writing Wacko, I can't wait to read more
BenBarnes wrote:
Thor wears a live rattlesnake as a condom.
|
| |
|
|
| Wiggo |
Posted on 16-11-2008 10:22
|
Classics Specialist
Posts: 3212
Joined: 07-06-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
Wow, you seem great. |
| |
|
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 16-11-2008 10:23
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
geography homework and then a recording session to do so probably not today
maybe this evening if i skip top gear
|
| |
|
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 16-11-2008 10:25
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
Maggot wrote:
Wow, you seem great.
there are only 3 million or so people in New Zealand so not that good.
plus Julian Dean was on his own
|
| |
|
|
| G_Larsson |
Posted on 16-11-2008 16:37
|
Sprinter
Posts: 1779
Joined: 25-03-2007
PCM$: 200.00
|
I really enjoying this story, keep up the good work Wacko!
Team Manager of Team IKEA-Bianchi
[url=(color=#0000ff] Team Info[/url]
Media Room
You'll Never Walk Alone |
| |
|
|
| rjc_43 |
Posted on 16-11-2008 16:41
|
Team Leader
Posts: 6716
Joined: 13-10-2007
PCM$: 200.00
|
I wish real life seemed that easy... 
Good stuff so far.
[url=cleavercycling.co.uk]  [/url] |
| |
|
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 16-11-2008 19:29
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
it is if youre insanely talented
its great being me
|
| |
|
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 17-11-2008 16:55
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
I've just got through customs and I have an hour wait before I get picked up. Enough time to tell you of my plans for the year.
I see myself as an all-rounder and, although it gives me the opportunity to win nearly every race, it means the riders who specialise have an advantage over me when it comes to their particular terrain. So, it requires more than just brute strenght - it requires a good tactical head as well. I think of myself as quite intelligent as I have just recieved an honours degree from Wellington University in Econometrics. I have set out goals in my head and hopefully I can complete them all. Here they are:
1. Compete against the best and compete with the best
2. Ride with my childhood idols: Mario Aerts, David Millar, Paolo Bettini, Robbie McEwen, George Hincapie and Julian Dean
3. Ride some big races
4. Ride some hard races
5. Earn some respect in pro cycling
6. Make friends
7. Find a team I fit in with
8. Help that team to victories
9. Win something, anything.
10. Survive!
They are all achieveable and I can't wait to get stuck in, including meeting my new team-mates. Sorry, got to dash - my driver is waiting! |
| |
|
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 22-11-2008 19:25
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
In Bruges
Have you ever seen the film In Bruges?
Then you'll know what Bruges is like. Good place for a presentation. Maybe not for a cycling team called Babes Only in tacky blue kit. Thankfully, I hear the models might be turning out in a more lightweight version of our cycling kit. The assorted members of the very in-depth Belgian cycling journalism are gathered here along with the predictable man, dog and frites. The public are ready to meet Babes Only. And Adam Hickey.
I've been in Belgium for about a week now. I wouldn't call the team very accepting but maybe that's just because they're Belgian. There's been a few 'only here because of your uncle' quips but, in general, Belgian humour, or the lack of it, is lost upon me. I've kept to myself so far, mainly because I have nobody to talk to in the team, but I've met a nice local girl called Camille and went out for a drink with her last night. I also found an appartment and I've settled in well. Been out on the bike twice this week and tackled a berg or two on my second time out.
OK then, the moment you've all been waiting for. Here's the team:
I think I am probably the most talented rider but I will at least start this year as a domestique for the likes of Rony Poelvoorde, Peter Ronsse and Michael Blanchy. Hopefully I can demonstrate my ability and get a chance to ride for myself this season.
I can win in all races I think. Let's hope I can win at least one.
First race up: Tour du Haut Var |
| |
|
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 23-11-2008 09:40
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
February 25th 2007
My first race of the season was the Tour du Haut Var. The course is reknowned for being lumpy and tough as it snakes its way around Draguignan. The team wasn't really in form yet and we would have to wait and see how we rode on the hills.
It was hard from the gun, with attacks flying every moment. The big squads like Liquigas and Cofidis were controlling them but it meant the tail-end of the peloton was going mental, accelerations from the front magnified at the back. I was struggling to hold my position and protect Ramuntxo but I stood strong and weathered the storm. After 40 non-stop kilometres a break with all the big teams riders went and the pace settled down.
It was a calm and finally sunny day, after 3 weeks in the wet in Belgium, and I was enjoying it, doing my job and chatting with other riders, including Dave Z!
We rolled over the hills gently until news that the Liquigas and Bouyges Telecom riders had crashed and were out of the break. The speed roared up again and my team-mates started to struggle. I tried to keep Ramuntxo in contention up the main climb but he just couldn't hold it up front so, with my legs also feeling the burn, I dropped back with him.
Up front, Leonardo Bertagnolli lit the touchpaper with a sharp acceleration over an ascent with 30km to go. Riders behind tried to hold his wheel but fell short.
I had joined the 2nd big group on the road, with most of my team-mates. We were told by the DS not to chase and to leave that down to the other teams in the group.
In the lead, Jerome Pineau, Patrice Halgand and Rinaldo Nocentini had joined up with Bertagnolli on a descent. Matteo Carrara was in hot pursuit of that group of 4.
But he failed to catch them and it was Bertagnolli who led out the sprint in Draguignan.
He faded into the headwind in the finishing straight though and Pineau jumped past him. Halgand challenged Pineau for the victory but it was Bouyges who came away with the win, Nocentini finishing 3rd. Carrara nearly caught Bertagnolli on the line.
2 minutes or so behind, I was attempting to lead out Michael Blanchy. We were'nt far off the next group and if I gave him an early boost I hoped he could pick his way through the back of them at the finish.
However, he just couldn't hold my wheel. I dropped back for him twice but he wasn't strong enough to get to the front. So I clipped of the front in the sprint and ended the race strongly, almost catching the pack on the line.
Rank Name Team Time
1 Jérôme Pineau BOUYGUES TÉLÉCOM 5h00'17
2 Patrice Halgand CRÉDIT AGRICOLE s.t.
3 Rinaldo Nocentini AG2R PRÉVOYANCE s.t.
4 Leonardo Bertagnolli LIQUIGAS s.t.
5 Matteo Carrara UNIBET.COM s.t.
6 Murilo Fischer LIQUIGAS + 2'09
7 Mikhail Ignatiev TINKOFF CREDIT SYSTEMS s.t.
8 Giuseppe Palumbo ACQUA & SAPONE - CAFFÉ MOKAMBO s.t.
9 John Gadret AG2R PRÉVOYANCE s.t.
10 Ricardo Serrano TINKOFF CREDIT SYSTEMS s.t.
11 Stefano Garzelli ACQUA & SAPONE - CAFFÉ MOKAMBO s.t.
12 Tristan Valentin COFIDIS, LE CRÉDIT PAR TÉLÉPHONE s.t.
13 Pierrick Fédrigo BOUYGUES TÉLÉCOM s.t.
14 Antonio D'Aniello CERAMICA FLAMINIA s.t.
15 Mikhaylo Khalilov CERAMICA FLAMINIA s.t.
16 Jonas Ljungblad UNIBET.COM s.t.
17 Mickael Buffaz COFIDIS, LE CRÉDIT PAR TÉLÉPHONE s.t.
18 Massimiliano Gentili AURUM HOTELS - SAPORE DI MARE s.t.
19 Massimo Codol ACQUA & SAPONE - CAFFÉ MOKAMBO s.t.
20 Francesco Bellotti CRÉDIT AGRICOLE s.t.
21 Daniele Contrini TINKOFF CREDIT SYSTEMS s.t.
22 Cristian Gasperoni CERAMICA FLAMINIA s.t.
23 Sylvain Calzati AG2R PRÉVOYANCE s.t.
24 Mauricio Ardila RABOBANK s.t.
25 Matej Mugerli LIQUIGAS s.t.
26 Nicolas Vogondy AGRITUBEL s.t.
27 Franco Pellizotti LIQUIGAS s.t.
28 Joost Posthuma RABOBANK s.t.
29 Aurélien Passeron ACQUA & SAPONE - CAFFÉ MOKAMBO s.t.
30 Laurent Lefèvre BOUYGUES TÉLÉCOM s.t.
67 Adam Hickey BABES ONLY - VILLAPARK LINGEMEER - FLANDERS s.t.
80 Ronny Poelvoorde BABES ONLY - VILLAPARK LINGEMEER - FLANDERS s.t.
81 Ramuntxo Garmendia BABES ONLY - VILLAPARK LINGEMEER - FLANDERS s.t.
82 Michael Blanchy BABES ONLY - VILLAPARK LINGEMEER - FLANDERS s.t.
83 Jean-Paul Simon BABES ONLY - VILLAPARK LINGEMEER - FLANDERS s.t.
113 Ken Devaere BABES ONLY - VILLAPARK LINGEMEER - FLANDERS s.t.
128 Alex Coutts BABES ONLY - VILLAPARK LINGEMEER - FLANDERS s.t.
157 Wouter Declercq BABES ONLY - VILLAPARK LINGEMEER - FLANDERS + 12'01
After a hard day I showered off and headed for the bus. |
| |
|
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 23-11-2008 09:55
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
I'm f***ing annoyed!
I got a chastising lecture from my team manager when I got onto the bus. I was told off for failing to lead out Michael! When I told him the truth he laughed it down and said (and I quote) "Michael is better than you on any terrain. He could easily hold your wheel!" Of course head-up-his-own-arse Blanchy agreed whole-heartedly with him and said I was not a team player. I said I was sorry, don't know why, but said that I had at least almost caught the peloton. I was then told that I should have helped in the chase if I was feeling that strong, even though I had been expressly forbade to do so. I realised what was going on, made my apologies and went and sat at the back of the bus.
They are all against me. I did my best, did what I was told and if someone wasn't good enough they blame it on me. Next time I'll do my work early on and leave the team alone. Hopefully they'll accept me when we start getting some good results. |
| |
|
|
| fenian_1234 |
Posted on 23-11-2008 10:14
|
Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4790
Joined: 06-12-2006
PCM$: 200.00
|
Excellent. |
| |
|
|
| G_Larsson |
Posted on 23-11-2008 10:28
|
Sprinter
Posts: 1779
Joined: 25-03-2007
PCM$: 200.00
|
Great story Wacko, I love it
Team Manager of Team IKEA-Bianchi
[url=(color=#0000ff] Team Info[/url]
Media Room
You'll Never Walk Alone |
| |
|
