August Update

Are we already nearing the end of August? The month began with an easy week at home after Giro Valle d’Aosta, which was much needed after the physical and mental fatigue (see last blog). Shortly after I headed back overseas, but this time with my family in our VW campervan, stopping off along at various points along the way to Italy, exploring new areas in training.

Since I’ve been back the usual busy racing schedule has resumed. I’m at the point now where I’m used to this level of racing so I’m more relaxed, which has made it more enjoyable and I’ve become more consistent. A top result is still eluding me, but I have a few more more races left and regardless of results, I feel I’ve developed significantly as a rider over the past six months.

After my last race of the year, I’ve planned a cycle tour back to the UK from our team house near Milan. The plan is to ride the 800 miles over 6 days with plenty of stops along the way. While this may sound very physically demanding (which it is in some ways), I’m looking forward to riding at my own pace discovering new places. Whereas when racing, I have to be focused and riding to the extent of my abilities, so a lot of the landscape is lost from being in the racing bubble. A few days after I return home, I’m going to Cardiff University to study engineering, while continuing my racing as much as possible. This very much feels like the right step for me because being a full time cyclist this year I have discovered that I need something other than cycling to focus on, to avoid overthinking and to truly appreciate the bike.

Thanks as always to my parents, the team and the Lewis Balyckyi trust fund for keeping me on the road.

Pre boarding at Dover in the camper.

At sign on before Briga Novarese, pockets packed for the 160km to come.