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On Christmas day
As the training camp is getting closer, other riders at the Cycling Center
are starting their diaries. The first diaries of the year are being posted
now so it's time to hop on the train and read more about it, go to our Cycling
Center hub for all the links.
The
selection process - 5th January 2003
Cycling Center:
The New Year - 25th December 2002
Interview with
Bernard Moerman - 6th September 2002
A day at the
races: Antwerpen-Tielen - 15th August 2002
How it all began:
Introduction to the Cycling Center -
22nd May 2002
Or you can also visit the Cycling
Center website for more information.
Ben Duke
 Ben
Duke is a 25-year old from Boulder, Colorado and he came to the Cycling Center
because he loves Europe and cycling and what better way to reach your potential
as a cyclist in the Cycling Center under Bernard Moerman's wing. On the Cycling
Center website he explains what he likes about Belgium (except the obvious
cycling) and that's the bakery! he quotes "If you've ever had the
pleasure of visiting Belgium, then you'd know what I'm talking about...
YUM" If you want to email him your encouragements, please do so at this address:
snubsd@yahoo.com
Winter Training
Well, the 2003 season is now upon us, and we are preparing with much
enthusiasm. I simply can not wait to get back to Europe and start racing. I've
been training longer and harder than ever before so that I will this time be
prepared to go to war. Results are the focus for this season, and I think we
have a very strong squad returning to Belgium to help achieve our goals. We will
have more experience and better fitness, and I hope to make the best of it.
 Pete
and I have been training together since Jan 1st. He flew out to Denver. We skied
a bit in Steamboat (my hometown) first, and then we hit the road. A beautiful
ride through Arches National Monument in Moab, UT started out our 32hr week. We
then headed on toward Vegas where we rode around Lake Mead to the Hoover Dam.
After Vegas, we drove out to Death Valley, CA (Lowest Elevation in the
country... almost 300ft bellow sea level). We got in a good ride there before
continuing on to sunny California. We stayed with my Brother Ryan in Ventura for
two weeks. The riding was warm and spectacular. Tons of climbing and great
training were had. Then it was on to San Diego to meet up with another teammate,
Matt. We rode there for a week getting in some epic rides including the famous
Kevin Livingston loop which goes over Mt. Palomar (a 5000ft peak).
And now, we are here in Phoenix, AZ starting our training camp with the team. 80
degree weahter raises no complaints out of me!
I'm fit and I'm begining to get the itch to race. This Sun will be my first race
of the season here in Phoenix. An 85 mile race over Usery Pass. I cant wait! I
hope to do well so that I'll something exciting to write next time.
Thanks for reading
BEN
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