Season's review by coach Hoppo

During the close season, Stewart trained hard and well. Maybe, in hindsight probably, starting training to early and to hard!

The consequence though is that Stewart started the season flying, notching up a win in his first race, followed by various personal bests around the country.

However it was always on the cards that this intensity and growing impressive string of results may not be able to be maintained throughout the whole season.

I believe this situation came to a head at the National 24hr Championships at the end of June, Stewart achieved yet another personal best in this race, but in doing so, had used what strength he had left in him.

In the following next couple of weeks he struggled with a 12hr in which he had neither the strength or the form to achieve what he was easily capable of, and then with various viral infections as he had pushed his body about as far as it would go.

It was a premature end to Stewarts season but many valuable lessons had been learnt along the way. As well as having racked up many impressive race results during the season, Stewart had learnt that he needed to listen more to his body, and when it was telling him that he needed to rest, he needed to take heed!

Also he learnt that possibly a later start to winter training and to gradually ease into the seasons racing might well be a more sensible plan. With this in mind, and with all these lessons learnt, also the fact that he is in excellent shape and with another years experience behind him, I look forward to him having a v.promising years racing ahead of him in 2012.

"you have two choices when you wake up in the morning: go back to sleep and dream or wake up and chase the dream". (Lewis Gordon Pugh)

I have started to settle into winter training but it has taken a long time to get over the a tough season of racing. My last post was just before I set off to the National 12 hour Championships were I could have cycled for 12 days instead of the quick 12 hours that was required from me.

The shear amount of miles had taken its toll and although the 12hours was shorter than most of my competitive events , I simply had no pace to break into my usual top ten placing. When I finished I promptly threw the bike in the back of the van and set off on the family holiday for a well earned rest and some quality family time relaxing in Cornwall.

Unfortunately while away I picked up a stomach bug which has lead to me being unable to train properly, eat certain foods and has now created an intolerance which is still taking time to address. So my winter training has commenced at a much lower pace while under going various medical tests to resolve this sudden intolerance which is extremely frustrating.

Channeling the frustration into positive energy is often a challenge however this has given me an opportunity to review my diet in much more detail and obtain a far better understanding of my nutrition and use my training time more wisely.

Also the purchase of a team van for 2012 has taken on a life of its own being refurbished and embossed with sponsors will prove to be a great asset to the new season and provide a fantastic opportunity to promote all the excellent businesses that continue to support me.