Bikes, science and old friends

A different commute this morning. I was staying at Rosemary's mum's as I was attending the World Congress of Cycling Science in Leeds. She stays in Garforth, a 10 minutes train journey away. Laynes Espresso is right by the train station so it was impossible to pass without having an amazing flat white.

I had a great day at the conference, meeting some wonderful people and old friends too. Highlight presentation of the day was from Dave Martin from the Australian Institute of Sport. Mikel Zabala from Movistar was great value too. I had a great chat with Prof. Yannis Pitsiladis on long-term athlete development from a genetics perspective. Fascinating and a privilege to get the chance to speak with such an expert. I met the psychologist Dr. Carla Meijen for the first time, someone I've heard a lot about from my mate Claire. We spoke loads, very quickly in a way that you do when you're both excited about the conversation. Great lassie.

Of course, the old friends bit was the best. Phil was up from Canterbury, resplendent in a Team Kenya trackie top! He's been over there running and is now down to 2:16 for a marathon! Sheesh, rapid! Chatted loads with Simon, who I'm always delighted to see....he's doing well for himself! Heiko, who's in the photo was over from Berlin. I was so pleased to see him as he's like a favourite uncle and one of the top cycling coaches in the world too. Heiko's stories are always great, whether it's on the old days in East Germany or simply what he's been up to. Dave Martin described Heiko as a therapist and I think he's right! I'd trust the guy with anything and if he was my coach I'd never want to let him down.

The worst bit of the day was Prof. Andy Lane's 'Frank Spencer' impersonation....it's very good but it was also my brother's party piece which has resulted in lasting psychological damage to me! However, I've got to say that it was one of the best day's of it's kind that I've had. Popping outside for some fresh air, I even managed to catch Mark Cavendish in the opening presentation of the Tour de France. I got back to Garforth just after 10pm and Rosemary had arrived. I was exhausted but still excited and didn't get to sleep for ages.