Dean's French Diary

The Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk squad have been racing in France at a number of prestigious events.

Dean Downing raced at the Circuit of the Ardennes and the Tour DU Loir et Cher before returning for the East Midland Classic. Although a little sore from his trip Dean outlines his race at the Tour DU Loir et Cher.

Dean, Kristian and Rob post stage

Dean featured on the podium during the Circuit of Ardennes

Pictures from the Circuit of the Ardennes - Click for more

Dean writes: I am back home after a few days, well nearly two weeks in France, I was hoping to do a good ride in Tour du Loir et Cher after I surprised myself in Circuit Ardennes, with some strong riding.

Stage 1 - Ended in a bunch kick, I must have been a little out of practice. I panicked and hit out a little too early (250m) and in good company, I was rolled 50m out from the line and took fourth on the stage.

Stage 2 - This was the big day out at 200km. I haven't raced over that distance all of last year, it ended in a bunch kick again with the added rain falling, the last few km's were a little scary to say the least. Actually the whole stage was a bit scary, Rob Partridge hit the tarmac early on and had to chase back to the bunch.

I ended up crashing twice in the last 5km, first straight on the grass avoiding falling riders, then sliding up the left side of the bunch after chasing back a mass pile up andI couldn't avoid it, so into a pile of bikes head first it was. I got up after checking myself out and I was facing the wrong way, big Matt Rowe was there too and towed me back to the bunch just as we rounded the last corner, man that boy has some Horse Power in his legs.

I cut up knee, a head ache and a big chain ring mark on my left upper arm, I made it back to the hotel and it was ice all the way for me.

Stage 3 - A nightmare for my legs and hips, I couldn't hang on in the cross winds when the big teams went to the front and I lost some time, 14 minutes to be exact. OH well for me, 4th place for Graham Briggs was a big bonus for the team.

My Horse Power was down, and my High positionon GC had gone, but a high performance from Brigga rescued the day for the Rapha Condor Recycling team.

Stage 4 - Much of the same for me, hanging on and hanging on some more, whilst doing a chicken impression, in that I mean flapping my arms and legs around until I couldn't hold the bunch any longer. Mr Herety could see all this from his car position in the convoy, I think it made him laugh even though I was in agony and having palpitations, so back to the second group on the road for me and another 12 minutes lost. Holy Poo.

Stage 5 - was a circuit race around Blois and a fast one at that, pretty non eventful for me, I had a job today in keeping Kristian House and Brigga near the front for the finale, Kristian didn't need any help as he was mega up for it all race, and rides awesome at the front all the time anyway. Brigga needed a little help and I led him out in the last few km's and he came honking Past me, he and KH did a top ten ride.

Since being back home, I have caught up with little Beau our new puppy, I have also been to see my Osteopath friend mr Hempsall and with some heavy pulling he has straightened me out and I even managed a couple of easy bike rides.

Feeling better already.

Dean's website - www.deanodowning.co.uk