End of the year, 2021
After having my booster jab and feeling a little lousy I thought I’d write a summary of my year.
The year, as we all know started off strangely, with lots of uncertainty still lingering in the air. If you’ve read my other blogs, you can get a good idea of what I got up to whilst I was in Spain.
Looking back at my experience in Spain I have mixed emotions and learnt a lot of valuable life lessons. Firstly, I lived abroad with a group of like-minded guys which was a good laugh. I got to meet new friends in both Spanish and English. Being able to speak another language and adapt to a new culture was mega too. A shock at first but still mega. Also gaining the life lessons of living on your own/with other people whilst being more responsible was important for me. And finally, the training and racing were unparalleled. Living near Alicante, being in Sierra Nevada and going to the Basque was class. Not quite the Peak District but close.
However, the living situation together with my personal experience of not-so-good management led to me coming back home early, something I have not regretted at all. When I got back home, I was very stressed and not sure what direction to go. So, when Dave from Cycling Sheffield gave me the opportunity to join the team, I was extremely grateful. It gave me a new direction and focus for the rest of the year.
It took me a while to get into the routine of things after illness, some time off and other stresses. But eventually, I got going, culminating in a ride I can be proud of at the National Time Trial Championships. A long and stressful season but ultimately it has prepared me well for the future.
I had a long off-season and did normal people things. Like; go to the pub, see my mates and go on a family holiday. It was beneficial to spend a lot more time in the gym too including a surprising 41-minute 10k with my local running club.
I’m into the full swing of winter training now working with Sam at NeoPro and Charlie at Qualified nutrition. Really enjoying learning more about my nutrition and different types of training ready for a strong calendar next year with the Cycling Sheffield boys.
I’d like to end the blog by thanking a few people for this season.
Pedal Potential and The Lewis Balyckyi Trust Fund for the financial support, which without, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything I have this year.
Dave at Cycling Sheffield for taking me on board and giving me the opportunity for next season.
Joe at the Aurahub for providing ongoing support into the new year.
Clint at Pro-fit personal training for the physio and massage support.
And to end it all the biggest thanks to my parents for the best support in the world x
