Things got off to a great start after arriving in Spain at the end of June.  I competed in Copa de Espana Ciudad del Ciclismo UCI C2 race in Cervera del Maestre, Valencia, Spain on 30 June and was placed 3rd in the U19M. There was a field of 36 riders all from Spain and the course was like riding at home in Alexandra - dry, dusty and rocky.

Next I went to Vall de Boi which is near the top of Spain by the border with France. Here I competed in another UCI C2 race at an altitude of 1100m above sea level. Unfortunately the heavens opened the night before race day resulting in road closures and race delays, but also a very wet and muddy course. I placed 6th in this race and finished strongly.

Next we headed to France and a ski resort in the French Alps called Puy Saint Vincent. A huge mountain resort and the race was part of the French Cup National series. There were 120 riders in my category!!! I had a terrible start in this race with a rider crashing right in front of me at the start. That resulted in half the field passing by and I was 65th after the first climb, stuck in the logjam of riders and plenty of walking because of the shear numbers around me. Once I got riding I spent the next 3 laps overtaking. I picked up 32 places to finish 33rd. I was really pleased with my form in this ride and loved the tough climbs and fast descents. My last three lap times were in the top 20 and so that was really encouraging.

After France we headed to Andorra. I have been here now for about 2 ½ weeks. I have been fortunate enough to have James Fouche (NZ Elite Road Champion 2019 and 2022) have me stay in his apartment with him. Here I have been training each day, at times at altitudes over 2000m and catching up on my schoolwork. I have also been fortunate to have been out for a training ride with Sam Gaze as he prepared for the Olympic Games.

Next week I am heading to Langendorf in Switzerland for another UCI C2 MTB race, then Les Menuires in the French Alps for UCI C1 MTB event. These last couple of races will help me to prepare for the MTB World Championships for which I have been selected to represent NZ in the Junior (U19) XCO event.

The racing and training to date have been invaluable learning experiences for me as I look to continue to build on my skills, racing experience and fitness. This certainly would not have been possible without the support that I have received from the Alexandra Community, including yourselves. I am extremely grateful and appreciative of the support I have been given and wanted to update you on how your support has enabled me to chase my goals.

Thanks so much for your support!

Eddie (The Eagle) Adams