Better to gamble on victory than to secure a comfortable defeat

Arriving at Dubai airport I wait, routinely now, at the carousel for my bike to come.  I ask myself the familiar questions: will it arrive; what condition will the bike be in; was it necessary to take the rear derailleur off; will I prove to the airline that the CO₂ cartridges will be intact despite their fears?  Routine has replaced the early day feeling of concern and anxiety.  Now there is just resignation to the inevitable.  Sooner or later the bike will be damaged, or lost.  Uninsured.  But now after penning my thoughts about the new 695 I feel a little guilty; a little adulterous.  How can I consider replacing my dear silver Storck – we’ve been through so much together!  But, you will be tested tomorrow.

As I begin writing I draw parallels with riding.  I mustn’t be so self-conscious as I know nothing would be achieved if I don’t test myself, push on; I would not want to risk failure if I thought I’d be judged only on my first attempt.  I write these words and think of the opening chapter of Laurent Fignon’s autobiography, We Were Young and Carefree.  He wrote of how he had no fear and of how he felt it better to gamble on victory than to secure a comfortable defeat.  He also mentioned those eight seconds too.

And so this is how I would like my journey to be: following the pros of today but also reliving the classic rides of yesteryear and to give respect to the Giants of the Road who created the myths and magic of the sport.  To explore the history that makes cycling what it is – to celebrate the tradition and achievements, to feel the romance of the sport which allows it to survive the constant scandals and affairs.  To ride my race and to have my challenge; to journey along the roads through the heartlands of the sport.  To live the dream.  And it all starts tomorrow morning in the UAE for the Dubai Roadsters Coast to Coast November 2012.