Our 55yr old pro in Spain

Latest report from Martin Rutherford in Spain ( if you don't know him you must be a newcomer...watch out for the references to "Valverde" ;~)

The end of the year is over and all the celebrations have been done. Martine and I had our usual busy Xmas and New Year parties. On Xmas Day we went to a friends with 15 of our other mates and had a fantastic time and dinner. The weather as usual was warm and sunny. We had pre-lunch drinks in the garden to start the day and enjoyed the rest of the day there. Next year Martine and I will be doing our BBQ on the beach – last time we went was 2 years ago, so it’s time to go back !

I did a report for September/October and sent it to Keith to pass on but I don’t think it went on the VC Meudon website, or did it? ( we like these shorter/more regular reports - Ed) Anyway, I’m going to end the year with a condensed race report for Nov/Dec. (that's nice - Ed)

I had 10 races during that period, and I was going well and staying with all the moves. One race in November was in Los Alcazeres (Murcia East Coast). Graham Baxter's club is based there so he was riding. I congratulated him for his national vets championship win. This race I did was a fast race….flat, 14 laps on 5k circuit, big bunch sprint at the end. Baxter 14th, me 34th.

The next race was Puerto Lumbreras (West Murcia). Saturday afternoon race. This starting at 3.30 so it could be dark by the time we finish. 65 starters, 78k, flat circuit similar to a Belgium race. Lots of twists and turns on small farm roads. Shortly after the start, 4 riders went away and had 200mts on us…we could see them as they took a left-hander on a tight corner with a little water on it that had run off the farmers fields. All 4 slide off so all back together. The corner dried out and things got faster. 2 of my team mates got away in a move on the last lap to finish 8th and 12th. I came in 19th with the rest. We were all in the prizes with me winning a very large Xmas hamper.

December is party time, the same as in UK and the races reflect this in prizes.

Benihan (Murcia), 142 riders, sunny, 18 degrees, flat race this on a good circuit. Only problem is Valverde, Fran Perez, Rojas and LL Sanchez. The first half of the race the pros tow everyone along a 48kph then LL Sanchez and Valverde go away and take one other rider with them. with one lap to go all the pro’s pull out and the rider with them goes on to win, our team nowhere.

I ride four other races with no good results , just finishing in the main group. Then I ride a race at Santomera (Murcia). 85 riders, 20 degrees, 80k. The circuit is a good one. Starts in the Town, goes over a 2k climb easy, then very hard at the end. I last 2 laps then have to pull out.When I get back to the team car I’m about to collapse. I stop and have trouble getting off my bike. Start shaking and go hot and cold….it’s the start of the flu!!! Have to have 3 days in bed and miss the last 2 races of the year. This is a shame as last year I won a LIVE turkey in this race and the year before a LIVE chicken with Valverde and the pro’s always riding this one.

2009 will be my 40th year of continuous racing and I’ll be in a new team as well. It’s going to be based in Mazarron with all local riders. Only 6 to start with, so am looking forward to 2009 (first race 18 Jan). Happy New Year to all our friends in VC Meudon.

Martin (and Martine)

PS Had to have 4 days in hospital at the end of Jan. Will tell you all about it on my next report.