I've certainly been getting the miles in recently for the Gran Corsa. I can't believe it is only 16 days to go before the off. After watching yesterday's stage of the Giro I am having second thoughts as to which tyres to use. I hadn't looked at the full route and seeing the Strada Bianchi being raced over by the pros made me nervous.
One item I am certain to be using though is the limited edition Gran Corsa jersey made by Rapha for the event. Along with that there are the special Gran Corsa inspired bottles, caps and socks designed by our in-house designer, Ben. What I am really excited about, though, is the imminent arrival of the limited edition Acciaio Gran Corsa with special paint finish and engraved lugs.
The Rapha Condor Sharp team Leggero I have been riding this past month has taken in a lot of sea air, considering how many times it has had a view of the English Channel whilst riding over Beachy Head in the last month; 800 miles to be precise. Last Sunday saw an annual ride with some of the local Tunbridge Wells guys called the Velo 110, so called because of the route's 110 mile length taking in a circular route West out of T. Wells before turning South, through Turners Hill and onto Beachy Head and Eastbourne. After a quick cafe stop on the beach it was a steady ride back North with the last 20 miles being a bit of a free-for-all with attacks going in from all angles. With long weekend jaunts and some high speed work on the 40 mile rides home from work during the week it is the first time since I stopped racing over 10 years ago that my legs have felt like they may even consider making a return to the peloton.
I can tell it is getting close now as I've just had a reminder to check in online for the outbound flight to Turin. I had better start gathering some kit together for the big packing session that will have to take place. Next week will include some practice drinking espressos Italian style whilst near Venice checking up on Condor's latest run of production.
For those who wish to sponsor me and help raise as much as possible for The Prostate Cancer Charity, please click here.
The total has already gone over £400 which is amazing, but I am sure I can go much further.
Neil is Condor's Production Director and has set himself the challenge of riding the first 6 stages of the Giro d'Italia consecutively.