At the beginning of this stage - after one week of training - I rode another plnned endurance test, 24 hours non stop on the roads of South Bohemia. I was testing not only my performance but also new wheels ZIPP 404 Firecrest and new tabular racing tires manufactured by TUFO. The weather conditions were not ideal for 510 km and 2350 meters of elevation I rode in average speed of 27,0 km/h and average temperature of 6.6 degrees Celsius. The cold and rain tested my actual condition as well as all the changes done to one of my bikes. During night time I was accompanied by team members Vlada and Honza who did an excellent job! Another important test is planned for May 5 to 7, less than 6 weeks before RAAM. I will take place in the Alps in the Gross Glockner area.
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From the logistics' point of view, RAAM is a very demanding issue, especially for overseas teams. A lot of things are very expensive, like renting caravan, minivan, flight tickets, accommodation, etc. My support team reserved all these important things during the first stage of RAAM preparations. In this case Mirek Diviš from San Diego has done excellent work for us! My task was to ensure money for RAAM and prepare schedule of this race. It was not easy but I have completed both of these tasks already during January 2012. Now we are focusing on the other to do's like bicycle preparations, supplements completion, foods and menu for rthe ace, means of communication among all cars and the racer during the race, etc.
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I apportioned my time for RAAM prepariations into two stages. The first stage started at the end of October 2011 and finished in March 2012. I spent a lot of time in fitness with my personal coach Věra Hoštičková. I also enjoyed my cycletrainer in my garage. During the first phase I also spent 10 days in Mallorca. There were excellent conditions and weather for cycling and I rode many kilometres and good elevations. Then I'm yet to ride 4 special endurance test in South Bohemia. I’ll inform you about the other activities of the second stage in the due course.
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First of all I would like to explain how we decided to start at RAAM. After that Race Around Austria we had Czech Ultracycling Team meeting in South Moravia in October 2011. The whole team was there and we debated about the past four years of our preparations for RAAM. Team doctor Zdenek Janeček stated that I´m ready to go to RAAM next year 2012. It will be my last chance because from the second half of 2012 on, I'Il have plenty of work as far as the end of 2013. I will be very busy because I’m responsible for engineering and technical requirements in tender process for new nuclear power plant in Bohemia.
It's time to make a complete update of the English version of the website. I tried to simplify its appearance and structure. Actual information and data about me, achievements, my support team for RAAM and my sponsors and partners were added. Description of our RAAM preparations will follow.
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