Friday 4 Jan 2008, Forest Row Well. I did it, but only with the help of lady luck, or was it just fate? I had been thinking about winning the New Years Day ten this year for a few years, but when my heart problems resurfaced I thought that was it. But after I rode the Lewis Gents 2 up with Chris in early october, I thought maybe I had a chance, and since then I have been feeling a little stronger. But up until that point I often had an aching chest. I knew that it was not really a very wise thing to do, but what the hell. I have only been doing about 4-6 hours a week on average, so not a lot really. Anyway, its history now, and the record books will show that Ii repeated my win of 30 years ago. I must say I am pretty happy about that. The revamped Astana team recorded its first win of the 2008 season today, January 1st. In what is going to be a very important season for them, Englishman Sean Yates, one of the new recruits, put in a fine performance to win the Southborough and District wheelers 10 mile time trial. This win was all the more sweet because it is 30 years to the day that he first won the same event. Astana Sports Director Yates was quoted at the prize giving where he collected his bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape as saying " if I keep progressing like this I might well turn pro one day". After drinking half the bottle he went on to elaborate " this cycling lark is piss easy". Philippe Maertens Press Officer Astana Cycling Team Astana Cycling Team I wrote a small report to amuse myself on the way home and sent it to our press officer, guess what? he sent it to everybody, all the Belgium papers, cycling new etc. Its the one you see above, that will teach me. So, the 08 season is upon us. We had a camp in Javea at the beginning of December. That was good, guys getting used to their bikes etc. It was slightly strange with all the Kazakhstan riders, but I think it will take shape soon. Alberto was in fine form, he is just amazing, its like he is peddling on thin air, while the rest grovel in his wake, you have to see it to believe it. I am off to the Tour Down Under on the 15th Jan. it will be my third trip to this race. I hope its not too hot, last time I was there it was mid 40's, too hot. I am aiming to get some early morning rides in with Allan Peiper. A good way to start the day. OK, I hope that everybody had a good Christmas and that 2008 brings Many Happy Miles. Sean Back

Professional cyclist for 15 years
12 Tours de France
Tour de France yellow jersey
Tour de France stage winner
Fifth in Paris-Roubaix
Tour of Belgium winner
UK pro road race champion
UK 25 and 50-mile TT champion