The team and I are now in Debrecen, site of the 2013 World Championships putting the final touches on our form for this weekend’s competition.
Like I mentioned in my last post, we spent a week in Budapest acclimatizing to the jet-lag and getting a last bit of training under our belts. Despite having trained in Budapest this summer, I had completely forgotten how cold the rink was. Maybe it was the fact that when we were there in June it was above 30C almost everyday or my mind had erased bad memories of the cold, but I was shocked. Most of the team struggled a bit with not being able to feel our feet after 30 or so minutes on the ice. We also had to resort to extra layers over our skin suits. I like to consider myself a hardy northerner, but even I had to wear a toque under my helmet a couple times. Pathetic!
I love dried dates and figs. I picked some up at the Budapest market.
Olivier was pumped to buy his weight in sausage at the market
On Sunday we hoped on a bus with the Hungarian team and travelled the 2.5 hours to Debrecen. We are staying at a very nice hotel only a few minutes from the rink. Its been gorgeous here every day. Today, Val, Gabby and I rented bikes from the hotel and went for a little tour around the hotel. The area around the hotel is a big park/sports complex/water park, and the local university is close to, so that made for a nice short tour to shake our legs out on our afternoon off.
Our hotel in Debrecen.
Afternoon bike ride
University in Debrecen. According to Gabby, it has a good medical school.
Some off path riding…
…And some off roading
Tomorrow is the last day of practice of the season. I’m ready to get this competition going!
Michael Gilday 