FlavioZappi’s Blog

Academy Progetto Casa Ciclismo is back!!

Since coming back to cycling in 2008 I’ve gradually change my plan from just racing to coach…and now I’ve this idea to create an academy style team.

Back in 1979 I was part of a team called Lema mobili based near Bergamo north Italy, and the team was very famous to be the only one where rider were living in a house toghether for a season.

“La squadra” was very well-organized and 10 out 12 got professional contract within 1979 and 1981, 4 of us were racing with “azzurri” nat team.

More team followed the “Lema” style over the years, but our direttore sportivo Domenico Garbelli was something special, was living, train, dine and get to the races with us.
Was our surrogate father…very strict father.

Every morning he will check our weight and blood pressure and after breakfast follow us with the team car or the scooter.
Very often we would have a second training in the afternoon (just after a power nap), then dinner a bit of tv and then bed time…always at 9pm!
This is the presentation file to give a better idea on what the plan is for next year, just click on the open publication link:

Great news for anybody who are planning get some warm weather during January, February and March…Come and train with us!

We have a house in Algarve were the team is going to stay for very long winter training, and we have a spare twin room with bathroom.

The house we are staying is equipped with Sky tv, Internet, Sauna, Gym, Pool Table, Table Tennis and 10x5mt Outdoor Swimming pool.

We are renting to keen riders on a weekly basis and will be £225 per person (required two people) and that includes accommodation, Continental Breakfast, Evening Meal with the Team. Training with the Team and use of the facilities.

All you have to do is to take your bike and book a flight to Faro (Portugal) wich is only 19km away.

Priority will give to Club Members.

For info about availability just call me or email me :

07944877321

flaviozappi@gmail.com

And now delivery are coming from Campagnolo and the frame company….

Vison wheels T42, carbon clincher with alloy rim breaking and, great Slick Wredestein tyres only 180gr and lots of TPI for great rolling!!!

Duncan Mellish our team mechanic is working hard to get them in order before Xmas…

This one is Sam’s (Parker)…some more below…

The name is “Freccia Azzurra”… or the blue arrow and is after the…

La Freccia Nera!!, the black arrow!

Freccia nera as been my companion this year, were I’ve managed to compete at great level at sportives like the  Ardechiose in France (8 hours for 220km) and the Blenheim sportive with 4 hours and 43 minutes for 100miles, a bit worried at beginning because just coming back from a slipped disck few months before but, no problem for my back…

100 Mile Ride Results

also great on circuit 1 hour races like at the MK Bowl with sharp response out the corners and of course climbing wich is for the most important feature of my bike.

So the team will use this frame wich has been tested by Dr Sphend Gergury at Brookes Motor Engeneer Department and all season from myself in every possible competitive situation.

Ready to take on 2012 racing season!!

Calendar to follow….

Anyway more stuff arrived and….very very stiff!!!

Bont shoes, solid like a rock and light like feather…more is more!!!

Helmet, sunglasses from BBB and all into the racing bag…

and contract signing day is arrived with bikes and kit….

September 30, 2011 Posted by flaviozappi | Training | 2 Comments

I’m back!

Sorry….since last post few months ago few thing had happen.

Still not justifiable I know, but let me tell you what went on…

Had a nasty accident chasing down a moped on the road!

I always said to people not to do, and I did it…over 50 years old at 50 km an hour a few centimetres behind a motorbike, with a L plate on, how stupid that was!

Of course the guy on the bike got scared looking at his mirror this crazy man following at full speed…and he decide to slow down, very fast! Had no other option than slam my breaks and flying over my bike and crash on the tarmac.

Result was broken elbow, rotatory cuff tear (shoulder) and 5 cm deep cut on my face.

Got under surgery the very next day and back home few days after and forgot to say the bike had not a scratch!

Anyway back on the bike few weeks later and start training again, still have to save a bit of my racing season as I need to make sure I’m not loosing my Cat 2 licence after loosing my Cat 1 last year.

6 weeks after my surgery I’ve entered one of the most famous french sportive the Ardechoise with over 15000 participants and finish top 30 in the 220km event over 8hours of climbing and descending.

I’ve enjoyed so much that I’ve entered also the Anthony Maynard in Reading and the Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.

Finished the Reading one in 6hours and few minute for 195km and 4 hours 43min for the Blenheim on 166km, very pleased with that, I feel very comfortable with the long distance stuff…my age really likes easy and longer

But my things is still road racing, so I decide to make a deal with myself and entered for my birthday present a premier calendar race in Salisbury for the 28 of August, great to have a goal to aim for!

The premier calendar are the most prestigious road races in England and the field is the top in this country with Rapha, Motorpoint, Endura, etc racing.

I know a bit mad but I always been very strong on my birthday week and very ofter winner too, so I started training harder and race the proper races.

From the 15 on July to the 15 of August I’ve raced about 3 or 4 road races and same in crits, the plan was going well because I’ve used the crits for speed work and race at the w/end on the road for proper results, managed to get 90 point in 4 weeks (and I need 50 to retain the 2 category).

Unfortunately I’ve got my entry back a week prior to the event because the field is very strong and they had so many entries they have to make a selection base on the category.

Very, very disappointed but, I’ve made my decision and I’ll go for Cat 1 licence points now, I have only 1 month and I need to make another 110 points to make it, so next time they cannot refuse my entry.

Cat 1 points chasing started well and on the 27 of August I won my first race this year…again on my birthday week!!

September 2, 2011 Posted by flaviozappi | Training | 1 Comment