Busy, but also a little bit Slack...

Its been a wee while since my last post.

I last wrote when I was in Boulder, training in the heat of summer whilst sipping coffee and watching the Tour de France. Sounds good? It was.

Suddenly I was on a big plane heading south. But towards Australia for the Tour of Gippsland and the Tour of Geelong. Gippsland was my first race since Mt Hood so I was well trained but missing that slight edge you get from lots of racing. Gippsland was my blow out tour. With plenty of hard work and aggressive riding once Benny had given us a kick up the ass for missing the race winning move one day.



From there we spent 10days in Geelong trying to recover and get set for the next tour. During the 10days free we had Alex had arranged for us to visit some local school to talk about cycling. Seemed like a bit of bit. I can easily chat away with adults but with 5 year olds, I FROZE! however it was all good fun.

The greatest thing about the Tour of Geelong was there was only one day where we raced 2 stages, where as Tour of Gippsland was full of "double days". After what we as a team felt like was a disappointment  at Gippsland We were set on starting the tour on the right foot, and with James Oram and Dion Smith joining the squad with fresh legs we wanted to make a bigger splash than we did previously.

Before the tour started we did a fair bit of course recce (recon) so we could have a structured approach to the tour. Where to best spend our energy over the 5days depending on our goals. We were looking for a good General Classification placing and to win a Classification Jersey.

Right from day 1 Alex was in the Sprint ace after an aggressive racing style which also earned him the most aggressive rider of the day award.

A hill top finish in the afternoon and we were sure the field was going to split like it had in the past, however this year was the exception as we rolled into the finish on top of a 2km climb in a bunch.

The next day was another simple crit looking after alex and helping him to build his lead on the Sprint Ace Classification. It was a hard day in the wind leading him out but we got the job day. Now we had to recover for the "race of truth" or the time trial the next day which was surely going to separate the field and set up the General Classification.

For me the TT day was a great day in the books. The result of finishing 9th wasn't exactly what I wanted but I was pleased with how I had ridden the tt course and still pulled off a good result. This had finally moved me into a definite 7th overall in the tour with 2 days remaining.

The tt was a big day, so the 140km Road race afterwards was a huge challenge but I held on over all the big climbs to finish in the front group of 18 riders after 140 people started and 70 withdrew from the race. That wee effort and fight had bumped my up to 6th on the overall standings.

The day was another crit, and being only 3 secs from 5th on GC it was my job to try get a few time bonus sprints during the race. It took alot of effort and a few risks but it all paid off and I was able to jump up to 5th on the Overall standings thanks to the help from my team mates.

All up the tour was a great success for a "under dog" team racing against a strong field who live and breathe for these Aussie tours. Alex finished the tour in the Sprint Ace jersey and the overall Most Aggressive rider also.

Now I am back home. trying to decide my next move and when to point myself in the right direction.

The Goals are being set and its bloody good to be home. Making the most of a few days easy and eating alot of Kwi food thats always a treat. But I will be back into it in no time and looking to make a bit of noise this summer.

Fingers Crossed.

Photos to follow.

T

Boulder Based

To be honest 100% honest there nothing to complain about this years season. I have been incredibly lucky to live in the little town as Boulder. Its taken its time but I have finally got use to altitude and am hoping the proof will be there next time I race.

I've probably said it a few times too many but living in the same town as 12 of your mates who ride for the same team and to also have more Kiwis and Aussies around it has made my first real season away from home a lot easier. It is only now, after knowing I will be heading towards home very soon that I have really starting thinking about NZ.

But before I go home there is a bit of a detour. I am now scheduled to go race the Tour of Gippsland and the Tour of Geelong. I haven't done much racing so far, so the goals are set high for a strong performance in the second half of the season, and with the Tour de France on what more motivation could you ask for.

My days now consist waking up and rolling down to the local cafe to watch the stage finish of the tour at around 930am, thank god for time zones! then the days resumes with the normal training schedule and routine of life. Its proved to be a popular meeting point for all the Pureblack Racing guys so no one is ever lonely on training rides.

One conclusion I have come to about training in Boulder is, that you never go training in "the hills" because the climbs are so big here you often get 1 big climb which can take you nearly over 1.5hrs to climb. However one big climb can sometimes be better than heaps of small ones I guess. 

Over and out.

T

Mt Hood Classic

Out of the 4 of us guys I think I was the one most excited about the tour. Not just because we were racing again but also that there were a lot of changes to the stages we raced last year. 

It proved to be full of challenges which created a scene for highs and lows of tour racing.  

I have fallen into a bit of trap and have been rather dependent on being told what to do during race, but at Mt Hood we could race a bit more for ourselves, and still work together. It worked well for us as there was only 4 PBR riders doing Mt Hood instead of the usual 8 so we had to be smart and come up with plans as a group. 

In true PBR tradition we kept the racing aggressive, especially for the crit. I think I got a bit carried away and crash right infront of the live stream camera. It was a bit of a front wheel slide out on a hair pin corner when another rider went down in front, nothing I could do expect copy (not a cool trend I recommend to follow).

The final stage was set to be on a testing course, with not alot of flat and alot of climbing. 10,200ft to exact. I haven't been too confident of my climbing recently but it seems i found my legs and was with the select few including team mate Louie over the 3rd climb. Yellow Jersey had dropped so I was on the front keeping the pace honest, it was great having some legs back! A puncture for Louie meant a quick wheel change between bikes because the roads were almost too narrow for the follow vehicles. I was left to chase back on on a long twisty decent. Seems like if you carry too much speed into a corner you can't turn. I flew off the road and down a fair wee way into the bush. Past a couple of trees. Just a bit of excitement really. To add salt to injury 15km from the finish after my 2nd crash my spare wheel punctures. Race over.

A week in Portland of riding and relaxing and in my case recovering. Monday was full of good unhealthy food like M&M's and caramel, I wish I could say I had a few cold beers also but I am still not of age here so no chance. 

Time for a pedal.

Over and Out.

Mt Hood Classic Stage 4 by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

Last day. The legs were back and climbing well. We dropped yellow on the 3rd climb and drove it.

Louie punctured so a quick change had him back on the road. Seems I chased a bit too hard and went off the road into a tree or more at a fast rate of knots. Then another puncture.

Still enjoyed every bit of the race.

Mt Hood Classic Stage 4 by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

Mt Hood Classic Stage 3 by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

The Crit. With pretty good legs i set out for an aggressive race. It was alot of fun, until my front wheel got taken out and I had a bit of a an off.

Not to worry got up and went straight back to the front.

Mt Hood Classic Stage 3 by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

Mt Hood Classic Stage 2 by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

A different approach to the tt than I usually take.

Today was a bout taking it easy and saving my legs for the last 2 stage.

Mt Hood Classic Stage 2 by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

Mt Hood Classic Stage 1 by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

A big day on the bike. Seems as if I am not liking the hills this year.

Tomorrow is a TT in the morning and a Crit late at night.

Mt Hood Classic Stage 1 by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

Untitled by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

Todays Prologue raced at Mt Hood Oregon.

Simply not a fan or find Prologues my strongest strength but something I will need to improve on.

Untitled by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

Back to where it all started.

Next week I fly out to Portland, Oregon to race the Mt Hood Classic with a few guys in the team and complete my 2nd block of racing.

What makes the trip to Mt Hood so special for me is that it was the first race I did last year when I came over to join Mike and Roman to race for Rubicon Orbea last year. Although they have changed the majority of the courses this year I am really excited to be heading back. I have already arranged for a trip to to downtown Portland for a famous Voodoo Donut. We also get the chance to spend a few days riding around, so I look forward to showing the boys the loops.

After that we fly from the West Coast to the East Coast, from Portland to Washington D.C. This will the first time I actually have been to the East. Here we will be racing the Air Force Classic. Not too sure of the format but sounds like it is a couple of crits. None the less its racing!

While my little trip is going on the older PBR boys will be lining up for the Philadelphia International Classic. This will be one of the teams biggest races this year as Pro-Tour teams from all around the world come to race.


I can now say I have been to a baseball game over here in the States. What do I think of it. Well its alot like cricket. The crowd really makes the experience and the game. It was a crazy sight to see over 64,000 fans out packing the stadium. I even treated myself to all american hot dog. Nothing still compares to the classic Kiwi sausage sizzle however.

Living out of a Bag

After 3 weeks on the road living out of a bag and jumping from Hotel to Hotel coming into Boulder felt like I was coming home. The familiar sights and surroundings never seemed so welcoming.

Gila was a bit of a learning experience and one race where the results would never show the progress I have made. As I have written earlier on.

Heading East and losing altitude with 2 days of 11hr drives we set up in Arkansas for Joe Martin Stage Race. A leafy green Uni town. The polar opposite of anything I have been around for 2months(desert). Arkansas was alot like New Zealand and during our first ride it seemed everyone was in a great happy mood from the lush surroundings and itching to race another tour.

This was also my first race away from any sorts of altitude in a long time so it was going to be interesting to see how I managed. Seems I managed alright and felt as if the legs were coming back. I wasn't "creeping" as much as previously alluded to in the report on Gila.

Joe Martin was a great tour and exactly what I needed. It had two long days, 170km and 180km stages. Its not often I race that distance let alone 2days in a row.

Luckily after Joe Martin we stayed in town for several days getting to have a bit of a look around and recover. There was no real reason to shoot of to St Louis in a hurry as the riding in down town wasn't perfect.

The shorter trip of our drives, 6hrs, we rocked up to Race accommodation. The Race organisers had put us in one flash wee hotel which seemed like a great way to round out 3weeks on the road. Although I drew the short straw and had to sleep on the couch.

St Louis Tour De Grove was made up of 3 evening crits. One of which was raced at 945pm! It was one late night. Another of the crits was a NRC (national race calendar) race, and they are pretty much a big deal over here. An aggressive start to the race from the Pureblack racing boys ended up putting Mike and Louie up the road in the winning break. The skinny guy Mike sprinted to the Win in the cold and rain. This is one of the teams biggest wins!!

Back home in Boulder and all it seems to do is rain and feel very cold. It isnt the greatest training weather and today I froze. Luckily its a bit of a recovery week as I build up to the Mt Hood Classic. The first race I did last year when I got here. Should be fun as most of the tour has been changed with new stages.

Over and Out.

Joe Martin Stage 2, 2011

A hard day of racing. One attack finally stuck in which I was included it. Once Paul Mach bridged across It threated our GC hope.

So free ride until Roman joined us at the front. From there the orders were to drive it as hard as I could into the base of the climb.

Then.. Lights out.

Still a great ride for both me and the team.

Joe Martin Stage 2, 2011 by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

Joe Martin Stage 1, 2011

What a hot and sunny day today was.

Alot of team work paid off with Roman running 2nd and moving up on GC.

Untitled by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

Joe Martin Prologue 2011

Racing with Garmin means I come home with some pretty cool details from the race.

It includes the altitude, meters climbed, profile and map of the course and a few more details.

I will try post each stage and every race I do this year.

Heres the first of many to come.

Joe Martin Prologue 2011 by teegun at Garmin Connect - Details

Gila

It’s been a wee while since my last write up.

Personally I am not crazy about blogs with blow for blow reports on how each stage went kilometer for kilometer.

What I can say is that Gila was a learning curve. Last year I got extremely tired and burnt out at one stage from the volume of racing. I was just shy of 90 race days. Joining PureBlack gave me a bit of chance to control this a bit more. With such a big squad there were a few races I could miss due to the already strong presence of PureBlack riders already there.

My last race was in February in Hamilton at the Rev120 before Tour of the Gila. It is almost 2 months apart from each race.  What has surprised me the most with such a big gap between races is how ‘rusty’ you can get. I struggled with the feeling of racing in the bunch making poor calls and judgments. I must say it is very disappointing and my performance suffered because of this.

Racing at altitude is also a completely different experience compared to training, although having lived at altitude already for 6weeks it did take a lot of the edge off it.

It is easy to focus on the negatives and start comparing myself to others who have had a good tour, however with the support of some of the older guys in the team I have learnt not dwell on how it went. It was simply just not my race. I have to sit down see what I can do to improve myself for the next race.

I use to be good at stretching and doing my core work out but I have got lazy. Rooming with Guddy (Tim Gudsell) has definitely encouraged me to get back into it.  Also for Scotty his final stage of Gila didn’t exactly work out for him either. However he has laughed about it and now has that drive to race even harder at our next race Joe Martin.

Seems like there is plenty of time to do some thinking here, I type this as we are on our second leg on our way to archensaw. We drove 7horus late into the night after the last stage of Gila and we are now following it up with another 11hours on the road. Can’t say it is exactly exciting but I am living up to my nick name “Noddy” and sleeping through most of it to help make the time pass a bit easier. I can now say I have been to Texas after driving through it right?

The Anzac Community.

Another week that was. Done and Dusted. Training miles collected.

With the build up to Tour of Gila ticking along nicely there hasn't been much to report on.

Thursday morning we all awoke to a few inch's of snow that blanketed the entire town. There goes the day training right? Wrong, by the afternoon all the snow was gone, the roads were dry, and the temperature was quite warm. Boulder's weather is an extreme version of Auckland's 4 seasons in one day.

The only weather constant we have to deal with is the gale force winds that do physically pick you up and blow you around. Who needs and erg when you can ride into a block head wind riding as hard as you can to keep your speed up over 10kph.

One noticeable change in Boulder this week has been the Anzac Community that has been formed.
The only time I have ridden with a local American is either on the Saturday Bunch ride or the first week we were here. Otherwise every ride has been shared with the strong Aussies and Kiwi presence.

With the arrival of the remainder of Pureblack Racing and Fly V Australia we certainly dominate the bunch ride. Passing remarks of "here go the aussies and kiwi's racing each other again" has been heard several times.
We cant however forget those Aussie's and Kiwi's who also ride for American teams like Trek Livestrong, Bissell and Garmin-Chipotle, and with Greg Henderson in town and Hayden Roulston due in here soon our own micro community population is starting to sky rocket.

Us Anzac creatures are normally found around our local watering holes at around 10 as we emerged half awake for the morning coffee and scone. So far there is peace amongst the crowd, however once the test rugby season gets going and the Rugby World Cup gets closer I am sure it may get a bit amusing loud and rowdy at these cafes.

It has been a real bonus having so many of us characters in town as there is always someone to ride with, everyone gets along and we all look out for one another. For me it is really helping me as you enjoy your days so much so you feel as if you are home and enjoy the company you ride with.

Enough of my Blabbing.

Noddy.

Home away from Home.

By the end of week 2 and we had finally moved in to our ‘town house’ which is part of duplex, quite the micro-community here. A half furnished house with the bare minimums like washing machines and a dish washer. This has saved us in set up cost yet we are still to fill the place with a couch and dinning room table.

The one challenge we have to face is buying all of the stuff you need like cutlery, bowls, cup, cooking ware for only 5months. No fancy toys and nice looking appliances, more the best bang for your buck option. It has been a bit of a reality check.

It has been all exciting however to set up the place and personalizing my room.  I am really starting to feel like a big boy who has moved out of home, but in saying that I still look forward to the 21^st of August when I do go back to my own bed and Mums cooking. Living with parents is such a bonus at times. This does not mean I am not complaining about Marks cooking while we have been over here, we have had some all mighty feasts.

With all the excitement and being busy setting up here I haven’t thought about home so much, but as we are starting to settle down and unpack our bags properly to set up camp I have been starting to miss the small things about New Zealand like seeing people you know every day when you pop out of home and pulling out of the drive way to start a ride. The North Shore is home.

Random Snow storms have halted a couple of rides but the next day it’s just like summer all over again. It is definitely the strangest weather condition I have ever been in.  I was looking forward to getting the chance to race here in Boulder at Mead-Roubaix however a complication with a UCI (international cycling union) stopped all plans of racing. Being a “pro” rider riding for a Professional registered team this prevents us from racing any races not sanctioned by USA cycling. It is a ruling I don’t really understand, how we are supposed to support local racing? In simple terms the rule stops professional riders from racing any club events, if we are caught riding these events we can face a fine and a 1 months suspension.

   

On a positive note, the weather is warming up and training is rocking along nicely. I feel as if I am starting to adjust to the altitude but still learning a lot about my body up and how it is coping with the adjustments. Practicing deep breathing on the bike seems to be a bit of a trick that’s helping.

The countdown to Tour of Gila seems to be getting closer and closer all too fast. I guess tie flies when you are having fun. I am jumping out of skin to show what I have to offer and get amongst it.

Time to sign off.

T

The Awareness test.

Give this a go.

How aware are you?

Boulder- Bicycling Heaven

It looks like I have survived my first week at altitude...

However I had a rude slap in the face on Sunday after trying to ride my bike a bit too hard on Saturday. The reverse button was well used all the way home. 

A lot of teams and bike riders base themselves up here for the same reason we are here, for the positive effects of living and training at altitude and benefit it has on a riders performance. With all these bike riders in the same town and having all day to ride a bike its all been pretty relaxed. Most bunch rides don't start until 10 or until its warm enough which has been more than ideal. 

Motivation to race is soaring and after watching the boys kick some serious ass at San Dimas I cant wait to turn around and give it a good nudge myself to perform for the team. Tour of Gila count down!

Episode 1 of 4 of Pureblack Racings - In Black and White Doco has been released this weekend also.

A good watch.

Over and Out

Noddy

Young Kiwi Explorers.

20hours up in the air. 6hours in transit.

What a long day just to get half way around the world. 

Safe travels helped make the trip alot easier than I was expecting. With little to no drama along the way the transition from plane to plane to bus was simple and straight forward. 

Boulder is a classic red brick building town, almost as cliche as they come, and what you would expect from what is seen in the movies. It is a University town where a quarter of its population is students (25,000). So lots of uni students + a kiwi accent has quickly singled us out as aliens and has created a great starting point of conversation with everyone about who we are and where New Zealand actually is. 

Everyone has been extremely helpful. University Bike Shops is one of the sweetest bike shops I have ever been in. Typical American style of bigger is better and power in numbers, I have never seen so many bikes on a shop floor. 

After a failed attempt to go for a bike ride on our first ride where we were blown off our bikes the guys at the shop are taking us out for a ride in the next coming days making our job of scoping the town out and finding loops for the remainder of the team that much easier.

We have moved in with a ex-pat kiwi while we try find a place to stay. Showing my youth I didn't realize how hard and expensive this could be, however from what I have been told Boulder isn't exactly the cheapest place to live either. A bit of a transition into my version of the real world as I do admit I am living my dream.

A few Kiwis for company has been good fun and helps to pass time when walking the streets yet the idea of living here for 5months hasn't really sunk in yet, for me it seems the same as my brief trip away last year where I was in and out within 10weeks. Its a bit more than that this year, make it 20weeks. With plenty of racing on the schedule there will be plenty going on to keep me busy I'm sure. 

Its only day 2 here and adjusting to the time zones hasn't been too hard yet however the challenge of adjusting to altitude is going to be and all new experience.

I must admit I do already miss NZ but look forward to racing and riding my bike here in the US.

Over and Out

Fly time.

So I am a bit anti Auckland. Not a true patriot. 

However I do love the North Shore where I live. This can be found over the other side of the Harbour Bridge. 

We are pretty much our own little city. But to most its all the same.

When the opportunity and excuse came to go spend some time in Wanaka to race and explore new roads with team mate Jimmy Williamson I was there 2days later. A 10day trip.

One race I did was the Alpine Classic - Queenstown to Wanaka and return. A tidy 140km race up and over the Crown Range climb twice. For me it was a chance to test myself and my form on one of the longest climbs we race up in New Zealand. To say the least I was more than happy with how i felt. 

The story goes a bit sideways here, when up the road with Scotty Lyttle my knee and IT Band werent to happy and caused me a fair bit of grief. The anchors were hit - race over.

A few days of relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Wanaka and fixing my cleat position Jimmy and I headed to his home town of Alexandra with a few big rides planned. 310km in 2 days was pretty pleasing, all up over 4000m of climbing.

That weekend after the hardest 100km i have ever done A trip to Dunedin was set. Goodbyes to a few friends of mine and a bit of party time was fun and a nice way to welcome my 20th year on this large rock. A big thank you to all who made the weekend so much fun.

Surprizingly enough I have come away feeling refreshed and ready to go. It is only 5days now until I fly out. Packing has started which is not my favourite part. Still havent really unpacked from my wee trip down south.

20hours of flying lays in front of me on the 21st. first stop. Sydney. Then Los Angeles. Ending with Denver. Then I will be "home".

PUREBLACK Racing Doco

Check out the link..

http://vimeo.com/20970784

Preview of the teams doco at the Tour of Wellington.

Update to follow tomorrow.

But first a visit to CHEBOS in Ponsonby for a birthday tea.

Ticking along quietly.

As New Zealand's summer season of racing is coming to a close, it is hard to find any racing near by to home.
This hasn't been helped by the fact that it is only 3 weeks now until I leave. It seems to all make the weeks so slow.

It has been a week of some great up's and a few downs.
Training on the same roads out to the Waitakere ranges day in, day out has started to take it's toll. It's starting to get boring and a bit mind numbing.
My focus for the year is to improve both my hill climbing and time trialling so there is reason to my madness of hills hills hills, and the benefits are starting to show.

However when the chance to skip down to Wanaka in this coming week to race the Summer Send Off and train for the week with team mate James Williamson, I couldn't turn it down.
The Summer Send Off includes a Criterium on the Friday night, followed by a great road race from Queenstown to Wanaka and return. 140km and TWICE over the Crown Range!! lets see how good I really am climbing.

Also during the week I return home to find a parcel sitting on my bed. Pete from Bont had sent me a second set of shoes for the season in a stealth black!
Oh how the little things can make a slow week of riding just that much better.

The best kind of training is racing.

Not long now until the planned trip over seas happens.
Kinda of a scary thought that I will be shipping out of New Zealand for awhile, however it is also incredibly exciting.
In the past couple of weeks my heads been kept low. Training hard and making the most of the superb weather in Auckland. One ride included the usual up and over the Waitaks but with a quick veer right at the top Mike Northey, James McCoy and I shot down to Piha and back up. I was also quickly caught out by the Lone Kauri Loop which included what I believe to be Auckland's longest climb, yet I still enjoyed it. I can not believe I have been missing out on all these little loops in the Waitaks.

February 19th brought on one of the last races PureBlack Racing will do as a team in NZ before we leave the country. The Rev120 had attracted a strong field, but also attracted an enthusiastic team from PBR which included riders from both the Pro squad and National squad.
Roman lead the charge and encouraged the team to push a fast pace up the feared French Pass.
The field was quickly thinned out and left and opportunity for Roman and Scotty to slip up the road.

With 2 of our riders up the road we had the right to sit in the field and save our energy if they where to tire and come back and rejoin the peloton. However both Roman and Scotty stayed away to complete the race in a new course Record.

Within 10km to go Dion Smith, one of the juniors in the squad launched a attack which qucikly scooted up the road. I was able to get across the gap to join Dion, Elliot Crowther and Paul Odlin. Being so close to the finish we all had to work hard to stay away from the chasing bunch behind us. Dion rode himself into the ground and helped set me up perfectly to sprint home for 3rd. Completing PureBlack Racings first clean sweep of the podium.

To closely follow the Rev120 Carl had a 30km in house time trial out around Waitoki for the team. This was to help simulate a tour but also to put all our new team kit through its paces. Full time trial bikes with disc wheels and deep front wheels provided.
Being an in house only competition the stakes were high for bragging rights.
It is a real positive way for all of us to push each other to the limit to help us get the maximum out of ourselves and the team performance wise.
The time trial cause was anything but easy. It had 2 rather nasty climbs false flats and long straight roads.
At the end of the day Shem was fastest followed by Scotty after his big day off the front at the Rev120, then close behind I sneak in for 3rd.

All the training and preparation for the States is coming along nicely. I am itching to race overseas and have been told my first big race for the team is Tour of Gila in New Mexico in April. After a month in Boulder at altitude Tour of Gila just cant come quick enough.

"every day is an adventure"

In the wise words of my Dad "everyday is an adventure" and for 2011 it is going to one great venture for me as I get the chance to live the dream, travelling around the world riding my bike with some great team mates.

2011 sees me riding with Pureblack Racing (PBR) over in the United States. The team will be based in Boulder Colorado. But before all of this happens we have been racing all over in New Zealand establishing our strength as a Professional team in New Zealand. I have already raced the Tour of Southland, Tour of Vineyards and the Elite Road Nationals in Christchurch for PBR, already so much travel and we haven't even started our season!

With all the travel I am sure to have a few stories to tell and the frequent update to keep everyone posted and informed on not only my progress but also the teams.