2008 hasn't started well for me. The training was going great, but on boxing day I went down with the worst case of flu I've ever had! Three weeks and a stay in hospital and now I'm just about clear. The form has taken a bit of a dive, but I suppose everyone needs a break sometime.

I've got some nice elbow scars from my crashes in Colombia. Apart from that it was one of the best events I've ridden. The people there were so friendly and they seem to really like their cycle racing. Big crowds for the road events, a fast track, great weather and really fine food. Excellent!

Off to Mallorca on Monday to get back into training. Looking forward to taking a battering from the others and escaping the constant rain here. I will be finalising my calendar for this year while I'm there.

All that's left is to thank the back up team from 2007 and hope that I get the same help this year. So THANKS to Gary Brickley, Dave Mellor, Chris Furber, Helen Mortimer the mecanics Spike, Alex and James and our swanny Amy Harmsworth.