tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35018528198709728552024-03-04T23:08:43.392-05:00Lex AlbrechtPassionate Cycling Fanaticism!
Follow Lex Albrecht, professional Canadian road cyclist, third wave espresso fanatic, and lover of flashy nailpolish...Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.comBlogger337125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-25306252275540595682014-12-04T08:25:00.003-05:002014-12-04T09:46:51.367-05:00Two Surprise Special Guests at Royal Vale Elementary School!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
A special morning activity was held at Royal Vale school in Montréal to commemorate Alex Porter-Rozmovitz, a young Royal Vale student who passed away 5 years ago. I was honoured to be the special guest to lead an energetic group of 400+ elementary school kids in a fun, upbeat dance party to kick the day off! What a great way to celebrate Alex!<br />
<br />
That's not all though. The <i>special guest </i> had a special guest! My "little" friend Georges Laraque came out and surprised all of the children, joining in on our crazy action-filled "warm-up song" (which is a fond memory of my preschool days ;)) and helped to lead our fun dance party with some impressive steps. Georges, you've got the moves, my friend! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CBcCb7idqxwc2JdwvzirWt3IVir1u0pGGAh1rRf9jtvOq5__H4xs0ZUHnMeCfB6c4WFurtJaaYdhKpmF1Zz6KdN5HAEQCwQ6n3DtJ2MhIs25pNq5xGJ4i3FbDLJkSPBLwVVkr2VyMZCe/s1600/Royal+Vale+School+Dance+for+Alex,+Lex+Albrecht+Georges+Laraque,+NHL+Canadiens,+Champion+of+Quebec,+Womens+Cycling,+Special+event,+keynote+speaker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CBcCb7idqxwc2JdwvzirWt3IVir1u0pGGAh1rRf9jtvOq5__H4xs0ZUHnMeCfB6c4WFurtJaaYdhKpmF1Zz6KdN5HAEQCwQ6n3DtJ2MhIs25pNq5xGJ4i3FbDLJkSPBLwVVkr2VyMZCe/s1600/Royal+Vale+School+Dance+for+Alex,+Lex+Albrecht+Georges+Laraque,+NHL+Canadiens,+Champion+of+Quebec,+Womens+Cycling,+Special+event,+keynote+speaker.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lex Albrecht and Georges Laraque leading the Dance for Alex, at Royal Vale School in Montréal, Québec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Post dance-party, some lucky Royal Vale students who happened to be in phys-ed class got some extra excitement... and some big air, with Georges Laraque! That looks fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGAmad9xiLeXuPywmHmLzs8zeTORVcms_hxx5DYC9W9bFy9OUl1c0z-W-idM3IsYNlGTncZuPB2g_hGWlXDmF0RUsQnqbV5_NsOgFXbgsevhBJs3GszgIT4VboMSmKAAyApFqjxclYZZ9/s1600/Georges+Laraque+and+Royal+Vale+students,+Dance+for+Alex,+with+Lex+Albrecht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGAmad9xiLeXuPywmHmLzs8zeTORVcms_hxx5DYC9W9bFy9OUl1c0z-W-idM3IsYNlGTncZuPB2g_hGWlXDmF0RUsQnqbV5_NsOgFXbgsevhBJs3GszgIT4VboMSmKAAyApFqjxclYZZ9/s1600/Georges+Laraque+and+Royal+Vale+students,+Dance+for+Alex,+with+Lex+Albrecht.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
It was special to be able to share my own story of the challenges and amazing rewards of being a professional athlete, and the loss of my own little sister when I was young with the students. Thank you to Royal Vale School, and to Alex's family for inviting us to be a part of this special day! See you again soon.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Taught <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgesLaraque">@GeorgesLaraque</a> the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LexFlex?src=hash">#LexFlex</a>, while showing off our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LexAlbrecht?src=hash">#LexAlbrecht</a> collection <a href="https://twitter.com/ModifyWatches">@ModifyWatches</a>. He's a natural! <a href="http://t.co/IIiNJ8F7gP">pic.twitter.com/IIiNJ8F7gP</a><br />
— Lex Albrecht (@Lex_Albrecht) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lex_Albrecht/status/540156003476860928">December 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***************************************** </div>
Une activité spéciale a eu lieu hier à Royal Vale School à Montréal, pour honorer Alex Porter-Rozmovtiz, un élève de Royal Vale qui nous a quitté il y a 5 ans. J'ai eu la chance et le plaisir d'avoir le rôle de l'invitée spéciale. La mission : animer une séance de danse énergétique et amusante pour plus de 400 élèves (maternelle - 6e année) pour célébrer la vie de Alex. Quelle belle facon de partir la journée, et de commémorer Alex!<br />
<br />
Mais ce n'est pas tout...l'invitée spéciale avait un invité spécial! À la grande surprise des élèves, j'ai appelé mon ami, Georges Laraque à haute voix "<i>GEORGES</i>!<i> ...GEORGES</i>!", qui est sorti de l'arrière de la salle avec un grand sourire! Georges m'a aidé avec la chanson de réchauffement, qui ne manquait surtout pas d'actions (un souvenir de mes jours d'enfance que j'ai partagé!). Par la suite, nous avons partagé nous meilleurs pas de danse :). Georges, tu as du talent mon ami!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CBcCb7idqxwc2JdwvzirWt3IVir1u0pGGAh1rRf9jtvOq5__H4xs0ZUHnMeCfB6c4WFurtJaaYdhKpmF1Zz6KdN5HAEQCwQ6n3DtJ2MhIs25pNq5xGJ4i3FbDLJkSPBLwVVkr2VyMZCe/s1600/Royal+Vale+School+Dance+for+Alex,+Lex+Albrecht+Georges+Laraque,+NHL+Canadiens,+Champion+of+Quebec,+Womens+Cycling,+Special+event,+keynote+speaker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CBcCb7idqxwc2JdwvzirWt3IVir1u0pGGAh1rRf9jtvOq5__H4xs0ZUHnMeCfB6c4WFurtJaaYdhKpmF1Zz6KdN5HAEQCwQ6n3DtJ2MhIs25pNq5xGJ4i3FbDLJkSPBLwVVkr2VyMZCe/s1600/Royal+Vale+School+Dance+for+Alex,+Lex+Albrecht+Georges+Laraque,+NHL+Canadiens,+Champion+of+Quebec,+Womens+Cycling,+Special+event,+keynote+speaker.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lex Albrecht et Georges Laraque animent "Dance for Alex", à l'école Royal Vale School à Montréal, Québec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Après notre fête de danse, quelques étudiants qui suivaient leur cours d'activité physique avaient l'occasion d'avoir une dose de plaisir supplémentaire avec le Grand Georges! Ça a l'air amusant!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGAmad9xiLeXuPywmHmLzs8zeTORVcms_hxx5DYC9W9bFy9OUl1c0z-W-idM3IsYNlGTncZuPB2g_hGWlXDmF0RUsQnqbV5_NsOgFXbgsevhBJs3GszgIT4VboMSmKAAyApFqjxclYZZ9/s1600/Georges+Laraque+and+Royal+Vale+students,+Dance+for+Alex,+with+Lex+Albrecht.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGAmad9xiLeXuPywmHmLzs8zeTORVcms_hxx5DYC9W9bFy9OUl1c0z-W-idM3IsYNlGTncZuPB2g_hGWlXDmF0RUsQnqbV5_NsOgFXbgsevhBJs3GszgIT4VboMSmKAAyApFqjxclYZZ9/s1600/Georges+Laraque+and+Royal+Vale+students,+Dance+for+Alex,+with+Lex+Albrecht.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
Ça fut un occasion très spécial de parler aux élèves des défis et les récompenses d'être une athlète professionnelle, ainsi que comment j'ai géré le départ de <i>ma </i>petite sœur qui nous a laissé quand j'étais plus jeune Merci à Royal Vale School, et surtout à la famille de Alex, de nous avoir invité à cette journée spéciale. À bientôt!<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Taught <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgesLaraque">@GeorgesLaraque</a> the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LexFlex?src=hash">#LexFlex</a>, while showing off our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LexAlbrecht?src=hash">#LexAlbrecht</a> collection <a href="https://twitter.com/ModifyWatches">@ModifyWatches</a>. He's a natural! <a href="http://t.co/IIiNJ8F7gP">pic.twitter.com/IIiNJ8F7gP</a><br />
— Lex Albrecht (@Lex_Albrecht) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lex_Albrecht/status/540156003476860928">December 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-65083646237237156652014-11-20T17:55:00.001-05:002014-11-20T17:59:18.069-05:00DÉFI RBC au profit de Centraide Le 26 novembre prochain, je ferai partie d'une équipe d’athlètes qui tentera de battre le record au Défi RBC au profit de Centraide : gravir
à la course les 1 000 marches menant au 41e étage de la tour de la
Place Ville Marie en moins de 2 minutes 41 secondes!<br />
<br />
Notre équipe sera formée de:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">o <b>Lex Albrecht</b> (cyclisme. 7x Championne Québécoise, 3x athlete des Championnats du monde) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">o <b>Caroline Ouellette</b> (hockey sur glace, médaillée d’or aux
Jeux olympiques de Sotchi en '14)
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">o <b>Marc-Antoine Gagnon</b> (ski acrobatique, 5e au classement mondial
en '13)
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">o <b>Pierre Alexandre Rousseau</b> (ski acrobatique, 5e aux Jeux
olympiques de Vancouver en '10).
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">o <b>Marie-Claude Molnar</b> (paracyclisme, médaillée de bronze aux
Jeux de Londres en '12).
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">o <b>Caroline Calvé</b> (surf des neiges, 6e aux Jeux olympiques de
Sotchi en '14)
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">o <b>Hugues Fournel</b> (kayak, 7e aux Jeux olympiques de Londres en '12)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywpYzCpNC__CzbBKO_hyphenhyphenfUiw6IBl3JX6RaUcyEGFze04-iwMTVcdkScGjmeIdy9jcnI8bu_xm30TuPXreLsrKBgq-BNOFXCKjp1fYyQtbyWLhQaHVsfzo6XcmptPeDQBIaMfzPCfPD3J1/s1600/D%C3%A9fi+RBC+au+profit+de+centraide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywpYzCpNC__CzbBKO_hyphenhyphenfUiw6IBl3JX6RaUcyEGFze04-iwMTVcdkScGjmeIdy9jcnI8bu_xm30TuPXreLsrKBgq-BNOFXCKjp1fYyQtbyWLhQaHVsfzo6XcmptPeDQBIaMfzPCfPD3J1/s1600/D%C3%A9fi+RBC+au+profit+de+centraide.jpg" height="105" width="400" /></a></div>
Le Défi RBC au profit de Centraide est organisée par RBC, en collaboration avec
Place Ville Marie. Près de 500 coureurs sont attendus, principalement des employés
de RBC et aussi d’autres entreprises. Chaque équipe comptera 10 personnes pour un total de 500 participants! Chaque participant monte à la course 3 ou 4 étages, ce qui
représente une centaine de marches chacun.<br />
<br />
Les fonds recueillis proviennent des dons des participants et des
commandites d’entreprises. Ils seront versés en totalité à la
campagne Centraide 2014. Le montant récolté en 2014 sera dévoilé lors du Défi du 26
novembre prochain. En 2013, 180 000 $ ont été récoltés, soit 47
000 $ de plus que l’année précédente. Depuis sa création il y a 17 ans, le Défi RBC a permis de
récolter 932 000 $ au profit de la
campagne Centraide. Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-36511318185745632282014-11-17T17:11:00.001-05:002014-11-17T18:12:17.679-05:00#LEXvsLARAQUE#LEXvsLARAQUE ended up being even more "exciting" than we bargained for.<br />
<br />
Snow was falling, the air was cold, but the anticipation and excitement of #LEXvsLARAQUE was energizing! Georges blasted off of the start line with a huge effort. I followed, hoping that he wouldn't hold his pace for too long. Otherwise, the climb was going to be a lot more painful than I had planned for. To my surprise, several hundred meters later where false-flat section began, and where Georges should have had the greatest advantage, he had already fallen behind.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWrUpP1YmM9Ey6Hryo3qjwes8_j7aPAUQRRbG4-QGubioYYpcXCPec2hoBLPV3VU4WpezMMhpGHDCN35KIP5wqfwbcUKGcBGf96uLsL2FnLCUNG-ToX7Ikh8WCJqAqLBkpX_jRbZNQdWt/s1600/17cales730H555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWrUpP1YmM9Ey6Hryo3qjwes8_j7aPAUQRRbG4-QGubioYYpcXCPec2hoBLPV3VU4WpezMMhpGHDCN35KIP5wqfwbcUKGcBGf96uLsL2FnLCUNG-ToX7Ikh8WCJqAqLBkpX_jRbZNQdWt/s1600/17cales730H555.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping Georges with his cleats & pedals (I can't win against a guy who cannot manage to clip in!) Photo : Guy Maguire (#LEXvsLARAQUE)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HT9mFHh7BgAm0SvD0FBCcihfSgI1ElBPBNqyMwJQj04lbBYwtcgPqM8lfFEcgh4WUondvXVJZLMQ-0V99xQMiUu-ECasWmL90L-r01O_WRkFPwz-wdhPbQBW2j9-3UuimvwB1JH4hPbU/s1600/55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HT9mFHh7BgAm0SvD0FBCcihfSgI1ElBPBNqyMwJQj04lbBYwtcgPqM8lfFEcgh4WUondvXVJZLMQ-0V99xQMiUu-ECasWmL90L-r01O_WRkFPwz-wdhPbQBW2j9-3UuimvwB1JH4hPbU/s1600/55.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the finish line for my first victory celebration #LEXvs LARAQUE. Photo: Guy Maguire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I won <b>fair and square</b> in the cold and snowy race up the Mont Royal. The gap was <i>so </i>big that I decided to go back down and finish George's final few hundred meters with him ... so I could win <i>twice</i>. I pulled out some good sportsmanship spirit and encouraged Georges. Then, punched it over the finish line ahead of him, again. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQng4ODMU9pvJSa4FU3Z3rbxPOq4mXIODe3-sV_cU3E93iMjP8cIuXD-1fbCPJibHSL74GkB8SmoUSiubBRjF6M6UqDM4R3uldnZFp-4DaOHCYFTT6EhPdGH-FhVenH0qMfyOdAFs6PML/s1600/101LexGeorges730h501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQng4ODMU9pvJSa4FU3Z3rbxPOq4mXIODe3-sV_cU3E93iMjP8cIuXD-1fbCPJibHSL74GkB8SmoUSiubBRjF6M6UqDM4R3uldnZFp-4DaOHCYFTT6EhPdGH-FhVenH0qMfyOdAFs6PML/s1600/101LexGeorges730h501.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo : Guy Maguire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
George's huge effort left him totally exhausted, so much that he wasn't responding to anybody once he crossed the finish line. After a couple of minutes, I was quite scared and flagged down an ambulance. (I wanted to beat him, not kill him!)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBPS4Czzk94ZJrW8Rt5wS4ACQdq96dNZVK-HU3tyLTHTH9VyBgBbG1heNe1CorjLKh26Cg2dg-9qcgqXtIIQo4bR0F-qFC4wm6IkdbrhM1VQH7VkZyyytaeMMIYiEkKyQVO4mT106NdKt/s1600/181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBPS4Czzk94ZJrW8Rt5wS4ACQdq96dNZVK-HU3tyLTHTH9VyBgBbG1heNe1CorjLKh26Cg2dg-9qcgqXtIIQo4bR0F-qFC4wm6IkdbrhM1VQH7VkZyyytaeMMIYiEkKyQVO4mT106NdKt/s1600/181.jpg" height="337" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo : Guy Maguire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E4jutD8k6wA1EGHWUX0ffIiwy4Agj__gGtZkmE29z5C8NikKugvccz9ZEfL_VqkorlCckm9IIrCXHdYDyN9p3-HYjF6JS65LyEWLJ8ncUW2zouy9gFWM4awLQzSxfqu1PAfzPyEEaRHD/s1600/209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E4jutD8k6wA1EGHWUX0ffIiwy4Agj__gGtZkmE29z5C8NikKugvccz9ZEfL_VqkorlCckm9IIrCXHdYDyN9p3-HYjF6JS65LyEWLJ8ncUW2zouy9gFWM4awLQzSxfqu1PAfzPyEEaRHD/s1600/209.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo : Guy Maguire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRTbwu1i9fsFeDQBYDdSJ6JXuB4wz4M5goVs_rb5T_6PkhyCzmHI5FHbAEESF904hcpJ7Nzq9jbqLhACofZrU2m_CdWIm9QpN3uV28OOMLnblNvEcklPLe-klWMfEkQl9zJKnIz2NEdl_/s1600/225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRTbwu1i9fsFeDQBYDdSJ6JXuB4wz4M5goVs_rb5T_6PkhyCzmHI5FHbAEESF904hcpJ7Nzq9jbqLhACofZrU2m_CdWIm9QpN3uV28OOMLnblNvEcklPLe-klWMfEkQl9zJKnIz2NEdl_/s1600/225.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo : Guy Maguire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYBvJTVYOQeyKrHAhLDwZWppmBrAr2prnWUaZ-HvYdFuUsCY8OqlJ-D3V6MHZ6toC28p6gzs0JeONxKyVvDylJjrjoMJ-VvrziddtcoSpp1XUMVEsqIRMsBaync23nTjk0tRzCIh-My6F/s1600/249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYBvJTVYOQeyKrHAhLDwZWppmBrAr2prnWUaZ-HvYdFuUsCY8OqlJ-D3V6MHZ6toC28p6gzs0JeONxKyVvDylJjrjoMJ-VvrziddtcoSpp1XUMVEsqIRMsBaync23nTjk0tRzCIh-My6F/s1600/249.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo : Guy Maguire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
CBC Montréal was at the race (along with around 100 other spectators), and filmed this report : <br />
<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/george-laraque-loses-bike-race-1.2837627">http://www.cbc.ca/news/george-laraque-loses-bike-race-1.2837627</a><br />
<br />
Thank GOODNESS, Georges was okay. He got out of the hospital about as fast as he blasted off of the start line of our race. We laughed about it all over lunch at <a href="http://www.crudessence.com/">Crudessence</a>.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgesLaraque">@GeorgesLaraque</a> pensait pouvoir battre <a href="https://twitter.com/Lex_Albrecht">@Lex_Albrecht</a>. Il s’est plutôt retrouvé à l’hôpital… <a href="http://t.co/kDDJxzBufk">http://t.co/kDDJxzBufk</a> <a href="http://t.co/OdHKyglJsL">pic.twitter.com/OdHKyglJsL</a><br />
— Yahoo Quebec (@YahooQuebec) <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooQuebec/status/534429474620989440">November 17, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-5062422756471138812014-11-13T10:12:00.001-05:002014-11-14T09:57:59.249-05:00Lex Albrecht vs. Georges Laraque<b>It's ON! Are you in the Montréal area? Come out to see a true battle go down this weekend. </b><br />
<br />
What's that saying about "picking on people your own size"? Georges Laraque is probably 4 times bigger than me, is an adamant proponent of vegan-ism, and has an impressive 13 year NHL career that he finished off with the Montréal Canadiens in the bank.<br />
<br />
He is also convinced that he can beat me in a cycling race in Montréal.... Game on. I'm up for the challenge.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1dZd_1dhyphenhyphenypats2tzo5QbBkIQmeo8zKNXje36s4k7kS_v95IF7_Cf0Rg4uGP1q0MgEWJhdWEdCCuYbejAy1sFMLnHNp1IOhHZiYxljG9Yn2CIXUx0Szd6Uy7j_hOuNwRit0_KyWjGs-h/s1600/GEORGES+LARAQUE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1dZd_1dhyphenhyphenypats2tzo5QbBkIQmeo8zKNXje36s4k7kS_v95IF7_Cf0Rg4uGP1q0MgEWJhdWEdCCuYbejAy1sFMLnHNp1IOhHZiYxljG9Yn2CIXUx0Szd6Uy7j_hOuNwRit0_KyWjGs-h/s400/GEORGES+LARAQUE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georges Laraque VS Lex Albrecht. Sunday November 16 2014, come and watch the battle go down! <br />
photo source: http://www.rds.ca/1.480303</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbG7JB3i9s_A8SJfNa1j68RjVBPlVeEd6KT0Ql8TwW2ns8KuZ8nDeRGO7RMzecwMUIIEIMvn_ORvTRSb3_MUJn8WGFTDp3r8Og6rcWI7iopjd_LWw1eAFfD2GU5DYnj5JHMk_8C38Mcl_/s1600/891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbG7JB3i9s_A8SJfNa1j68RjVBPlVeEd6KT0Ql8TwW2ns8KuZ8nDeRGO7RMzecwMUIIEIMvn_ORvTRSb3_MUJn8WGFTDp3r8Og6rcWI7iopjd_LWw1eAFfD2GU5DYnj5JHMk_8C38Mcl_/s320/891.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit : Brian Hodes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Georges and I are going to see who's truly the fastest this Sunday November 16. We'll be racing from the base of Mont Royal's Camilien Houde climb. Who do you think will win? Let us know on Twitter (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/lex_albrecht">@Lex_Albrecht</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GeorgesLaraque">@GeorgesLaraque</a>) using hashtag #LEXvsLARAQUE<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /> Where </b>: Camilien Houde. <br /><b> Start </b>: Just after the final set of lights at the base of Camillien Houde<br /><b> Finish </b>: Crest of Camillien Houde (marked by a while line across the road).<br /><b> When </b>: Sunday, November 16, 2014. 10 am. (show up early, around 9:30-9:45!)</span><br />
<br />
I don't know what I've gotten myself into, but I'm determined, and I could use all of the support you can give! Come share your energy, cheer for your favourite and watch the battle go down - Let us know that you'll be there with an RSVP on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lex-Albrecht/137026036359510?ref=bookmarks">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lex-Albrecht/137026036359510?ref=bookmarks</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbDJmZ3eipY2TCg4OYtGHi3XfOt-PfPsxjZWwnftylMWuwMt_iRWV2iAxpuLAvcLQ-rGDquVZR9rarNE32krRGGSU7U2vPZKjUYDk3HH9dyKg6F9730SKHgEw3wCTOtLmvi_6IK-C6tt4/s1600/Lex+328.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbDJmZ3eipY2TCg4OYtGHi3XfOt-PfPsxjZWwnftylMWuwMt_iRWV2iAxpuLAvcLQ-rGDquVZR9rarNE32krRGGSU7U2vPZKjUYDk3HH9dyKg6F9730SKHgEw3wCTOtLmvi_6IK-C6tt4/s320/Lex+328.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professional cyclist Lex Albrecht. Photo : N. Paquet. Kipphoto.ca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-78002268711348984372014-11-06T12:25:00.001-05:002014-11-06T15:55:18.933-05:00Excited to Ride for Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies in 2015I'm excited to announce that I've signed a new contract for 2015, with American trade team, Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefits Strategies. I rode for Optum in 2012, my first year of professional cycling and I'm excited to return as a more experienced, and stronger rider. I'm eager to contribute to the team's exceptionally talented and strong roster : <br />
<br />
Lex Albrecht (CAN)<br />
Annie Ewart (CAN)<br />
Jasmin Glaesser (CAN)<br />
Janel Holcomb (USA)<br />
Ariane Horbach (USA)<br />
Maura Kinsella (USA)<br />
Leah Kirchmann (CAN)<br />
Ally Stacher (USA)<br />
Alison Tetrick (USA)<br />
Brianna Walle (USA)<br />
<br />
Optum will compete on the professional circuit in the US and Canada, as well as in Europe - where they had considerable success the past 2 seasons since their European program was launched. Being a member of a trade team with a European program was a very important element that I was seeking for 2015, and I feel fortunate to have the chance to be a part of Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefits Strategies in <i>part</i> for this reason. Optum has an excellent group of respectable, knowledgeable and motivated people running the team, as well as a knack for creating rosters with super good chemistry - which makes all the difference during race season. The strong group of sponsors and supporters behind the team also helps make Optum the highly reputable and successful team that it is, and I'm so glad to say that I'll be a part of it next year.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWugqa7fk3Z75gNRRLdFjndolptuE05tb7Q3IqdVmNSLjqE4Zjnn46LRTg7amO2UwdtzKwcfZYZ9hMDahrh5uCf__AMfUPfCSppZ0qSkJeE1Z6PwMEpnNAJz-kReoBUWh4oOk6Zx7mW8O/s1600/Optum+media+camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWugqa7fk3Z75gNRRLdFjndolptuE05tb7Q3IqdVmNSLjqE4Zjnn46LRTg7amO2UwdtzKwcfZYZ9hMDahrh5uCf__AMfUPfCSppZ0qSkJeE1Z6PwMEpnNAJz-kReoBUWh4oOk6Zx7mW8O/s1600/Optum+media+camp.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2012 : kicking off my first professional season with Optum Pro Cycling. I'm so excited to be returning for 2015!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
I will continue to be based in Montréal, Québec, and train at the PowerWatts Premier Studio in Montréal. <br />
<br />
<br />
***********************************************************************************<br />
<span id="goog_1404885267"></span><span id="goog_1404885268"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEbJQCEr0B2OoQ7QWaK4F5t3iOq-l6oROJoDxT8OR7JHecroPSn8qz56K8pcXyyZNpOyTvacoXImWAmVZCRmmhpM07XH9RqUV7nYEBeu4iLT-3GqvE2Is5sE06io6qj4Axm1KAvUaAmVv/s1600/TWENTY16+pro+cycling,+womens+professional+cycling,+professional+athlete,+female+athlete,+professional+cyclist,+catlike+helmet,+oakley+sunglasses,+lex+albrecht.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEbJQCEr0B2OoQ7QWaK4F5t3iOq-l6oROJoDxT8OR7JHecroPSn8qz56K8pcXyyZNpOyTvacoXImWAmVZCRmmhpM07XH9RqUV7nYEBeu4iLT-3GqvE2Is5sE06io6qj4Axm1KAvUaAmVv/s1600/TWENTY16+pro+cycling,+womens+professional+cycling,+professional+athlete,+female+athlete,+professional+cyclist,+catlike+helmet,+oakley+sunglasses,+lex+albrecht.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With two of my TWENTY16 teammates, Greta and Abby. What an awesome season!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am grateful to have had the chance to ride with TWENTY16 Pro Cycling for 2014. The opportunities they provided during 2014 were second to none, and the moral and material support that they gave to me and all of their athletes was <i>always</i> top-notch. During the highest parts of the season, and the lowest. Thank you for your consistant support and patience when I needed it (early season concussion and late season illness). I am proud to have been a part of a program that has played an essential role in winning Olympic medals and World Championship titles. It was an emotionally difficult decision to have chosen to step away for 2015, but I continue to have the utmost respect for the program, sponsors, riders, and especially the management and staff of TWENTY16. Thank you for an exceptional year...I feel like it changed me as a bike rider and as an individual for good, and for the better! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL1UlWk_n5XaeIQjcLt3__1cdTyWXdZ7bqA4Ohtt_VNdLChM_Ze3GuFjtV4y2lXTVFUd_YZusGqNyj7R3EcZefk4jn8-IEqd1WDjYiCmn6AqZbva8afnhu3n_aQn0z3k2nbkQeu2f8uWo/s1600/TWENTY16+BElieveinYOUrself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL1UlWk_n5XaeIQjcLt3__1cdTyWXdZ7bqA4Ohtt_VNdLChM_Ze3GuFjtV4y2lXTVFUd_YZusGqNyj7R3EcZefk4jn8-IEqd1WDjYiCmn6AqZbva8afnhu3n_aQn0z3k2nbkQeu2f8uWo/s1600/TWENTY16+BElieveinYOUrself.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1XpDvRf3z-lBm-WRLSy1BKQfaokdTkKM_HJq6X56qAyi6SH7skbuRMaPNErIMHgedXSXXEH6rogk_yKFJ-Dx-Niq2k0B6X7nc0WwXzKLBK1eXxzSbT1-0XrnS5JJsjOf7UpzyvGftNtE/s1600/BlctXv_CAAA7ZyZ.jpg+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1XpDvRf3z-lBm-WRLSy1BKQfaokdTkKM_HJq6X56qAyi6SH7skbuRMaPNErIMHgedXSXXEH6rogk_yKFJ-Dx-Niq2k0B6X7nc0WwXzKLBK1eXxzSbT1-0XrnS5JJsjOf7UpzyvGftNtE/s1600/BlctXv_CAAA7ZyZ.jpg+large.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: B. Hodes. TWENTY16 Pro Cycling, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-34697898204593781822014-10-20T16:40:00.000-04:002014-10-20T16:56:12.272-04:00Cooking With Lex : Bite Sized Cookies. Homemade Ride Food! This is what I usually ride with a bit of this stuff in my pockets:<br />
Clif bars (fav flavour : coconut chocolate chip)<br />
Clif Shots (fav flavour : vanilla)<br />
Clif Blocks (fav flavour : black cherry)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3501852819870972855" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3501852819870972855" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3501852819870972855" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>This past summer I started baking my own snacks for the bike to go along
with my classic Clif choices. I discovered this recipe while on a 3
week training block in Tahoe. Here's a recipe for simple banana-oatmeal
bite-sized cookies that are easy to make, and perfect to eat on long
rides. Give it a shot!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/F_lHZfMGDN0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/F_lHZfMGDN0?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/F_lHZfMGDN0?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
This recipe requires a Vitamix - traditional blenders aren't strong enough. Don't have one yet? Visit Vitamix and use coupon code 06-009501 for free shipping, or click on the link below to get a deal on a refurbished model!<br /><br />
<a href="https://www.vitamix.com/shop/Certified-Reconditioned-Standard.aspx?COUPON=06-009501">https://www.vitamix.com/shop/Certified-Reconditioned-Standard.aspx?COUPON=06-009501</a>Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com1Tahoe City, CA, USA39.172222 -120.13888939.1229705 -120.21957 39.221473499999995 -120.05820800000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-52899525702808472472014-09-30T08:16:00.001-04:002014-09-30T08:19:45.439-04:00The Story of The Appeal ...I'm home resting in Montréal after a rock-and-roll World Championship Race (see what happened <a href="http://lexalbrecht.blogspot.ca/2014/09/ponferrada-world-championships-crash.html">HERE </a>, with a video).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi1lov58Rm66yjLS9vyuSevElFGTAFTl8zFrfwLdbIWcfdJT7cQozdkonAqt4ooHwFfMO0xNblWpUyfFfUdPHUtvGmbgyPqMHfipJeByLC6tQ7z21hEo8jd-McfF9QEuvSQki96Yj4jEL/s1600/Lex+at+Les+Cyclos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi1lov58Rm66yjLS9vyuSevElFGTAFTl8zFrfwLdbIWcfdJT7cQozdkonAqt4ooHwFfMO0xNblWpUyfFfUdPHUtvGmbgyPqMHfipJeByLC6tQ7z21hEo8jd-McfF9QEuvSQki96Yj4jEL/s1600/Lex+at+Les+Cyclos.jpg" height="320" width="175" /></a></div>
Earning a spot on the Canadian National Team's roster was particularly difficult this year. I was happy to learn that I had been in the World Championship selection pool for the 4th time in my career. Several weeks later however, I learned that I did not make the final selection. I appealed Cycling Canada's decision, and after losing went through an arbitration process.<br />
<br />
I spoke with Keir Plaice, from Canadian Cycling Magazine about the details. Here is what happened : <a href="http://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/lex-albrecht-wins-appeal-added-to-canadian-team-for-womens-road-race/">http://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/lex-albrecht-wins-appeal-added-to-canadian-team-for-womens-road-race/</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7gOMypYWhpGuaqSXUIInGMRpCF8-7tjOvc3c9TEf-t9gx5fNKxChHl0xQA2-ToeLPhBlPsXDuyS8tORioswfvaojw6YhDsPq0TsRNwM5N8maQRU-3If_gwzhNUUIhAJxHd5GA7V1UceB/s1600/Lex+on+the+bike.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7gOMypYWhpGuaqSXUIInGMRpCF8-7tjOvc3c9TEf-t9gx5fNKxChHl0xQA2-ToeLPhBlPsXDuyS8tORioswfvaojw6YhDsPq0TsRNwM5N8maQRU-3If_gwzhNUUIhAJxHd5GA7V1UceB/s1600/Lex+on+the+bike.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></div>
Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-46185412962116412002014-09-29T15:30:00.000-04:002014-09-29T15:30:01.203-04:00Up Close and Personal About 2014 with Pedal Mag<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRC6C7vdqfPYKEc4r2Dt6ze_Wno1JRC7XeQxwHmiuo4Av9OcACa9VFaJsa8qShZtd5pkYAq-JRGjPpXmj49INgF6f-jFQIcGGC6qLILnmi7DDNyD310caHUd3hPHSNVJCyOIz8mNLrbiCZ/s1600/Lex+Albrecht-288+Canadian+National+team+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRC6C7vdqfPYKEc4r2Dt6ze_Wno1JRC7XeQxwHmiuo4Av9OcACa9VFaJsa8qShZtd5pkYAq-JRGjPpXmj49INgF6f-jFQIcGGC6qLILnmi7DDNyD310caHUd3hPHSNVJCyOIz8mNLrbiCZ/s1600/Lex+Albrecht-288+Canadian+National+team+kit.jpg" height="400" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Justin Knotzke, 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I spoke with Pedal Mag about getting to the World Championship race in Ponferrada, what happened before, during and after. We touched on the highs and lows of 2014. I also shared a bit about what it was like to race with <a href="http://www.teamtwenty16.com/">TWENTY16 </a>this year, how I prepared for the season, and touched on some targets for 2015.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovXjGtrx0ehSNQyhSDn4bPcV-XoAn1-QVK23ORLLR60t5FN_MgsbtVttTqMSYsCOFwH3JKXW7YK2jQe4nkJ-xVAxFRgu0CTueS-0RhI09-uMJGWt9fuyKi-RVQrP8fx2E2vjBwmRp35mx/s1600/Albrecht.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovXjGtrx0ehSNQyhSDn4bPcV-XoAn1-QVK23ORLLR60t5FN_MgsbtVttTqMSYsCOFwH3JKXW7YK2jQe4nkJ-xVAxFRgu0CTueS-0RhI09-uMJGWt9fuyKi-RVQrP8fx2E2vjBwmRp35mx/s1600/Albrecht.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Check out the interview here : <a href="http://pedalmag.com/interview-with-lex-albrecht/">http://pedalmag.com/interview-with-lex-albrecht/</a></b>Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-50268808696701288862014-09-29T08:11:00.001-04:002014-09-29T08:11:34.514-04:00Ponferrada World Championships CrashThe UCI has taken a really cool (and awesomely clever, in my opinion) step, introducing on-board cameras into the peloton. This year at the World Championships road race in Ponferrada Spain, 4 women had these special little cameras on their bikes. My teammate, Leah Kirchmann (this year's triple Canadian National Champion - time trial, road, and criterium) had one on her bike.<br /><br />There was a nasty crash at the Championship race that took out a big part of the field. All 4 Canadian riders : Karol Ann Canuel, Leah Kirchmann, Joëlle Numainville and myself went down hard. One rider's on board camera caught the moment of impact for Karol Ann and I (see at 1:11 minutes)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xcQeVh7WwxQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Here is the video that shows the crash, and also discusses the introduction of these cool new gadgets.Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-15033003808253775092014-09-26T12:01:00.000-04:002014-09-26T12:01:27.183-04:00Roster for the 2014 World Championships <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ejYvP_ZOLqSRkmr86qeRuAReYkiv_zPwsMFwt00B9mO-ssMiu5DRf4CLjgKIwGXl_xXzBDVvTSukPWhRaYj7LU0NpfwOew_HMiaX8YeMdO8ONz1_oGfTNVd7OH1-iJz2On7CDpshvslt/s1600/Worlds+Team+2014+Ponferrada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ejYvP_ZOLqSRkmr86qeRuAReYkiv_zPwsMFwt00B9mO-ssMiu5DRf4CLjgKIwGXl_xXzBDVvTSukPWhRaYj7LU0NpfwOew_HMiaX8YeMdO8ONz1_oGfTNVd7OH1-iJz2On7CDpshvslt/s1600/Worlds+Team+2014+Ponferrada.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian National Team. 2014 UCI Road Cycling World Championships. Ponferrada, Spain (not all athletes present in photo) Photo : Canadian Cycling (Canadian Cyclist)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am proud to be representing Canada at the UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Ponferrada, Spain. Thank you for those who have helped me earn this opportunity, and to those who have believed in me. It is an honour to represent Canada.<br /><br />CyclingNews.com article : <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lex-albrecht-wins-appeal-to-race-world-championships">http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lex-albrecht-wins-appeal-to-race-world-championships </a><br />
Editornial by Laurent Martel : <a href="http://laflammerouge.com/cyclisme-canada-je-ne-comprends-pas/">http://laflammerouge.com/cyclisme-canada-je-ne-comprends-pas/</a><br />
Statement by Cycling Canada (English) <a href="http://www.cyclingcanada.ca/sport/cycling/news/lex-albrecht-joins-canadian-team-at-road-world-championships/">http://www.cyclingcanada.ca/sport/cycling/news/lex-albrecht-joins-canadian-team-at-road-world-championships/</a><br />Statement by Cycling Canada (French), via Veloptimum.net : <a href="http://veloptimum.net/velonouvelles/14/COMM/9sept/CyclismeCan23.htm">http://veloptimum.net/velonouvelles/14/COMM/9sept/CyclismeCan23.htm</a><br />
<br />Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-77194832633256647002014-09-03T16:10:00.000-04:002014-09-03T16:10:10.594-04:00Championnats Québécois 2014Deux jours après mon retour d'un bloc de courses et entrainement aux États Unis (Idaho, Oregon, Californie) je suis contente et fière d'avoir défendu, avec succès, mes titres de Championne du Québec (en vélo de route, et contre la montre). La compétition était forte. Les victoires étaient surtout satisfaisantes après un bouleversement de mi-saison qui m'a fait très peur...en menaceant ma carrière (<a href="http://www.lexalbrecht.blogspot.ca/2014/07/bump-in-road.html">voici ce qu'il s'est passé</a>)
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ev-G3fxraFeygUMBNzpRSD-8cgr6fEQncuykbSUUq-8d-XYScrgGc-5eXjJQKsT9RHD9Qs-V12Rhyphenhyphenjml-bEOWg7NTBtr-q34a6imxrnXeXGFlJ4I8pLO8gcbMen5DnnqZmVpYIJssmj/s1600/PodiumSenFclm730H586.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ev-G3fxraFeygUMBNzpRSD-8cgr6fEQncuykbSUUq-8d-XYScrgGc-5eXjJQKsT9RHD9Qs-V12Rhyphenhyphenjml-bEOWg7NTBtr-q34a6imxrnXeXGFlJ4I8pLO8gcbMen5DnnqZmVpYIJssmj/s1600/PodiumSenFclm730H586.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Championnats Québécois 2014 - Podium contre-la-montre. (1. Lex Albrecht -TWENTY16, 2, Alizée
Brien - TIBCO, 3. Catherine Desserault - SAS Magocep). Photo : Antoine
Bécotte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Le parcours de contre-la-montre était de 18 km, et assez côteux. Avant la course, je me demandais comment j'allais distribuer mes efforts sur le parcours. Mon "powermeter" Quarq m'a aidé à juger quand j'allais assez fort et quand j'étais mieux de sauver mes énergies.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRjgZrSDFEAdU0jP8vzcsTQoqZMYRVFJLWUGogqAHBGxvKGHEuv0r-2nPuKi_XAyslYor9b-lw6FdizYz0AKGHKXXCer_U-C96PvCy4lrY8aVzgxWUUgyQxmzfMm-_fj7skD_Pd2xIalp/s1600/INSIDE+RIDE+Warmup+QC+CHamps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRjgZrSDFEAdU0jP8vzcsTQoqZMYRVFJLWUGogqAHBGxvKGHEuv0r-2nPuKi_XAyslYor9b-lw6FdizYz0AKGHKXXCer_U-C96PvCy4lrY8aVzgxWUUgyQxmzfMm-_fj7skD_Pd2xIalp/s1600/INSIDE+RIDE+Warmup+QC+CHamps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Je me suis rechauffée pour le contre-la-montre avec mes rouleaux spéciaux : E-Motion Rollers de la compagnie Inside Ride. Je les apporte souvent à mes courses, et je m'entraine avec à presque tous les jours l'hiver chez PowerWatts <a href="http://www.insideride.com/">www.insideride.com</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EQ23t3lOWP8eG48A7EKt9JEYplUiNAKZ0jXujImU2csOKMe5zEL7xvCd3SJe8hyEyMQEde4eQYvtyYz9do3OrNc2gTgnGCcjn7Su2ECXbcPMREs3QIcTvcSdg-d843ffJ9kryV32A7-m/s1600/B%C3%89COTTE+AMQUI+ALBRECHT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EQ23t3lOWP8eG48A7EKt9JEYplUiNAKZ0jXujImU2csOKMe5zEL7xvCd3SJe8hyEyMQEde4eQYvtyYz9do3OrNc2gTgnGCcjn7Su2ECXbcPMREs3QIcTvcSdg-d843ffJ9kryV32A7-m/s1600/B%C3%89COTTE+AMQUI+ALBRECHT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contre la montre des Championnats Québécois 2014. Lex Albrecht sur son vélo Felt DA2 avec les roues Zipp. Photo : Antoine Bécotte.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Le parcours de la course sur route offrait des défis importants également, avec ses longues montées avec des pentes aigues. Rendu au premier tiers de la course, une sélection de 8 coureuses a déjà été fait. La course se passait bien... Aux deux tiers des 110km, je savais qu'il y avait une montée qui serait difficile pour quelques unes des autres coureuses, et j'en ai profité. La sélection s'est encore diminuée. Quand il ne restait qu'environ 25km à parcourir, j'avais reconnu une pente qui allait me favouriser... j'ai fait un gros effort et ce n'est que Kirsti Giroux (SAS Magocep) et Dafné Théroux Izquierdo
(Espoirs Quilicot TRJ Télécom) qui ont suivi. Dans les 15 derniers kilometres, nous travaillions ensemble pour rester en avant des autres filles. Des fois, on se testait en lanceant des petits attaques. À l'approche de l'arrivée, Kirsti a parti son sprint, mais je suis resté dans son draft, avec patience. Quand le moment était le bon, j'avais sauté de sa roue pour gagner la course... et le titre de Championne du Québec. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9uVy6fezSdfGTqdsXJ5kRWMJiICuVp-jFtJ_NHlNNp-GRW7WnoPdz3Rvwa5swkDILyd27GNP2UtdcDe3E5RZSkUm7lyynkIQt5xbJwu7fpuHQCKZoRJN2cmsUq2elETuHgdWi9XcGyNj/s1600/1572LexGagne730H449+CH+QC+Route+Antoine+B%C3%A9cotte.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9uVy6fezSdfGTqdsXJ5kRWMJiICuVp-jFtJ_NHlNNp-GRW7WnoPdz3Rvwa5swkDILyd27GNP2UtdcDe3E5RZSkUm7lyynkIQt5xbJwu7fpuHQCKZoRJN2cmsUq2elETuHgdWi9XcGyNj/s1600/1572LexGagne730H449+CH+QC+Route+Antoine+B%C3%A9cotte.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Championnats du Québec- Course sur route - sprint final . (Photo : Antoine Bécotte)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj872KqXsuQIYTk81tgIX5-2v1xfQRZhxrDk1OoXBYjKWjdVC0IcV4lhunZNbZEWHwBjCg-nUoFuEJrMDgQStHV5CTPgvOzk3v5DOBhihCco7zBOXfKA00Q_-ZqyiTSTbxbH_Eqs1NnDBwl/s1600/Antoine+B%C3%A9cotte+QC+Champs+Route+2014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj872KqXsuQIYTk81tgIX5-2v1xfQRZhxrDk1OoXBYjKWjdVC0IcV4lhunZNbZEWHwBjCg-nUoFuEJrMDgQStHV5CTPgvOzk3v5DOBhihCco7zBOXfKA00Q_-ZqyiTSTbxbH_Eqs1NnDBwl/s1600/Antoine+B%C3%A9cotte+QC+Champs+Route+2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Championnats Québécois 2014 (podium course sur route) 1. Lex Albrecht, 2. Kirsti Giroux, 3. Catherine Desserault. Photo: Antoine Bécotte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Félicitations à Alizée Brien, Kirsti Giroux, et Catherine Desserault
qui ont aussi fait des résultats méritant une place sur le podium aux Championnats cette année.<br />
<br />
Prochaine course: Green Mountain Stage Race, au Vermont, États-Unis. J'y representerai mon équipe TWENTY16 Pro Cycling toute seule, en esperant d'avoir du plaisir, et une participation à des courses difficile qui va traduire, j'espère, en préparation parfait pour la fin de la saison... plus de détails à venir!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<u><b>SOMMAIRE DES TITRES DE CHAMPIONNE DU QUÉBEC À LEX ALBRECHT</b></u><br />
- 2014 Course sur route<br />
- 2014 Contre-la-montre<br />
- 2013 Course sur route<br />
- 2013 Contre-la-montre<br />
- 2012 Course sur route<br />
- 2010 Critérium<br />
- 2010 Contre-la-montre par équipeLex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-33359797125162182592014-08-27T09:34:00.000-04:002014-08-27T09:39:30.273-04:00Champion of QuébecTwo days after returning from a 1.5month training and racing block in Western USA, I am so happy to have defended my Champion of Québec (time trial, and road) titles at home in Québec. I was up against great competition. It felt good to bring home the titles after a scary and difficult mid-summer Bump in the Road (<a href="http://www.lexalbrecht.blogspot.ca/2014/07/bump-in-road.html">this is what happened</a>). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ev-G3fxraFeygUMBNzpRSD-8cgr6fEQncuykbSUUq-8d-XYScrgGc-5eXjJQKsT9RHD9Qs-V12Rhyphenhyphenjml-bEOWg7NTBtr-q34a6imxrnXeXGFlJ4I8pLO8gcbMen5DnnqZmVpYIJssmj/s1600/PodiumSenFclm730H586.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ev-G3fxraFeygUMBNzpRSD-8cgr6fEQncuykbSUUq-8d-XYScrgGc-5eXjJQKsT9RHD9Qs-V12Rhyphenhyphenjml-bEOWg7NTBtr-q34a6imxrnXeXGFlJ4I8pLO8gcbMen5DnnqZmVpYIJssmj/s1600/PodiumSenFclm730H586.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Québec Championships - Time trial podium. (1. Lex Albrecht -TWENTY16, 2, Alizée Brien - TIBCO, 3. Catherine Desserault - SAS Magocep). Photo : Antoine Bécotte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The time trial course was an 18km race with some significant hills. Before the race I questioned myself on how I should distribute my effort on this atypical sort of course. My Quarq powermeter was a useful tool to help determine when I was going hard enough, and when it was time to ease up and save some energy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRjgZrSDFEAdU0jP8vzcsTQoqZMYRVFJLWUGogqAHBGxvKGHEuv0r-2nPuKi_XAyslYor9b-lw6FdizYz0AKGHKXXCer_U-C96PvCy4lrY8aVzgxWUUgyQxmzfMm-_fj7skD_Pd2xIalp/s1600/INSIDE+RIDE+Warmup+QC+CHamps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRjgZrSDFEAdU0jP8vzcsTQoqZMYRVFJLWUGogqAHBGxvKGHEuv0r-2nPuKi_XAyslYor9b-lw6FdizYz0AKGHKXXCer_U-C96PvCy4lrY8aVzgxWUUgyQxmzfMm-_fj7skD_Pd2xIalp/s1600/INSIDE+RIDE+Warmup+QC+CHamps.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warming up for a time trial with E-Motion Rollers, one of my favourite training tools. I always bring them in my car when I drive to races, and I train with them almost every day in the off-season. They're a lot different than regular rollers! www.insideride.com </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EQ23t3lOWP8eG48A7EKt9JEYplUiNAKZ0jXujImU2csOKMe5zEL7xvCd3SJe8hyEyMQEde4eQYvtyYz9do3OrNc2gTgnGCcjn7Su2ECXbcPMREs3QIcTvcSdg-d843ffJ9kryV32A7-m/s1600/B%C3%89COTTE+AMQUI+ALBRECHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EQ23t3lOWP8eG48A7EKt9JEYplUiNAKZ0jXujImU2csOKMe5zEL7xvCd3SJe8hyEyMQEde4eQYvtyYz9do3OrNc2gTgnGCcjn7Su2ECXbcPMREs3QIcTvcSdg-d843ffJ9kryV32A7-m/s1600/B%C3%89COTTE+AMQUI+ALBRECHT.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Québec Championships time trial. Lex Albrecht and Felt DA2 with Zipp wheels. Photo : Antoine Bécotte.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The road race course was also challenging, as it offered long climbs, and steep pitches throughout. By the first 1/3 of the race, we had already created a selection of 8 riders. Things were going well. Coming into 2/3 of the race, I knew there was a good climb that would be difficult for other riders if the pace was high enough. Some couldn't hang on, and we whittled the selection down again. In the final quarter I recognized one more climb that I knew was to my advantage, and drilled it. Kirsti Giroux (SAS Magocep) and Dafné Théroux Izquierdo (Espoirs Quilicot TRJ Télécom) were the only two who followed. In the last 15km the three of us worked together to stay away, and tested eachother at certain points. Coming into the finish in Amqui, Québec, Kirsti launched her sprint but I waited patiently in her draft, jumping off of her wheel when I knew it was the right moment. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9uVy6fezSdfGTqdsXJ5kRWMJiICuVp-jFtJ_NHlNNp-GRW7WnoPdz3Rvwa5swkDILyd27GNP2UtdcDe3E5RZSkUm7lyynkIQt5xbJwu7fpuHQCKZoRJN2cmsUq2elETuHgdWi9XcGyNj/s1600/1572LexGagne730H449+CH+QC+Route+Antoine+B%C3%A9cotte.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9uVy6fezSdfGTqdsXJ5kRWMJiICuVp-jFtJ_NHlNNp-GRW7WnoPdz3Rvwa5swkDILyd27GNP2UtdcDe3E5RZSkUm7lyynkIQt5xbJwu7fpuHQCKZoRJN2cmsUq2elETuHgdWi9XcGyNj/s1600/1572LexGagne730H449+CH+QC+Route+Antoine+B%C3%A9cotte.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Québec Cycling Championships - Final sprint. (Photo : Antoine Bécotte)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj872KqXsuQIYTk81tgIX5-2v1xfQRZhxrDk1OoXBYjKWjdVC0IcV4lhunZNbZEWHwBjCg-nUoFuEJrMDgQStHV5CTPgvOzk3v5DOBhihCco7zBOXfKA00Q_-ZqyiTSTbxbH_Eqs1NnDBwl/s1600/Antoine+B%C3%A9cotte+QC+Champs+Route+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj872KqXsuQIYTk81tgIX5-2v1xfQRZhxrDk1OoXBYjKWjdVC0IcV4lhunZNbZEWHwBjCg-nUoFuEJrMDgQStHV5CTPgvOzk3v5DOBhihCco7zBOXfKA00Q_-ZqyiTSTbxbH_Eqs1NnDBwl/s1600/Antoine+B%C3%A9cotte+QC+Champs+Route+2014.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Québec Championships (road race podium) 1. Lex Albrecht, 2. Kirsti Giroux, 3. Catherine Desserault. Photo: Antoine Bécotte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Congratulations to Alizée Brien, Kirsti Giroux, and Catherine Desserault
who also brought home medals from the Championship races. <br />
<br />
Next stop : Green Mountain Stage Race in Vermont. I'll be heading there to represent TWENTY16 Pro Cycling on my own, to enjoy some good hard racing, which will hopefully translate into some great preparation for the final part of the season...<br />
<br />
Ride safe, ride hard, have fun!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><u>SUMMARY OF LEX'S CHAMPION OF QUÉBEC TITLES</u></b><br />
- 2014 Road Cycling<br />
- 2014 Time Trial<br />
- 2013 Road Cycling<br />
- 2013 Time Trial<br />
- 2012 Road Cycling<br />
- 2010 Criterium<br />
- 2010 Team Time TrialLex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-12686580628226078392014-08-11T19:56:00.000-04:002014-08-11T20:03:31.969-04:00Sneaky USACIt's no secret that I like to start my day with a nice cup of coffee. At home I pull myself a shot of espresso. On the road, I like a good cup of drip coffee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_8twOqeJOpknVv7jHoVnZpeSOqn5F1UMp-Q3ZCbmnUVJKgJ-f7dBmN_D44L-hWNkR9vobWUNzBy5JLrTWjsFZPO6SdekJLekWu7XoFvTBXsBiV9VBdnpmBtsyXXNwFMeL2alCmcirrqG/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_8twOqeJOpknVv7jHoVnZpeSOqn5F1UMp-Q3ZCbmnUVJKgJ-f7dBmN_D44L-hWNkR9vobWUNzBy5JLrTWjsFZPO6SdekJLekWu7XoFvTBXsBiV9VBdnpmBtsyXXNwFMeL2alCmcirrqG/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Another fact that those close to me know is : I despise washing dishes. The dishwasher is on my list of favourite appliances, next to the microwave and washing machine for clothes.<br />
<br />
Since I didn't run the dishwasher last night before going to bed the mug that I've grown attached to here in Tahoe was dirty. I grabbed a navy blue one from the cupboard that would suffice for today, filled it, and sat down with a book on how longitude was discovered. It's a good read.<br />
<br />
I looked up from the pages to take a swig of the java, from the white mug with cyclists decked out in the Stars and Stripes. Hm. Cool mug. I went back to reading<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAALAie4zheQOkuoT6ptgnj-Qoe3f_blGA2CPprMne-fRRiXE7v7IU-hTLVoQtpiZNZ_ATrL2zzubqGxUpSTWQtpl3kO-mpMvvbgt9ChWrP99UQqMH2HRN2ziVh9SXaoAI79yTVHeYuFbZ/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAALAie4zheQOkuoT6ptgnj-Qoe3f_blGA2CPprMne-fRRiXE7v7IU-hTLVoQtpiZNZ_ATrL2zzubqGxUpSTWQtpl3kO-mpMvvbgt9ChWrP99UQqMH2HRN2ziVh9SXaoAI79yTVHeYuFbZ/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
I was ready for my oatmeal (that's how the morning routine works). I got up and cooked it, in the microwave (a few feet from the trusty dishwasher). I sat back down to the book and drank from the navy blue mug. Wait... didn't I just have a white American cyclist mug? I've got two mugs going. Great news! Double the coffee. Where's the other one? <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR8JbCEE1vxp5rzZq5x5DgR0W6p-bS68ctwHbCkXIjRzYviGWNnplwUhkwUYswxT48EzGeIs2qvJHs7k5DGFX1jQij7pWXFJ2BY-3cQM-Fwi55LDDbuq_pSNpWzLE1JP75ckdODRfjpsZ/s1600/IMG_4053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR8JbCEE1vxp5rzZq5x5DgR0W6p-bS68ctwHbCkXIjRzYviGWNnplwUhkwUYswxT48EzGeIs2qvJHs7k5DGFX1jQij7pWXFJ2BY-3cQM-Fwi55LDDbuq_pSNpWzLE1JP75ckdODRfjpsZ/s1600/IMG_4053.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I throw an egg and banana into my oatmeal sometimes, to make for better sustenance. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My book was too good. I couldn't be bothered to find the missing cup, it would show up later. I refilled the blue mug to warm the coffee that was too cold. Suddenly something remarkable happened. Before my eyes, that darn blue mug turned white, and American cyclists appeared all over it. A colour changing mug, who would have known!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WPosShmFw6DkxhjZ7XhNaYL3kOO9sGNVzH0FJ5DR4h_vTAfJgiVslvHJE-UGjDFh_5E_LEbjEFYUe-3IReltshcwHfpc-ywJXL4wqBSCbRZ6IlHBXVk_sUJnSNdYT4MCm23yN91iQDmY/s1600/IMG_2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WPosShmFw6DkxhjZ7XhNaYL3kOO9sGNVzH0FJ5DR4h_vTAfJgiVslvHJE-UGjDFh_5E_LEbjEFYUe-3IReltshcwHfpc-ywJXL4wqBSCbRZ6IlHBXVk_sUJnSNdYT4MCm23yN91iQDmY/s1600/IMG_2121.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
I love the US, and my American friends, and teammates, but I am a very patriotic girl and will always remain true to my Canadian roots...I'm not sure I would have chosen the American mug because I'm pretty sure there was a crimson one sitting in that cupboard... Sneaky USAC (Pronounced You-Sack, for USA Cycling), and their schemes to get Canadians to drink from their mugs ;).Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-83770724799074455552014-08-08T23:09:00.001-04:002014-08-08T23:09:40.398-04:00Mid-Summer Racing and Training in California
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSWRloLAzZ6zymsfD8TfagO8Dxpx5UPvW6G_FxKNb5ol9YD0VafKlvkoetcGwQEzlEYg5M1AqE3vAf3sUj5FrDNf6ivwQJ6WJ4s1O-lDfXFLoz1nEaeAG4HqIigI31-e-aam66gSOghui/s1600/San+Rafael+Twilight+Criterium+Garrett+Lau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSWRloLAzZ6zymsfD8TfagO8Dxpx5UPvW6G_FxKNb5ol9YD0VafKlvkoetcGwQEzlEYg5M1AqE3vAf3sUj5FrDNf6ivwQJ6WJ4s1O-lDfXFLoz1nEaeAG4HqIigI31-e-aam66gSOghui/s1600/San+Rafael+Twilight+Criterium+Garrett+Lau.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lex on the attack. The San Rafael Twilight Criterium race started with 85 riders, and TWENTY16 made it so hard that 35 could finish ... Photo Credit : Garrett Lau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div lang="en-CA">
I've been on the road since early June, leaving
Montreal to travel to Boise ID to cheer my teammates on as they raced
and I recovered from being under the weather. We hit the road for
Bend OR, to race the Cascade Cycling Classic. I ate my first and
last Red Robin burger after that race. Never again. Then, my
teammates and I trekked to Marin County, CA to race the San Rafael
Twilight Criterium, where they blasted Notorious B.I.G.'s Hypnotize
over the loudspeakers as they called me up to the line. With a
welcome like that, I had to stick around longer.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrAi60ZsLTr4bjQyN03NizVcGQBBMVxGxT1Z0D7XJ6S34vsbKP6viLyBtJXkbin62DeeHN1mwC8Ytp60ZUFU5XlkHDqbGXKmlCnv99G-ZdPGCAlLAOUQSqjZQw-a7fFhy1Jflx5bAoPrS/s1600/Garrett+Lau+photographs+lex+getting+called+up+at+the+san+rafael+twilight+criterium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrAi60ZsLTr4bjQyN03NizVcGQBBMVxGxT1Z0D7XJ6S34vsbKP6viLyBtJXkbin62DeeHN1mwC8Ytp60ZUFU5XlkHDqbGXKmlCnv99G-ZdPGCAlLAOUQSqjZQw-a7fFhy1Jflx5bAoPrS/s1600/Garrett+Lau+photographs+lex+getting+called+up+at+the+san+rafael+twilight+criterium.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit : Garrett Lau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div lang="en-CA">
Marin County, on the opposite side of the Full House
Bridge (the Golden Gate Bridge) relative to San Francisco California,
is one of the world's road cycling paradises. As I sat outside of a
grocery store one late afternoon, downing a bottle of ginger
kombucha, I thought about how out of place I might feel in that
particular instant had I not been a cyclist. Everybody either looks
like a cyclist, is pedalling their bike at a given moment, or is
cruising around with a bike rack hitched to their car.</div>
<div lang="en-CA">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdV16LjN787migZtBpDdQ1Ttm-YuYzBrCzhl-RdcMqKIySPCCEUIjiccJfZQC0pkt8QwzMhxgWNBRNFvHMrUcGdtMlOBVM1UHCoUOCxw2xcZQGLoWL78fQRjhyLQaqbEXTRPfsaH3g888i/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdV16LjN787migZtBpDdQ1Ttm-YuYzBrCzhl-RdcMqKIySPCCEUIjiccJfZQC0pkt8QwzMhxgWNBRNFvHMrUcGdtMlOBVM1UHCoUOCxw2xcZQGLoWL78fQRjhyLQaqbEXTRPfsaH3g888i/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy-day spin. Riding across the Full House Bridge with my teammate Allie Dragoo. Because. It's cool to be tourists.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div lang="en-CA">
And why shouldn't it be that way. Like I said,
Marin County is a cycling paradise. The twisting roads offer ample
climbing, and a good deal of spectacular views. Leaving the quaint
town of Fairfax with its fair share of coffeeshops to climb up Mount
Tam through the shady, humid forest of Redwood trees, across Seven
Sisters' rolling golden hills (not yellow, <i>golden</i>, as I was
corrected) that tower over a thick blanket of misty fog that often
covers the Pacific Ocean at that area, before descending down the
fast, curvy road to Stinson Beach, was one of my favourite rides. On
Wednesday morning a large group of very fast, competent, and
just-competitive-enough-for-a-group-ride road enthusiasts gathered to
“drill it” for nearly 2 hours. It was a great training ride and
a nice way to do some socializing. Two birds with one stone, you've
got to love it. I was thankful they let me tag along.</div>
<div lang="en-CA">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uFHvshl4BbNjIr8Zq6LVfHIxGSqtV8wOLdD9XYRe8HoYlnIK5draUBnkc452jOvSP3cj_G_MVqwsTppF2JZqz_DSYk09VJ9f4U86AUieK6N9fkJj-1OTb95ZfLlfksVnrKgkCM_5I4mF/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uFHvshl4BbNjIr8Zq6LVfHIxGSqtV8wOLdD9XYRe8HoYlnIK5draUBnkc452jOvSP3cj_G_MVqwsTppF2JZqz_DSYk09VJ9f4U86AUieK6N9fkJj-1OTb95ZfLlfksVnrKgkCM_5I4mF/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Golden hills of Seven Sisters, with the Pacific Ocean laying way down below, blanketed with a thick mist!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div lang="en-CA">
During my stay, I got pulled over by a cop
for rolling through a few intersections in Ross, CA without stopping
“enough” to his taste (I thought every state would adopt the
Idaho Stop?), saw a few deer and wild turkeys, chatted with a
Maserati dealer, drank enough kombucha at the grocery store patio
that they were probably wondering when I was going to move in, and
got motorpaced up a climb by Barry Bonds. I had to ease up because
my Quarq Powermeter was telling me I was pushing more watts than what
my coach wanted me to do. He's the boss, since he's pretty much
always right.</div>
<div lang="en-CA">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZIb6YOktgoUGwnAlSZ2JsCYMG0wmr2PzSbHfsqPhZu7BJHmyh4QYeE0Bm4BBLkeb5JHHJjH6wfWvkwvZu3CRRG0Is6ZwmoJvwpTZUz6-JCRZI9Dk4ZhGy6F0OLajm2QNDugiNzP9oH8v/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZIb6YOktgoUGwnAlSZ2JsCYMG0wmr2PzSbHfsqPhZu7BJHmyh4QYeE0Bm4BBLkeb5JHHJjH6wfWvkwvZu3CRRG0Is6ZwmoJvwpTZUz6-JCRZI9Dk4ZhGy6F0OLajm2QNDugiNzP9oH8v/s1600/IMG_1769.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh deer. I saw this one in somebody's yard as I walked home from drinking a fresh kombucha on the grocery store patio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih8qbfLP81kEzVU6P8LooWQH_4WBJr2iFFA9P8Bu-IV4hxFYKISwPwBSoNOrOjLYy-pJ2dWLMxCGLW0NCELa_g3ae00ytaTz_yMepzlMEagLVIL-oJkoAZ-tpcv8lbguXqYoW8Hh7w9fm/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih8qbfLP81kEzVU6P8LooWQH_4WBJr2iFFA9P8Bu-IV4hxFYKISwPwBSoNOrOjLYy-pJ2dWLMxCGLW0NCELa_g3ae00ytaTz_yMepzlMEagLVIL-oJkoAZ-tpcv8lbguXqYoW8Hh7w9fm/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross, CA is a good place to have an espresso...but if you're riding through, don't go skimpy on your stopping! The cops are on the lookout ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingCKdHF_thcIIHO_zmEKckSaBhknIze8XlA70fwfddV4NSg1ExF-Nry9o0AB-m5Y3XnOfBiuypJFdkLDpImvzULlgagFcQMsuAXn-_bnbNwa62K4eVl-oeShJjH-xczcI_rY1gzUK363A/s1600/Barry+Bonds+50th+birthday,+Barry+Bonds,+Breakfast+ride,+Barry+Bonds+CYcling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingCKdHF_thcIIHO_zmEKckSaBhknIze8XlA70fwfddV4NSg1ExF-Nry9o0AB-m5Y3XnOfBiuypJFdkLDpImvzULlgagFcQMsuAXn-_bnbNwa62K4eVl-oeShJjH-xczcI_rY1gzUK363A/s1600/Barry+Bonds+50th+birthday,+Barry+Bonds,+Breakfast+ride,+Barry+Bonds+CYcling.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always looking to have fun, and ride hard!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div lang="en-CA">
And if that wasn't enough, instead of going home
to Montreal right away, I hit the road to Tahoe, to explore some more
new roads for a few weeks. I feel like I'm in a retreat. I have no
cell access, have to pirate a wifi signal a few blocks away if I want
to connect, and there's no TV to watch (my last resort for electronic
entertainment). So between long hard rides, I've been reading (I'm
on book #3), trying out new ride-food recipes, religiously taking an
afternoon nap, and never neglecting my stretching and “foam
rolling” with my Travel Roller. It's the perfect training
environment ... and I haven't even told you about the awesome roads
... ;)!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAuwfDbIzbShSvndG5eJthq70RTph7wjBRMtNe1G48f3adUU2ZLR3Xw6FftqDOSfoDpzJ1uUTHUojdo8sBmZ4BpmgQdSKgC_-g92ZRcCwmKm9EKMqBXzAHRmnLg9fQ1gJ2CJkl7o4VdY0/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAuwfDbIzbShSvndG5eJthq70RTph7wjBRMtNe1G48f3adUU2ZLR3Xw6FftqDOSfoDpzJ1uUTHUojdo8sBmZ4BpmgQdSKgC_-g92ZRcCwmKm9EKMqBXzAHRmnLg9fQ1gJ2CJkl7o4VdY0/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truckee River, Tahoe California.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy339m1iiRXr3kcrUUaD41RGAkmXw46aUcK7RHTFKTdoqvzGVI0vkKauOwyusJC7Nkhe5VOvwgFijOIHisoWK7OenmLrkyQA801X_ftCQMQq0MTfhtq3vriPKLzDRGNtkPRomWTdEmfGq4/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy339m1iiRXr3kcrUUaD41RGAkmXw46aUcK7RHTFKTdoqvzGVI0vkKauOwyusJC7Nkhe5VOvwgFijOIHisoWK7OenmLrkyQA801X_ftCQMQq0MTfhtq3vriPKLzDRGNtkPRomWTdEmfGq4/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG" height="320" title="Tahoe California, Cycling in Tahoe, Sierra Mountains" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first view I have every morning when I roll out on my Felt road bike, ready to train hard on the roads of Tahoe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7KkOjSTwaJdG5uo-Vk3T3QxsTPcKb-Or0AtQAyQJwjhpJrDS2knzlBRnBZ0kOpMlOSm1skp3Mn1-TK2YG7m1RCo2BFurZY_f9CsqxFZAhkItBKxXODS3DfOCu_WElhLST5ccK_rGbSzl/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7KkOjSTwaJdG5uo-Vk3T3QxsTPcKb-Or0AtQAyQJwjhpJrDS2knzlBRnBZ0kOpMlOSm1skp3Mn1-TK2YG7m1RCo2BFurZY_f9CsqxFZAhkItBKxXODS3DfOCu_WElhLST5ccK_rGbSzl/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" height="320" title="Lex Albrecht, Modify Watches, Oakley Sunglasses, professional cyclist" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love riding my bike. I matched my Modify Watches with the colour of the sky today ;) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-48218206295505796312014-07-24T18:32:00.000-04:002014-07-24T21:58:41.272-04:00Bump in the RoadThe season was going great. The plans were made, some goals already met, my aspirations were big, and the "Cœur Jambes Esprit" were committed in unison.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mHa16b2zxGcNvq0CQb_OZj4cmu2xYuZ2HI5rMivBxhm4PUkuBfPnKtevlHlh-XIav7wP5VT4kKHUQqCDl3yP5wJxmx1BGGbUETGmRMi9zjp5faJMeGIyAL-1blGDIld5mrT8KvlikIrM/s1600/Coeur+Jambes+Esprit,+Modify+Watches,+Lex+Albrecht,+Special+edition+watch,+french+watch,+slogan+watch,+watch+with+writing,+new+swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mHa16b2zxGcNvq0CQb_OZj4cmu2xYuZ2HI5rMivBxhm4PUkuBfPnKtevlHlh-XIav7wP5VT4kKHUQqCDl3yP5wJxmx1BGGbUETGmRMi9zjp5faJMeGIyAL-1blGDIld5mrT8KvlikIrM/s1600/Coeur+Jambes+Esprit,+Modify+Watches,+Lex+Albrecht,+Special+edition+watch,+french+watch,+slogan+watch,+watch+with+writing,+new+swatch.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Want a watch like this? Or do you just want to know the story behind it? <a href="http://modifywatches.com/collections/lex-albrecht/lexalbrecht">http://modifywatches.com/collections/lex-albrecht/lexalbrecht </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Only one week before Canadian National Road Championships in early June, and several days after making the 6 hour round trip drive to test-ride the Championship courses, I woke up in my bed, planning to do a tough, long ride. Tough, as in : you might see funny colours at some points because you're so far in the red zone. I like those. I took no more than 10 steps from my bed before I knew it wasn't going to happen. I went back to bed. For two days.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOcOubCM23uALveYpy0qs3yZv50l6yVSGB96PSVdg2sgvssnWlzOddootJh24GQB-6Y7qknuENz8CKlpg3MQkg-zxNbo1AbnOwgqjXp72IO8ksJYORiP8PenIxmw7K1ndCT_IR0fard5q/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOcOubCM23uALveYpy0qs3yZv50l6yVSGB96PSVdg2sgvssnWlzOddootJh24GQB-6Y7qknuENz8CKlpg3MQkg-zxNbo1AbnOwgqjXp72IO8ksJYORiP8PenIxmw7K1ndCT_IR0fard5q/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm used to putting out big power on my Felt F1 road bike and its Speedplay pedals. I had to be patient for what seemed to be an eternity before my body would be back to normal, after being hit with a nasty virus though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next four weeks were challenging. I spent a lot of it on the couch or in bed. Everything nauseated me. I saw a girl wearing "too many" polka dots. I thought I was going to puke. I saw a car that looked too "Euro". It made my stomach turn. Once, I tried to do a long easy ride, and after 1 hour, I found a picnic shelter to nap in. I fought to make it the rest of the way home that day; pushing about 50W felt like my Quarq powermeter should have been reading 300W instead. I had trouble eating and my weight plummeted. I didn't like coffee anymore and I hadn't the slightest desire to paint my nails bright colours. I couldn't do a grocery store trip without sitting down in an aisle to take a break, and once I had to lay down on a scuzzy subway station floor... A nasty virus had attacked me.<br />
<br />
I kept hope that I would be healthy enough to race the Canadian National Championships, right until the end. I had my numbers pinned on my jersey. Impossible. And, kind of heart wrenching. <br />
<br />
There are times when you have to fight with all you've got to get what you want, and there are times to sit back and be patient. It's like that in bike racing. It's like that in life. This was one of the times when I had to wait. I didn't like it, and I was scared that I'd never be back to normal.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3znA0zW_rbANVw0_0kq29Z4ZMACCbar7bc8-3w9afVrrRpcQvrEAj4EnWKyhtoIahLdjZOwvQWNC1u_BilgV3z5BBhTRyaFiFHAs6dZE50VHhx-zrxuSC6Dc7weVX1yaQE1gdeuHXUXO/s1600/photo+2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3znA0zW_rbANVw0_0kq29Z4ZMACCbar7bc8-3w9afVrrRpcQvrEAj4EnWKyhtoIahLdjZOwvQWNC1u_BilgV3z5BBhTRyaFiFHAs6dZE50VHhx-zrxuSC6Dc7weVX1yaQE1gdeuHXUXO/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="262" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Racing the Prologue at Cascade Classic. Photo Credit: Dave Adams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend OR was my first race back. I didn't know what to expect. But one thing was certain : I was so grateful to be back with my teammates, back on my bike, and back in the race peloton. Sometimes I felt like a useless rag when my body wouldn't fight hard enough to help my teammates, and it was weird at first to get dropped where I knew I typically "shouldn't". I felt my legs coming back though, and I was thankful to be with my <a href="http://www.teamtwenty16.com/">TWENTY16 team</a> who were supportive.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4ILamXwykr356G198IsaN-627VT92jSeQzLKO612YvTb09RTv4PcDpDyDuyK2o30FJWZwMQkOXwCD-16eGNxQtCUAXc_HYLmXh-VoBoqMPRbYEdoAW3EW0b8T0TPRiCGazyqqd0SKcAw/s1600/Lex+Flex.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4ILamXwykr356G198IsaN-627VT92jSeQzLKO612YvTb09RTv4PcDpDyDuyK2o30FJWZwMQkOXwCD-16eGNxQtCUAXc_HYLmXh-VoBoqMPRbYEdoAW3EW0b8T0TPRiCGazyqqd0SKcAw/s1600/Lex+Flex.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back racing with my teammates at the Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend, OR. This pose (that I picked up from a guy who used to do the same group rides as me almost a decade ago) has been coined as the "Lex Flex" by my teammates. The secret: if you shove your biceps out from behind with your fists, you'll look like you have big pipes. It's not the look I should be going for..but I still think it's funny. These girls rock!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I feel like I'm back to my old self again. This bump in the road was a scary one mostly because it lasted for so long. It was a good reminder to appreciate good health and strength when we have it, do all it takes to maintain it, and just how lucky I am to be living the dream as a bike racer. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcMTGpBxIZwWeg2cLjBSjnykk2QZkGObeyia0MbzaZpY-VAYCfiuMhTqhjI2v_LDcSscIqHYbzP60PDjtv15Z94R74ZAfMbfrBYbipzWdKtWMaJe4Nd9RmUtB_5jMCLNcydaZFWgi_Drh/s1600/photo+5+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcMTGpBxIZwWeg2cLjBSjnykk2QZkGObeyia0MbzaZpY-VAYCfiuMhTqhjI2v_LDcSscIqHYbzP60PDjtv15Z94R74ZAfMbfrBYbipzWdKtWMaJe4Nd9RmUtB_5jMCLNcydaZFWgi_Drh/s1600/photo+5+(1).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It feels good to be gross and grimy again after a good solid training ride in California. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-73153530810999936912014-06-24T13:42:00.000-04:002014-06-24T13:48:14.671-04:00Bike Washing TricksAs a professional cyclist I am fortunate to have a team mechanic (Vincent) to take care of my Felt F1 road bikes and Felt DA2 time trial bikes. He washes them, tunes them, repairs them, and sets them up with the equipment I need (like specific SRAM cassettes or ZIPP wheels, for example)<br />
<br />
Vincent doesn't travel to Montréal to give TLC to my training bikes (which are identical in set-up to my race bikes). I have to find ways to get the job done on my own. (Teamwork is a great thing; when you find yourself all alone, it sure pays to know how to be self sufficient.) I can fix a lot of things and tune a bike pretty well, but I'm lucky to have generous expert help from Martin Rooseboom Vélos in Hochelaga, and Cycles Néron help me with tuning and parts when I need it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg60_hDWP7DcPV5XrGyhNESS-olbd8n0g1IJmoFQDL2ni1YaPD_bD7kwmuAU24uNX22JIHSn4ujfzvb6opf_NYzpI3OIPM9ul421Mu_id_SxxOiSiOAQIka76Wr_DWUTYTvwZSfJKkpiF/s1600/Lex+Albrecht-555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg60_hDWP7DcPV5XrGyhNESS-olbd8n0g1IJmoFQDL2ni1YaPD_bD7kwmuAU24uNX22JIHSn4ujfzvb6opf_NYzpI3OIPM9ul421Mu_id_SxxOiSiOAQIka76Wr_DWUTYTvwZSfJKkpiF/s1600/Lex+Albrecht-555.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sporting the Martin Rooseboom Vélo (Hochelaga, Montréal) colours! Photo credit: Justin Knotzke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One thing I do on my own all of the time is WASHING my bike. It's not "pro" to ride around on a dirty machine, it's not good for the bike, and it's not good for... the soul. It may seem simple and mundane, but with a few little tricks, I've found ways to get the job done fast and efficiently. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Rinse the bike with a hose, starting from the TOP, front end, finishing at the bottom rear end. Top to bottom..it's important.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
My <a href="https://twitter.com/FeltBicycles">@FeltBicycles</a> getting washed after a wet race! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksr2014?src=hash">#ksr2014</a> <a href="http://t.co/NRC9EgmfOz">pic.twitter.com/NRC9EgmfOz</a><br />
— Lex Albrecht (@Lex_Albrecht) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lex_Albrecht/statuses/470260112398254080">May 24, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
2. Brush out the drive train and cassette with a stiff brislted paintbrush and harsh degreaser... Then rinse with water<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3. I picked up a brush made for detailing car wheels at a hardware store. It's big, soft, and holds a lot of suds and water. I use car soap or dish soap to wash down the frame and wheels. TOP to BOTTOM.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
following a consult with <a href="https://twitter.com/VincentMGee">@VincentMGee</a> this is the brush I bought to wash my <a href="https://twitter.com/FeltBicycles">@FeltBicycles</a> : <a href="http://t.co/vxzrCZ9lRx">pic.twitter.com/vxzrCZ9lRx</a><br />
— Lex Albrecht (@Lex_Albrecht) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lex_Albrecht/statuses/477523227221049346">June 13, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
4. Rinse the soap away, (top to bottom!) and let the frame dry<br />
<br />
<br />
(If the bike isn't too grimy I get away with leaving the wheels on, and can finish in a few minutes. In other cases, I take them off to make sure to reach into the upper inside of the fork and the rear side of the seat tube.) Don't forget to re-lube the chain with a light, dry, chain oil.<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep your bikes clean ;).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6gNuXrJnT5yg2BsDVh1unuZb-qJXDnyBzDDvZgw8nalACBtwlfHVTDkKMY_AX6hyphenhyphenamoQLMLkOKIcNq1eVkHGIIKM_aWJ_DIa1GKwJNJ1RHfSGew26h_dqTgOEFvxpEygKZRKheYKZgqr/s1600/Rest+stop,+training+ride,+pre-Gibraltar+climb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6gNuXrJnT5yg2BsDVh1unuZb-qJXDnyBzDDvZgw8nalACBtwlfHVTDkKMY_AX6hyphenhyphenamoQLMLkOKIcNq1eVkHGIIKM_aWJ_DIa1GKwJNJ1RHfSGew26h_dqTgOEFvxpEygKZRKheYKZgqr/s1600/Rest+stop,+training+ride,+pre-Gibraltar+climb.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_309442263"></span><span id="goog_309442264"><br /></span>Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-41144292666520913152014-05-23T13:17:00.000-04:002014-05-27T13:35:36.794-04:00Coffeshop Rides Makes You StrongerEvery year I try to get better, stronger, faster, and smarter. The aspect of training that has given me the biggest step up - believe it or not - is resting. When it's time to go hard, it's pedal-to-the-metal (or medal...in an athlete's case) When it's time to rest - there's no going halfway.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXDF8JQxgFRoN1W6S9rfpTve2EeNUhu-3fK49dAAOWZGFB7F5-LRks8EoZpXoTpW_dq0yFrj2JQ5TVkn5l4A0-qeQZIH3xmSHkpdhpH6WByN9YPuDk8gLF2EWKDuoMH-j0IraVy4U8Bni/s1600/lex-albrecht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXDF8JQxgFRoN1W6S9rfpTve2EeNUhu-3fK49dAAOWZGFB7F5-LRks8EoZpXoTpW_dq0yFrj2JQ5TVkn5l4A0-qeQZIH3xmSHkpdhpH6WByN9YPuDk8gLF2EWKDuoMH-j0IraVy4U8Bni/s1600/lex-albrecht.jpg" height="200" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J. Knotzke www.shampoo.ca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of my easy day activities is coffeshop riding. I pedal without much resistance. I would get dropped by a kid on a trike if I was riding with them. But I'm not riding with anyone who is going faster than me on a coffeeshop ride day. So, it never <i>counts </i>as getting dropped. I know a whole crew of riders who can't handle being overtaken by another cyclist. I'm telling you, you'll be stronger once you can. <br />
<br />
Spinning easy, I "flush my legs out", loosening them up from the previous days' hard efforts. My destination is usually 45 minutes away, either in a direct line, or winding around the city, through streets and neighbourhoods that I don't typically explore. Coffeeshop rides are for discovering<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
Sometimes I choose a route that goes through some of my toughest training spots. Pedaling through easily is good for me psychologically. It's a reminder that I don't always have to be in the pain cave, cross-eyed and loopy-minded on those particular streets. It's how we maintain a good relationship, those areas and I. Coffeeshop rides are for enjoying, zen-style.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Destination #2 on my <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Montreal&src=hash">#Montreal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/indiecoffeepass">@indiecoffeepass</a> : <a href="https://twitter.com/lebruloir">@lebruloir</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Fleury&src=hash">#Fleury</a>. Good <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23espresso&src=hash">#espresso</a> :) <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23coffeeshopride&src=hash">#coffeeshopride</a> <a href="http://t.co/e2cPkrvzxJ">pic.twitter.com/e2cPkrvzxJ</a><br />
— Lex Albrecht (@Lex_Albrecht) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lex_Albrecht/statuses/469852339160227840">May 23, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83k-KRdVQ-Ud6InjfT7LFuOaftWwwJBCRUpO9TNdJ6JI7KFoEZ456j9axSg8p1ri7q7zgqwGmTRg79npYsWIGKri02F99fmqIxLMcdgR_6WYuqiUhAnSnVEWl0GpyKenFCmEX1ed17m3l/s1600/Albrecht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
In the summer I try to visit many small, independant coffeeshops in Montréal. I have my old favourites, and there are always new ones to discover. I order the same thing every time - espresso. No messing with sugar or milk; straight-up, and short. I talk to whoever's on the patio and wants to chat. About anything. When I train, I don't talk to anybody. I push hard on the pedals until the job is done. Coffeeshop rides are for socializing.<br />
<br />
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
<br />
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=708822609179847&set=a.575103809218395.1073741826.137026036359510&type=1" data-width="466">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=708822609179847&set=a.575103809218395.1073741826.137026036359510&type=1">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lex-Albrecht/137026036359510">Lex Albrecht</a>.</div>
<br />
The coffee itself is like the icing on the cake for the easy ride. Taking a break for a day and having no power numbers to hit, on intervals to push through, or races to think about is a good thing for the heart, the legs and the soul. <a href="http://lexalbrecht.blogspot.ca/p/photos.html">Cœur Jambes Esprit!</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1182214738"></span><span id="goog_1182214739"><br /></span></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" -->
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" -->
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" -->
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" -->
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JipiMANGNfk%2FU39_JEL4kCI%2FAAAAAAAAC0A%2Fabfvk01KHK8%2Fs1600%2FLex%2BAlbrecht%2C%2Bespresso%2C.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb3cE-IdeJ4MXi-laZQRR4NW1CJ_CeDKOgio-GBmN2RtvR9Cz8Y1k5RgIuUhZN5Zd0i-fDmJv5rDbzN9f6hRew8bsjSKxKTvqoXf1d9P1_ok0IAuOYqs1UwD4ztt3ZzKb-lE67wnPP-W0/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+espresso,.jpg" -->
Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-73735311374741792002014-05-16T18:20:00.000-04:002014-05-16T18:20:25.420-04:00TWENTY16 Dials In - A video from ZIPP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/_PcnXhXvZ4k/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_PcnXhXvZ4k&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_PcnXhXvZ4k&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
"Fluid in the drops, dancing on the pedals,Team TWENTY16 pros are both naturals and highly trained on their bikes. Fit, form, function united by Zipp Service Course SL bars."<br /><br />This is the first season that I've had the opportunity to ride Zipp bars...and the first time ever that I've realized how important bar shape is to the control and feeling of a bike fit. Even after years of professional racing, I've never felt so confident on a road bike in my life, especially ripping it downhill.Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-10289042313089633642014-04-24T16:42:00.001-04:002014-04-24T16:52:42.442-04:00Throwback Thursday #TBTHere's a #TBT (Throwback Thursday) photo of me at my first ever road race.<br />
<br />
Yes, that is a Camelback. I am wearing a softshell jacket that my Mom bought me from Costco, and my work uniform shirt from Coast Mountain Sports - it kind of looked like what I thought a cycling jersey should look like. I was not wearing cycling socks or a shammy, because I didn't have any. Hey - I just bought a bike for goodness' sake (it took a YEAR to save enough cash). No dollars left over for the superfluous digs... (hashtag: #ownit)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt91QH-rP_BIuWJ8wglOqI4yZFtKbSp4AYJEUvkRNqcpqKucjzkgEoZ0pWFDJFEPz2EepuNW1mqaWEdfzpZwpmP7z_nyzzkfJR-KR-4xnIOke8euKf_IAvQIj-DuvcebbcFpZ4QXe-sDq/s1600/first+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt91QH-rP_BIuWJ8wglOqI4yZFtKbSp4AYJEUvkRNqcpqKucjzkgEoZ0pWFDJFEPz2EepuNW1mqaWEdfzpZwpmP7z_nyzzkfJR-KR-4xnIOke8euKf_IAvQIj-DuvcebbcFpZ4QXe-sDq/s1600/first+race.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#TBT : First race ever. Sporting a Camelback because I didn't know how to reach down for my bottles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I couldn't understand a single French word the comissaire was saying (I didn't speak much Molière, especially à la Québécoise back then). So, I went off the start line with the masters men. (I'd only ever ridden with guys anyways). Some man shoved me on purpose as he rode by in the first few hundred meters. What a jerk. Then I got dropped really fast.<br />
<br />
The next pack (the girls who I was <i>supposed </i>to be racing with) caught me. Then they dropped me. It was raining. I was cold. Then I found some girl and a boy half my age to draft off of to finish the "race".<br />
<br />
I still felt pretty badass for doing my first race. Never give up. Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-85020226258633044692014-04-23T20:26:00.001-04:002014-04-23T20:26:09.136-04:00After racing in North Carolina at the Winston-Salem Classic with TWENTY16 (successfully scoring first UCI points of the season on the road), I headed to Colorado Springs to train. The first days were low-intensity on the bike, but the training didn't finish at the end of the ride...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dAfgz99WWyw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-17792780879988017452014-04-15T13:06:00.000-04:002014-04-15T13:24:39.806-04:00Three for 3 at Sea Otter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxvjdfC15rjtzEBxhU89MoSDEqSXfJSNyJrldC98OeHgLCO4OjRIBeRpXzcHEkwVwjTKEhzPHjT5rr9QiF7gspu_Dxlv68-ft0uopVwc4U6iR2Z3HUgUSicMu_2jb_oi-3ru4f_cF6iGe/s1600/Garret+Lau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxvjdfC15rjtzEBxhU89MoSDEqSXfJSNyJrldC98OeHgLCO4OjRIBeRpXzcHEkwVwjTKEhzPHjT5rr9QiF7gspu_Dxlv68-ft0uopVwc4U6iR2Z3HUgUSicMu_2jb_oi-3ru4f_cF6iGe/s1600/Garret+Lau.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Otter Classic Circuit Race womens' sprint, 2014. Photo Credit: Garrett Lau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
TWENTY16 scored a total of 5 podium finishes in 3 races at the Sea Otter Classic. It felt so good to stand on the podium 3 times for my team, especially after sitting on the sidelines following my concussion in late-March. The final race took place on the legendary Laguna Seca raceway. What a treat to race on a race track! The course was fast, challenging, and fun to ride on. I chose to race with ZIPP 404's on my Felt bike. <br />
<br />
TWENTY16 made the race hard and aggressive, yet again. My teammates and I launched attacks, and drove the pace hard on the sections of racecourse that hurt the most. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2P1wpUylbWa9KNkZvBUy5pq8WwK5O3APmCW_eICTcBlLqu6lIU-_F-Lw5pLudCcMeFEt4pUDaE5MOlsqVwMB_Q7bseNiqdRq4ZyWr-sTInBlhMVlOhyaCxnh22ac6cwLUlZLFWbb0JBD/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+attacks+Joelle+Numainville,+Laguna+Seca+speedway,+sea+otter+classic,+canadian+cyclists,+womens+cycling,+cycling+attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2P1wpUylbWa9KNkZvBUy5pq8WwK5O3APmCW_eICTcBlLqu6lIU-_F-Lw5pLudCcMeFEt4pUDaE5MOlsqVwMB_Q7bseNiqdRq4ZyWr-sTInBlhMVlOhyaCxnh22ac6cwLUlZLFWbb0JBD/s1600/Lex+Albrecht,+attacks+Joelle+Numainville,+Laguna+Seca+speedway,+sea+otter+classic,+canadian+cyclists,+womens+cycling,+cycling+attack.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Will Matthews. <span data-reactid=".r[0].[0].[1].[2].{userprofile18332717}[0].[2].[2]"><a data-reactid=".r[0].[0].[1].[2].{userprofile18332717}[0].[2].[2].[1]" href="http://www.wilmatthewsphoto.com/" rel="nofollow me" target="_blank">http://www.wilmatthewsphoto.com</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Several of my teammates and I initiated small breakaways. At the end of the race, Alison Tetrick launched a superb attack and got away on her own. I followed the first wheel to chase her.<br />
<br />
There were about 5 riders in that little split. Coming to the finish line, I was sitting second wheel, behind my teammate Alison, who our competitors had caught me up to. I yelled at her to keep driving to the pace, to bring me to the finish line, with the other riders on my wheel. <br />
<br />
Canadian Criterium Champion and sprint specialist, Leah Kirchmann of Optum launched her sprint with 200m to go. I followed hard, and didn't manage to pass her front wheel by the time we reached the finish line. A second place finish thanks to great teamwork to finish off the Sea Otter Classic was awesome. Alison and I celebrated by eating our Kiku Apples on the podium. Woo hooo!<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="240" src="http://www.magisto.com/embed/al4ZZkIQFDJgBEVgCzE" width="427"></iframe><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8prj9N9Fa5CeUla9zDefeoV6wHiFbLWBL4mznzLE44Pt3Zqxj659myuhwEoQnzogsnjrewV75zCeRiqjm-CEuZ3Y03s0uMpBa8Wdv7w_qhShGCQP4CsqHZ4UaQmHBKn9YPcEK2HnBp4tu/s1600/Kiku+apples+on+the+podium+with+Alison+Tetrick,+sweetkiku.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8prj9N9Fa5CeUla9zDefeoV6wHiFbLWBL4mznzLE44Pt3Zqxj659myuhwEoQnzogsnjrewV75zCeRiqjm-CEuZ3Y03s0uMpBa8Wdv7w_qhShGCQP4CsqHZ4UaQmHBKn9YPcEK2HnBp4tu/s1600/Kiku+apples+on+the+podium+with+Alison+Tetrick,+sweetkiku.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#SweetKiku Lex Albrecht and Alison Tetrick enjoying Kiku apples together on the podium at Sea Otter Classic! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next race : Winston Salem Classic (UCI 1.2) in Winston, North Carolina.Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-83010064052960849502014-04-11T23:29:00.001-04:002014-04-11T23:43:33.239-04:00Victory +1, at Sea Otter ClassicAfter an aggressive raceday of textbook teamwork, TWENTY16 stands atop of the podium at Sea Otter Classic (Laguna Seca Speedway, Monterey California). Alison Tetrick took the victory in a solo breakaway I stood beside her, taking a silver medal for the team winning the bunch sprint.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="240" src="http://www.magisto.com/embed/awMbNEhXEyouTkBnCzE" width="426"></iframe> <br />
<br />
The race started off with strong attacks from our riders, Mary Maroon launched a particularly spectacular move off the front of the peloton, and made our opponents work hard to bring her back. After successive attacks and counter-attacks, Dotsie (silver medalist at the Olympics, ladies and gents!) got away for a good part of the race! <br />
<br />
<br />
Only after the other teams managed to bring her back with 1 lap to go, did we start launching attacks again. Alison got off the front at the top of a tough climb, and many riders were so far into the pain cave that they didn't notice. On the twisty, rolling course, Alison was soon out of sight (and out of mind)<br />
<br />
<br />
Coming into the grueling finishing climb, my teammates Sofia, Kristin, and Amber kept me at the front. Amber led the pack with me on her Wwheel for the last 2 kilometers. With 150m to the uphill finishline, I jumped off of her wheel, drilling it to the line. Nobody ever came around.<br />
<br />
Result: 2 more podiums for TWENTY16 - and another victory! WOOT WOOT!Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-24659750540575297912014-04-10T18:56:00.000-04:002014-04-10T19:00:21.842-04:00On the Podium at Sea Otter Classic 2014Team TWENTY16 podiumed on the first day of the Sea Otter Classic at the Laguna Seca Speedway in Monterey, CA.<br />
<br />
Two days after arriving in California for a hard 6-week block of racing and training, I crashed 15 minutes into stage 2 of the San Dimas Stage Race, suffering a minor concussion. I pulled out of the race immediately, and stayed on the sidelines of the following stage race, Redlands Bicycle Classic. It was hard to sit out. I spent my time colouring pictures, sleeping, and chilling poolside. Gradually, I reincorporated riding back into my days, slowly but surely. If there were any minor symptoms, I pulled back immediately, and let myself rest. I really appreciate the patience and support from my teammates and TWENTY16's management. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
<br />
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=686319398096835&set=a.575103809218395.1073741826.137026036359510&type=1" data-width="466">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=686319398096835&set=a.575103809218395.1073741826.137026036359510&type=1">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lex-Albrecht/137026036359510">Lex Albrecht</a>.</div>
</div>
<br />
<strong>The Sea Otter Classic is my first race back in action with TWENTY16 and I was <em>thrilled</em> to represent our colours on the podium at the first day of this huge cycling event.</strong> <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Check out this video!</strong><br />
.
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.magisto.com/embed/LF4fZVQKAiwpRB9gCzE" width="360"></iframe>Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-80044558701538023192014-04-01T16:53:00.001-04:002014-04-01T16:53:21.324-04:00FELT Bicycles meets Team TWENTY16<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ThN1tdCbc5E" width="480"></iframe><br />Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501852819870972855.post-14947511184628132612014-03-26T09:46:00.001-04:002014-04-01T16:51:20.279-04:00Special Edition LEX ALBRECHT Watch<span style="color: #20124d;">I've worked together closely with <a href="http://curebit.com/x/kwu5ZA">Modify Watches</a> to create 2 special edition <span style="color: black;">pieces. They will be produced and available for purchase...pending on the success of their </span><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aaronschwartz/mod-to-order-design-your-own-custom-modify-watches"><span style="color: black;">Kickstarter Campaign</span></a></span><span style="color: black;">. <span style="background-color: white;"> (To get one of these special edition pieces, pledge $45 here: </span></span><span style="background-color: red;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><a href="http://modifywatches.com/kickstarter" target="_blank">http://modifywatches.com/kickstarter</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: red;"><span dir="ltr"><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="color: #ffe599;"></span></span><span style="color: #ffe599;"></span></span><span style="color: #ffe599;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>DESIGN 1: COEUR. JAMBES. ESPRIT. </b><i>My most motivational and powerful message</i><b><i>.</i></b><i><b> </b></i>Often times I tape a message to my bars: COEUR JAMBES ESPRIT. In French it means, "Heart. Legs. Soul." Every athlete knows that it's absolutely essential for these 3 elements to work together in <i>harmony</i>.<br />
<br />
On the hardest days of training or in the final kilometers of a grueling stage race, sometimes a reminder helps keep all three in line... Looking at the message, I remind myself: "I have the strongest heart,
the strongest legs, and the strongest spirit." then, I CRANK OUT THE
WATTS. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt185TcCfk2oc1KvirAtkKukInAo6gd6RIwTAdXSd6mu-ccVdw9Dn9sg3yiAsJYWIlfT3lEqCuyginUMBE8lLu2QhZJyF-ukNomyJS8N0Hiq_8yVFfll9aZ1-kJ2sMscv_UZoHVcPBqNMP/s1600/Lex_Concept1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt185TcCfk2oc1KvirAtkKukInAo6gd6RIwTAdXSd6mu-ccVdw9Dn9sg3yiAsJYWIlfT3lEqCuyginUMBE8lLu2QhZJyF-ukNomyJS8N0Hiq_8yVFfll9aZ1-kJ2sMscv_UZoHVcPBqNMP/s1600/Lex_Concept1.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curebit.com/x/kwu5ZA">Modify Watches</a>: Special Edition LEX ALBRECHT design. "COEUR. JAMBES. ESPRIT.". (Heart. Legs. Soul.) <i>Why is the message on a SLANT!? </i> The message is written on an
angle so that it's easy to read at a glace when my hands are on my ZIPP
handlebars. This is the coolest watch - ever. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">You have to <i>believe</i> your heart is strong, you can't <i>let</i> your legs "feel tired", and your spirit must be <i>positive</i> and <i>energetic</i>.</span><br />
<b></b><br />
<b><br />DESIGN 2: Chic, classy, and FUN!</b><br />
This watch is a fun, and chic look that totally flies for wearing "off-of-the-bike". The tiny bike sprockets pattern that I came up with is cool, fun, and subtly "bikey". It ties in a passion for cycling, without being gaudy. I made a neutral colour face that will fit perfectly with any Modify Watch strap colours. I can't wait to wear this one. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRFGGnRbXbWBggeagS6nV4BK7u5nXUifa9WYqKIaFJNMCH8Ky7vELqqSPz5ZFldX1n3o7eZgdBfNn242Dqtmewi4kRVvjokW1tKmUg492Umbk8fx1eK6DHh9SNg8q5R7ZGRqP4ntQaD4x/s1600/Lex_Concept3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRFGGnRbXbWBggeagS6nV4BK7u5nXUifa9WYqKIaFJNMCH8Ky7vELqqSPz5ZFldX1n3o7eZgdBfNn242Dqtmewi4kRVvjokW1tKmUg492Umbk8fx1eK6DHh9SNg8q5R7ZGRqP4ntQaD4x/s1600/Lex_Concept3.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modify Watches - LEX ALBRECHT Special Edition white model. Subtle, chic, and fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Modify Watches is a California based company that produces fun watches with interchangeable straps and faces. I have a whole collection of them!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curebit.com/x/kwu5ZA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nPt4FwEPLzNliksprDY1Kvordm2E0xT4qGEBKNZ5OMrIWdiu1zG0UqWLnQTJSzZL7qrytgzhQEUwAW0zl1btn1J-8kq6RORBZFtczSjEMl66jMD-kZUFGww5bipyiNEo0AkY7vBWokqj/s1600/Lex+Albrecht's+Modify+Watches+Collection.+show+your+colours,+modify+watches,+show+your+colors.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curebit.com/x/kwu5ZA">Tons of Modify Watches straps and faces. They're all interchangeable!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curebit.com/x/kwu5ZA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGreyLRdnj78SiYiQiwKNTkRaP0UsAjbeG7xmxznJ9a_gwsMLe5rMsIctu_yf2U9ugy4tKV-HQcxZaGHr4Jni7C6pSztprTMQHNsBhwlOmucvAokevs_T6e_6RgoZkv1xhxu6b4-bQP41/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curebit.com/x/kwu5ZA">This combo fits well with off-the-bike wear</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curebit.com/x/kwu5ZA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRoKTYbjkXIinonjOuesdHcNriHXTggzVKL-T0D2lp7jNk47vVzWMy1Rn8edRF5vX12QYlhVF2RVhA0gYmwrecDDlq5ZUaLh5HuXiwIxWu4r-djL-fWirp2yUzPwGX80bnTD69jbib_eB/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curebit.com/x/kwu5ZA">Modify Watches look cool all of the time...!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lex Albrechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03097446289392282618noreply@blogger.com0