A few phonetos (photos from my phone)!

I have been in Europe for almost one month and am slowly getting aquatinted with the French lifestyle. Annika and I have been working towards setting up our life here on the French Riviera which is easier said than done. Trying to get anything done around the holidays is always difficult, so in the meantime while the French take a little siesta, we have been enjoying our time here as well. Below are a few photos I have snapped from my phone while out riding or roaming the streets.

El Rancho Bronco Atop Col de Vence.

                                         The Alps are always looking over the sea!

Cote d' Azur. 

                                            Some hidden roads in the mountains.

                                                       Ferris wheel ride!!

                                                    Another setting sun.

                                           Sunrise, what goes down must come up right...

Looking forward to starting 2013 and my season with Team Sky.

Home

“Living on the road my friend Was gonna keep you free and clean Now you wear your skin like iron Your breath's as hard as kerosene You weren't your mama's only boy But her favorite one it seems She began to cry when you said goodbye And sank into your dreams” -Townes Van Zandt 

             On the 6th of December I will set off on my next adventure, only this time I will be going for an extended stay. For the past three years I have been a roaming man, often stetting up my life wherever the racing/training has taken me. I have split the majority of my time over the last few years between Bend, Chico and Europe, but now I will be a full time European resident. I am very excited to be moving to Nice, France to race with Team Sky for the next three years, and I am also a little shocked at how quickly this has all come to fruition. Since Sky will not likely be racing in the USA in 2013 I will be spending the entire year in Europe, so now instead of coming home to visit family and friends they will have to come and visit me in my new home. I now have only a few days left in Santa Rosa, after which I will make a quick stop in Chico to say hello to some friends, and then off to Bend for my final farewell. On December 1st SunnySide Sports will be hosting a going away party from 6-8pm. Hope to see you all soon and if not come visit me in  Nice!!! 

Salute, 

Ian

Goal Reached, New Goals Set.

And so begins a new chapter in my life as a cyclist. In September I signed a contract with Team Sky Profesional Cycling, marking my entry into the ProTour and a new way of living. This December I will be moving to Nice, France, to begin preparing for the coming year- I'm very excited to be going to such an international city with such a rich history in the sport. My good friend Joe Dombrowski will also be joining me in this adventure, as well as my girlfriend and our pet seal Siltcoos.

Meanwhile, I am living in Santa Rosa, California to train for the month of November. The riding here is fantastic, and the weather is much, much better than the snowbound wasteland from which I hail (also known as Bend, Oregon). There is so much here to see and enjoy- in one ride you can see towering redwoods, grand valley oaks, and the ocean. I intend to keep this blog well updated from here on out, with training updates, race reports, and general ramblings about where I am and what I am doing. I hope you will come back to check it out again soon!

Ian Boswell

Team Camp Austin.

First Beer with Axel Merckx on my 21st, party held at Lance Armstrong's



Lances Unity Trek Bikes in Mellow Johnny's




I am spending the next few days in the Redwoods of Northern California with Annika before I head out to my next team camp on the 19th.

Ian

Bontrager-LIVESTRONG Team Camp

This week I am in Austin, Tx with my team at our first team camp of 2012. It feels great to be back with the boys out training and bonding towards a big season to come. I am missing out on the legendary Paskenta (a race/ride) in Chico, however I'm sure we will get plenty of miles in while here.

Here are a few photos thus far. More to come!

A Man Among Boys.

During the month of April 2010, I was at the U23 house in Izegem, Belgium, passing the days like most cyclists. Hanging out with the boys in Europe is always full of good times and lots of joking, but that year, one of those jokes turned into a serious life changing experience. Connor O'Leary was experiencing some pain where the sun don't shine, but pain in this area is common for cyclists, especially during wet Belgian races. At one point during the ongoing joke about Connors jewels, I remember someone setting out a banana with a grape as one testicle and an apple as the other- at the time it was hilarious. Two months later while back in the US, we all received the information that the joke involving fruit on the table had become a reality. Connor was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 19, and I was shocked that such a thing could happen to such a young, healthy and positive kid. However, those attributes are what got Connor through his battle with the disease. Now cancer free, Connor will be joining his friends and teammates on Trek-LIVESTRONG for 2012. Connors experience is just one more lesson that shows us cancer knows no boundaries and can affect anyone at anytime. I am honored to have Connor joining the team for this season, as he is one of our countries promising up-and-coming climbers and is the most genuine, kind man I have come across in cycling.

1.) The BozBlog: When did you first start racing bikes, how did you get into this sport?
Connor O'Leary:I got into road cycling when I was nine years old. My Dad wanted to do a ride called RAGBRAI (Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa), a 7 day 550 mile ride across the state. I really wanted to go with him, so I trained on an old mountain bike, and right before the ride I got my first road bike, a little steel framed Bianchi. Once I swung my leg over the top tube I was hooked. I completed the 550 miles that year, and rode RAGBRAI for the next 4 consecutive years. After a few years of just riding, I was ready for something different, and wanted to train for more than just a ride. When I was 13 I decided I wanted to race, and Nationals happened to be in Utah. I showed up having no clue what I was doing, getting dropped hard in the crit that first year. I trained the next year, still really not knowing what I was doing, showed up for Nationals again and remember standing on the podium with none other than “The Boz” himself in the Juniors 13-14 TT.
2.) BB: What was your first reaction when you heard you had testicular cancer?
CO:Shocked. I remember going into the doctor, he felt me up, and within about 2 seconds he said we need to get you in to have an ultrasound. He said “I’m 90% sure that’s cancer”. I immediately got the ultrasound, and sure enough it was Cancer. My dad just started bawling, I felt distant. It was a lot to take in. I went from being in great form, and planning to leave for Nationals the next day, to scheduling surgery and seeing more doctors. I was beginning what would become the most important race of my life.
3.) BB: Do you remember the fruit diagram on the table in Izegem? What did you think then, and post diagnosis?
CO: Ha-ha I sure do remember that diagram! I’m pretty sure we were all on the floor crying we were laughing so hard. Ah that brings back some good memories. At the time, I honestly didn’t think it could be anything as serious as Cancer, it did cross my mind a few times, but I thought nah, I’m healthy, young, racing my bike on the National team, there is no way! It was just a good joke! Post diagnosis hindsight is 20/20 right? It definitely was something more serious than we all thought; nonetheless the fruit diagram still cracks me up.
4.) BB: I know that most of the Americans on LIVESTRONG rode in honor of you in 2011. How does it feel to now be part of this team?
CO: I can’t tell you how much having you guys ride in my honor meant to me and my family. I was Skyping with Nate and a few others, and I just remember them saying “We are riding for you at Nationals”. Not being able to participate really crushed my morale, but knowing that you guys genuinely cared, and were riding for me gave me strength to do what needed to be done. Having Ben King win the Road Race, and then dedicate the win to me, brought tears to my eyes. Being part of the team for 2012 is surreal. I’m looking forward to riding with a great group of guys, on behalf of other cancer patients, and hope to help raise cancer awareness. It is a cause that is very personal to me.
5.) BB: LIVESTRONG is a cancer foundation that provides resources for people with cancer around the world, what support/help did you receive from LIVESTRONG?
CO: The LIVESTRONG foundation was the first resource my family turned to for answers. Our first experience with cancer was when my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007. My sister ordered a book from LIVESTRONG that helped to answer many of our questions, and helped comfort our family. Then, when I was diagnosed, we again turned to LIVESTRONG for answers. Lance Armstrong learned of my diagnosis and took the time to send me an email. I ended up flying back to Indiana to meet with his doctor Lawrence Einhorn who worked with Huntsman Cancer Institute to direct my care.
6.) BB: Did you continue to ride during your cancer treatment? Did your desire to race help keep your head up through such a life changing event?
CO: I tried riding for the first few cycles of my treatment, but it beat me down pretty bad. I remember wanting to be active even though I felt poorly, so I went to the community pool with all the senior citizens. I was doing some light walking in the water, and remember getting lapped by an 80 year old man (mind you, he was a fit 80 year old man), but nonetheless, I was distraught. I had gone from competitive cyclist to getting lapped in a pool by someone 4 times my age. I can honestly say cycling saved my life, a few months before finishing my chemo I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Embolisms (Blood Clots) in both lungs and in my heart. The doctor looked at me and said this would kill the majority of people; you’re alive because your heart is so strong. As you know, cycling is just as tough mentally as it is physically, so that mental toughness I used on the bike really helped me to get through my string of health problems.
7.) BB: What are your goals for the 2012 season?
CO: I’m really looking forward to the 2012 season; I’m healthy, and ready to race. I couldn’t ask to ride for a better bunch of guys to ride with, and hope to help the team in whatever way, shape or form I can. Riding for a team that promotes cancer awareness is huge! A major goal for me is to help my fellow cancer patients and survivors to LIVESTRONG!

Thank you so much Connor for your time, you have and will remain an inspiration for all of us on LIVESTRONG.
The photos is courtesy of Connor, from way back in the day. Nationals podium from 13-14 nationals in Park City UT. (Connor is the second from the left)


Ian

The Road Ahead.

2012 is well under way for myself and most of my cycling friends and teammates. Many of us are living in warmer climates, helping us log long miles in preparation for another season of traveling and racing. Training is becoming more specific as the excitement of racing looms. My season will start with a team camp in Austin, Texas the first week of February. Camp will mark my second season on the Trek-LIVESTRONG U23 team and my third season in the professional ranks.

Trek will be the first team that I have done back to back seasons with since I was fifteen, racing for a local Bend bike shop. Returning for a second year provides added comfort, knowing how the team is run and where I fit in on the roster. As the oldest rider on LIVESTRONG and a "vet" of many European races, I hope to take on more of a leadership roll this year. Coming into the season with a high level of fitness I am ready to lead, whether it be by riding for personal results or by riding in support of the team.

Here are my goals for 2012- they are not specific races. However, if I can accomplish these I will satisfy myself and results are sure to come:

-Climb with Joe Dombrowski
-Time Trial as fast as Nate Brown and Lawson Craddock
-Lead a team as well as Alex Howes
-Be as positive and up beat as Rob Bush
-Try and suffer half as much as Ben King
-Do all this while looking as good as Taylor Phinney

Bon Voyage
Ian

Ask a Teammate....Or Three.

I sent out a short list of five questions to three of my LIVESTRONG teammates. Each of these riders are phenomenal and specialize in different areas of cycling. The three riders are; Joe Dombrowski-Super climber, Lawson Craddock- Fastest man on the aero bike, and Gavin Mannion-The crazy one for the fast sprints.

The Boz Blog1.) How many years have you been racing (total, and with Trek-Livestrong)?
JD: This will be my second full season racing with Trek-Livestrong, though I did ride with the team as a stagiaire at the Tour of Utah in 2010.
LC: I've been on Trek-Livestrong since 2011, so this will be my second year racing with the team.
GM: This will be my third season with Trek-Livestrong(now Bontrager-Livestrong)
BB2.) Where are you living, how is the training there?
JD: I live in Virginia. The training is great. I can turn one way out my door and hit big climbs, and go the other way and ride pancake flat roads. Most importantly, I have some great people to train with, too!
LC: I live in Austin, TX. The training is amazing here with great weather during the winter. My coach, David Wenger, also lives here as well as TLS teammates Gavin Mannion and Nathan Brown.
GM:I'm living in Austin, Texas right now and the training is great. The weather is consistent and warm. With two other Livestronger's here, as well as a selection of other strong riders there is always a good group to roll with.
BB3.) What are your goals for 2012?
JD: I'd like to round myself out as a rider. Last year I had some strong results in climbing-heavy races. This year I'd like to improve my time trial, and to become more of a factor in races that are flatter or rolling terrain. In addition, I want to continue learning, and help my teammates achieve their goals along the way.
LC: My goals for 2012 are to survive the death rides that my coach is currently putting me through. If I can do that then I hope to perform well at the Spring classics in Europe as well as Nationals.
GM:I'd like to continue to improve all round and step my results up to the next level. Last year I was consistent and had numerous top 10 placings, and would like to turn those into podiums and victories.
BB4.) What is the best piece of advise Axel Merckx (team director) has given you?
JD: Don't over think it, and ride at the front!
LC: "You sure you want to eat that?"
GM: The biggest thing I've learned from Axel is that everyone develops at their own pace and, not to rush into things before your body is ready for it.
BB5.) Joe you can climb better than me, Lawson you can time trial better than me and Gavin you can sprint better than me. So why am I on the team, and how can I won day (play on words) challenge you in your respected area of talent?
JD: Ian, you are better than me at leading myself into a climb, or leading out Gavin into a congested sprint. You seem to be very (re)focused for 2012 - I am expecting big things from you, and maybe a role reversal on this.
LC: You're on the team because you're Ian Boswell. When you put you're mind to it you're one of the best riders in the peleton. Can't wait to see what you have for the world in 2012!
GM: I was wondering the same thing... Just kidding, I'd say it's because of your ability to help the team and those altitude climbs. Ahh... stop riding and hit the gym or sprint me to the top of a mountain.

Back in California!

After a wonderful week at home for the holiday, I am back in Chico and back to training! The weather forecast here in Chico is 65 and sunny all week, a great start to 2012. Stay tuned for more, and in the mean time here is a link to Annika's blog which has some great photos of our Christmas tree hunt!

Ian