Sakonnet rider Caleb Fairly hails from Amarillo, TX and was ranked the number one junior in the country at the end of last season. Shortly after our training camp in Tucson Caleb was offered a prized spot to join the U23 National team for their spring campaign in Europe. After some well deserved rest and recovery Caleb will be making his Sakonnet debut at the Fitchburg Stage Race. Watch for Caleb there and at U23 Nationals where he’ll be one to watch. – D.S.

I have just returned from my 3-month journey throughout Europe. In my first month I was based in Java, Spain. Java is a beautiful city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. There were many Pro Tour riders that lived in and around the area, including Chris Horner (Davitamon-Lotto) who lives about 10k’s away in Denia. Throughout the month we raced all over Spain. My highlight is Spain was when I made the winning break of 25 riders, however; my day was cut short when my pedal broke. It was disappointing to come so close to getting a good result, but it was encouraging and gave me confidence for future races.

From Spain I went back to the U23 National Team base camp, which is fondly known as “Belgium House”. This is the full time house for all riders on the National Team. The “Belgium House” in located in Izegem, Belgium. I soon leaned that Belgium racing is far more aggressive than racing in Spain. There is defiantly a pecking order in the beginning of the race to see who will be racing in the front that day. My highlight in Belgium was a 155K race that ended on seven 12k circuits. On the second lap of the circuits twelve others and I were able to bridge up to the leading breakaway of twelve. Two more groups of seven were able to make it across to make the group a strong 40 riders. At this point I started to “bonk” (two water bottles and one powerbar will not get you through 155k’s). Fifteen guys were able to slip off the front with about 20K to go. In my group I was 8th wheel with about 800meters but got swarmed at the finish.

My experiences in Europe were invaluable. The racing was so hard and so intense. It seemed every race had 200 riders and every one of them is fast. I learned so much and I am anxious to go back, knowing that I am more experienced. I am also thankful to the Directors and Mangers at Sakonnet Technology for allowing young riders like myself to ride part time for the National Team. For now, I am really excited to join my Sakonnet teammates on the east coast. Should be a great rest of the season.

Thanks for reading,
Caleb Fairly

For more information visit: www.skntcycling.com