Downhill Spanish Cup Series in Vall d'Uixó (CAS)

A classic venue and one of the best tech areas around. The Sant Josep caves attracts thousands of tourists every year, but it's parking lot is also a perfect emplacement for a National Series race.

The rocky circuit offered some surprises, like non qualifying of Pasqual Canals after a flat tire.

Ivan Oulego took the victory. Bernat Guàrdia was second and our MSC Bikes test man David Vazquez was third! First national podium for him after his retirement as a pro.

I spent Saturday morning riding my roadie up to some of the nicest roads I've ever seen and clearing some everlasting climbs up to 600 and 800m from sea level. Very nice!

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Un evento clásico con una de las mejores zonas técnicas del circuito. Las cuevas de Sant Josep atraen miles de turistas cada año, pero es su extensa zona de parking el emplazamiento perfecto para un evento nacional.

El circuito rocoso dio alguna sorpresa, como la no clasificación de Pasqual Canals debido a un pinchazo. Ivan Oulego logró la victoria por delante de Bernat Guàrdia. Nuestro hombre de tests en MSC Bikes, David Vázquez, logró la tercera posición! Primer podium nacional para David después de su retirada profesional.

Por mi parte, aproveché el Sábado por la mañana para pegarme una buena ruta por unas de las carreteras más bellas que he rodado. Lo puertos de hasta 600 y 700m desde el nivel del mar me pusieron a prueba. Estupendo!

Taipei Show 2010

I'm now in my home in Tainan (Taiwan) waiting to go to Kaoshiung Airport and come back home tonight. It has been a short stay in Taiwan, but very busy with may meetings in our MSC Bikes booth and meeting again my friends in Asia! Good!
Yesterday was our day off after the show and we went down from Taipei to Taichung for a ride up to the mountains (we "only" reached the 1700m on bike, as last earthquake has cut the trails up to the summit. Next time we'll reach our goal for sure!).
I won't forget riding on this area. Rainforest like vegetation, monkeys and a huge eagle taking off like an airplane just in front of me! Simply wonderful!
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Ahora estoy en mi casa de Tainan (Taiwan) esperando a ir al Aeropuerto de Kaoshiung y regresar a casa esta noche. Ha sido una estancia corta en Taiwan, pero muy fructífera con muchas reuniones en nuestro stand de MSC Bikes de la feria y volviendo a encontrarme con mis amigos de Asia! Perfecto!

Ayer fue nuestro día libre después de la feria y aprovechamos para bajar a Taichung y rodar hacia las montañas ("solo" pudimos alcanzar los 1700m de altura, ya que el último terremoto de la isla ha dejado el camino que sube a las cimas cortado. La próxima vez seguro que llegamos!).

Me quedo con el recuerdo de rodar por parajes que nunca antes había visitado, con una vegetación selvática, monos y una inmensa águila que despegaba delante nuestro! Precioso!

To Taipei Show!

I'm right now in Heathrow Airport (London) waiting for my next flight to Hong Kong and then Taipei. I'll arrive tomorrow.
Time passes so slow when you wait in the airport lounges...well...at least you can walk around and spend some time watching people passing by...
Taipei Show will be crowdy this year as regular. It will be our second year with our own booth in the show. More photos soon...
Ah! MSC is back to the Formula One!!! (MSC is the short name for Michael Schumacher :-) ) haha!!!
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Me encuentro ahora mismo en el aeropuerto de Heathrow (Londres) esperando el próximo vuelo a Hong Kong y después a Taipei, donde llegaré mañana.
El tiempo pasa tan despacio en las salas de espera de los aeropuertos...bueno...por lo menos se puede andar un poco y pasar el rato mirando a la gente...
La feria de Taipei será una locura como es habitual. Será nuestro segundo año con stand propio. Más fotos próximamente.
Ah! MSC está de vuelta a la Formula Uno!!! (MSC es la abreviatura para Michael Schumacher :-) )

Snowbike in Gavà!!!

First time in my life I ride my bike on the snow in Gavà!!! yesterday snowed like never before and today noon I left MSC Bikes office to take a ride up to Desfeta summit (525m).
I was the first today to climb the snowy trail, because I could ride on the powder snow without any other tire lines done yet! this is just an amazing feeling!!!
Downhill was a bit confusing with some hidden rocks under snow and lots of mud when I was approaching the sea level. Maybe I won't do this anymore in my life!!! word!!!

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La primera vez en mi vida que voy en bici por la nieve en Gavà!!! Ayer nevó de lo lindo y hoy mismo al mediodía he salido de las oficinas de MSC Bikes y he subido a la cima de la Desfeta (525m).
He sido el primero en subir después de la nevada, pues he podido "desvirgar" la subida por encima de la nieve en polvo y ninguna otra marca de neumáticos por el camino!!! una sensación fantástica!!!
El descenso ha sido un poco confuso con rocas escondidas bajo la nieve y mucho barro tal y como me acercaba al nivel del mar. Quizás no vuelva a experimentar estas sensaciones en mi vida!!! Por lo menos en casa, jeje...

Calçotada 2010!

Calçots: A typical Catalonian onion which is cooked on fire and eaten with a very sweet and spicy sauce. It's success is also due to the traditional way of eating and people's chest plenty of sauce presence...

Yesterday, we met with some of Marias family cousins "Pellofes" in Giro i Giro cave and enjoyed the whole afternoon drinking and tasting some of the best products of our region.
Morning was a bit more relaxed with an awesome 100km ride on my road bike around the same area (St Sadurni d'Anoia).
Today is raning again and my legs burn...

Iª Endurada Klandestina

Here we are! Last Saturday we enjoyed the first Enduro ride organised by MSC Bikes and some mates. Still more to come!
Day woke up cloudy and rain was present for some minutes, but nothing serious at all. 14 pals riding up to Begues for a massive breakfast and some of the best trails in Garraf county. Highly recommended to change daily routine and still chat within MSC Bikes company employees during the ride. Any moment is worth to develop new ideas and products.

Yesterday, I went on with my personal training for PDF Non Stop'10. This time, I rode with my father for 4h30' and 90kms aproximately. I think he will think twice before riding with me again... :-( At least, we could enjoy some nice views from St Sadurní caves, one of the most important wine regions in Spain. Vinyards could be smelled in the air...maybe a nice place to live if you are not very sensitive to alcohol...