OPINION

The dream has to end, but not yet

- EMILY MEAKIN

I am having to pinch myself regularly at the minute after the most magical start to 2022. I’m currently living in a villa with an awesome bunch, just outside of Calpe, Spain. John [Archibald] and I came out here just after Christmas and it was straight into summer kit, staying in beautiful Xabia at Blanca Bikes.

Villa life is simply glorious – we have daily meetings about who’s got what training-wise, how it all fits together and the best routes to take. It’s amazing having so many mega-strong training partners. Long rides consist of training to hold John Archibald’s wheel, and interval sessions are so fun, the highlight so far being a 20/40 session with Joss Lowden, where our friend Ciaran and I had to try and get her to fail – something alien to Joss and not really in her physiology.

This weekend was extra special, as my mum, sister and best friend made it over to Moraira. I adore the Costa Blanca and I now feel complete, having shared it with my loved ones.