2006 Kovjanic Custom

24/Jul/2009 - Another month - another hillclimb . This time I was in Medveja near Opatija (CRO),
climbimg Mt. Ucka. Starting from sea-level. It's about 6 kilometers of ups and downs and then,
again at sea-level, the constant 22 km climb begins. The summit is at alt. of 1401 m.




There are a few of these nasty sections along the way.




The summit reached!




Full set of photos: http://photos.cybernck.com/kovjanic?page=7

Still back in 2009 - I finally managed to get this lovely pair of Spinergy Rev-X carbon
wheels from the UK - that I had bought a year and a half earlier! My vision is now fulfilled
(except the yellow tyres, but I couldn't be bothered to swap for red ones). They will only
be used for TT's and an occasional training ride.




Since I became a bit paranoid about my full-carbon fork (with a good reason),
I bought a Deda BlackForce2 carbon fork with alloy steerer.




And finally - Polar S725X heart rate monitor with speed and cadence sensors.
It measures, monitors and records for further analysis everything I've ever
wanted to know about my rides!




This sums up the year 2009 - roll on 2010!


Full size photos: http://photos.cybernck.com/kovjanic?page=7

Sounds like your not only passionate about your bike, but that the thoroughbred also sees quite some beautifull miles on Serbian soil, even in competition. The right attitude.

Summits of 1500m or more I do not encounter really often. Most challenging nearby is 59m above sealevel Also including the meters below sealevel only mildly impressive.

Thanks. I take it you're from Holland then?

You are correct Sir

2010 - Started off well, with running, gym and turbo trainer sessions and late winter rides as well.




The training continued. It was still early in the season but I was getting into good shape.




17/Apr/10 - Cycling race in Belgrade. Serbian national cup race with 85 riders in all categories.
It was a very pleasant experience. The finish was on top of a small mountain Avala, I came in
19th (out of 85) overall and 2nd in the amateur class!




May 2010 - everything was going so well until I accidentally badly sprained my ankle in a gym!
It turned out I damaged the ligaments and had to have a cast put on, which meant the end of
this year's season for me :-(.




Nearly 3 months later, I started cycling again, with everything I've worked for gone and hopes
for a better season next year. That's it for 2010 :-/.




Full size photos: http://photos.cybernck.com/kovjanic?page=8

Fast forward to the year 2011!




I got some new winter gear. Scott Authentic winter bib-tights. They're good, but you
definitely need to order a size up from your bib-shorts. BBB Hardwear waterproof
overshoes - pretty warm and water repellent.



Crud Roadracer mk2 mudguards - a very useful thing, providing they fit your bike.
Pieces tend to fall off when riding on rough roads. Luckily spares are available on
Crud website.


After 5 years of riding this bike and altering my riding position, I figured out it would've
been spot on if I got a shorter stem, so I got a 10 cm ITM Millenium 4ever stem to replace
my old 13 cm ITM Millenium stem.




Shock horror!




Just a Sunday ride .




Here I am, with a weight-weenie Fondriest of a friend of mine.




Full size photos: http://photos.cybernck.com/kovjanic?page=9

2/Jun/2011 - Hillclimb National Championship in pouring rain.

I was fastest up the hill in Elite category, as well as in the general placement.



On the top of the podium .



It was a sweet victory as I wasn't really expecting it to come, having my mind and body
focused on the upcoming Time Trial National Championship race.




Full size photos: http://photos.cybernck.com/kovjanic?page=10

You're a winner type of guy!

Of course having such a good bike helps

That's a lovely bike, nice to have something (more or less) locally made too. You have a beautiful country - I was there three times in the mid-'90s (in the tragic circumstances we don't need to go over here), but I remember a stunning country and thinking I would need to go back one day... With a bike...