No, not Nibali, Valverde and Gilbert, although that has a melancholic feel to it, I admit. But out with the old it is, in the peloton and in 44|5 Cycling Tours.
Well, not ‘old’, or least not that old! Yes, my long-time partner in my cycling business, John, has decided to move on. It’s all amicable and we’ll stay riding buddies, I’m sure, but it’s also time to do some thinking and start working harder, smarter, or both, for me.
As far as ‘thinking’ goes, it took around 30 seconds to decide to continue by myself. I started this enterprise, in my own way, back in 2010, and I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet. In terms of ‘work’, I’m trying to dive into next season as fast as I can, while making sure all spreadsheet templates are maintained as John created them and data entered correctly (not mon truc).
For 2023 I have 4 tours filling already and have 2 of them covered by friends in the industry to help. Nobody will replace John, but new blood can bring new ideas and energy. I will need both!
The Vicious Cycle 
All best wishes going forward, onwards and upwards!
Thanks, Jules!
Wow. Change is hard. Gutsy all around. Props. And what Julian said.
I don’t know about gutsy, but I shiver at the thought of the alternative!
Here’s too loads more fun and internet for you after the roller coast of recent times. Bravo!
Thanks, Alastair! And yes, the internet is 90% of a bike guide’s job!
Damn auto corrects – interest, then rollercoaster 🎢, ah well
It works both ways 😉
Good luck to you and best wishes to John.
Thanks, TP. I’m sure we’ll both land on our feet.
All the best with the next stage of the 44|5 Cycling Tours adventure. As for the retirement of Alejandro Valverde, it now means there is nobody older than me in the Pro Peloton!
I hit that landmark a decade ago. I think I just read about a guy in his mid 50s still playing pro soccer in Japan, though, so there’s still hope!
All the best going forward!
You too, mate!