Sep 6th, 09. Kiwi international Michael Torckler sums up his Spanish season and his plans for hunting and fishing this summer back in New Zealand.

On his way to success at Tour of Asturias, photo courtesy Torckler

Torckler, New Zealand's U23 time trial champion, is based in Pamplona, Spain where he lives and rides amongst non-English speakers.

Best ride/result of the season
My best rides this year each produced 2nd places. They were days when I felt almost invincible but I couldn't quite fully capitalise on them.

The best result was a win in the last stage of a Tour in Asturias also taking 2nd on GC.

Next races / goals?
I've still got a bit of racing coming up, Vuelta Salamanca is next and is five days, then possibly another tour only two days after that.

I'm planning to finish up with a 2.2 at the start of October if I can get a bit more time on the visa.

Best experience (on or off the bike)?
Best experience was the San Fermin festival - Running of the Bulls. This is the craziest thing I have ever seen. The town didn't stop partying for a week, you couldn't move down a lot of the streets in town. 

On the bike it was racing Col du Tormalet (not so well), epic ride.

Were you happy with your 2009 International season?
I am very happy with my season, it turned out well for me. It was very last minute and I had no idea what I was getting into. 

Most of the Spanish people are great. Pamplona is a great city with awesome roads for training. I've been living with a couple of crazy Uruguyans who don't speak English and none of the team management speak English which got me into some sticky times. I got a stack of good results, can't complain. Oh yeah....and always the best hotels when racing!!

When are you back in NZ and what races are you planning?
I'll be home early October. I'm giving Southland and possibly Taupo a miss, other important engagements planned - rest and some holidays.  I haven't thought too much about other races including Nationals, I guess I'll be there.

Main goal for the NZ season?
Goals for the NZ season....catch some fish, shoot some deer, don't get hurt, haha, and for cycling, mostly just prep for next year. The Tour of Wellington suits me well so I will most likely look towards that.

Related article on Torckler's season

• Michael Torckler shares his first win

Read the season round-ups of all the kiwi internationals..

Greg Henderson, Peter Latham, Alex Meenhorst, Tim Gudsell, OEX Team Enterprise, Matt Sillars, Roman Van Uden, Alex McGregor, Heath Blackgrove, Wade Mangham, Glen Chadwick, Genevieve Whitson, George Bennett, Logan Hutchings, Michael Torckler, Josie Giddens, Jesse Sergent, Tom David, Jack Bauer, Sam Bewley, Rushlee Buchanan, Clinton Avery, Ryan Wills, Cath Cheatley plus recent interviews with Alison Shanks, Hayden Roulston and Jo Kiesanowski. More to come...

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