Sometimes you just get lucky and Sunday February 28th was certainly one of those days. It had been in the calendar for weeks and although everything that could be controlled was going to plan there’s one thing that is totally out of your hands (every time). Yep, the good old British weather. Heavy rain was forecasted but, despite a fresh chill in the air, fortunately it stayed dry for the 2010 Herbalife/Wheelbase.co.uk team launch in Cumbria.

There’s something about receiving a big bag full of new kit that I’m sure I’ll never tire of. Pristine jerseys, gillets, shorts and skinsuits all ready to face the blood, sweat and tears of road racing (just hoping there’s not too much blood or tears this year but you've got to take the rough with the smooth I guess).

After a full round of photos at the stunning setting of Leighton Hall it was time for this years weaponry to be handed out, an army of SuperSix’s primed and ready for battle. A swift blast around the lanes confirmed with the other team members what I already knew, this is going to be one fun year. Despite meeting a lot of the chaps for the first time (I’m flying the flag solo down south) there was an obvious team spirit amongst everyone from juniors through to the more experienced on the team - that’s a polite way of saying ‘us old boys’ eh Damian?

Back in the warm and the launch moved to the Crooklands Hotel for an on stage presentation of each rider and the all important team sponsors with Eurosport host for the evening Mike Smith. Ok, I admit I wasn’t exactly dressed for the occasion (I mean I was tip to toe in green and black lycra) but since my day job for Cannondale actually involves a little more than simply riding for the team I was back on stage mic (and SuperSix) in hand to give a full rendition of why this bike continually makes me smile so much. I have no idea what Lance was talking about when he said “it’s not about the bike”. Huh, “it’s all about the bike”, simple as that. With thirteen members in the team, including three juniors and two development riders, it will be a mixed program for the season ahead - from the British Premier Calendar Series, a host of races in France and Belgium all the way through to the Junior National Series it’ll be non stop from here on in. Get behind the team, check out the riders and track the highs and lows at Team Herbalife/Wheelbase.co.uk.

Well, I always like to talk a good race. Who knows, one day soon I may actually have to try and race one too. Until then, I'll just keep dreaming.

Photos by Ian McVety.