Lienz, Monday Night Opening Party

So Monday started with our first official team training session - all 28 mins of it.

It went reasonably well but the nerves and frustration were still present.

That evening we attended the official opening ceremony in a local castle dressed in our official team kit supplied by Craft and I-CANOE.

The Austrians know how to throw a party and put on a full free bar which everyone helped themselves to. There was also some kayak drumming and speeches from the local officials welcoming us all to their city.

Tuesday training isn't until 5pm which gives the team plenty of time to recover.

Lienz - Day 3

So the team have finally got into the routine of paddle, eat, pool, ice cream, sun, ice cream, pool, paddle, dinner, beer.

We had a chilled out Sunday with two paddle sessions and on her last ride of the day, Muireann decided to play in the most retentive part of the hole. After many unintentional ends and wha-thunks she bailed out of the boat and went for a little body surf to finish.

We swiftly rescued everything minus a booty and while Muireann was picking the gear up of the bank, she nicked her ankle on a rock. What looked like a small gash, turned into a gushing wound so action stations, call an ambulance. A quick trip to A & E, and 6 stitches later and she is as good as new!

Official team training slots start today (Monday).

Europeans Freestyle Comp - Day 1

Here for 10 days and we've brought the rain with us. Feature is fluctuating massively throughout the day.

Everything went surprisingly smoothly so far with flights, etc although we had some interesting times sorting out the roof rack.

Weather (was) fantastic and scenery is awesome. The town in Lienz is very friendly too.

Video footage of the Source of the Liffey in JUNE :)

The Source of the Liffey