Project Nice(ish): From Knee Woes to Cave Rides – Chasing the Finish Line in Valkenburg

James Ion
May 7
2 min read

Words - James Ion

If Project Nice were a gravel route, it would be full of unexpected detours, steep climbs, and the occasional muddy patch. Originally named after my goal to qualify for the Gravel World Championships in Nice, the project now needs a rebrand—because, plot twist, the race was cancelled and rescheduled to Limburg. As lovely as Limburg is, it just doesn’t have the same Riviera ring to it. But hey, the mission continues—just with a slightly soggier vibe.

Project Nice has an Austrian Adventure (Without the Bike)

My recent trip to Austria was meant to be a high-altitude training block. Instead, the bike stayed in storage, and I turned to indoor spinning and some solid hiking. Not quite what I’d planned, but movement is movement. Unfortunately, it also came with a knee niggle that turned into something more serious.

The Knee Situation

Let’s just say my knee and I are not currently on speaking terms. After Austria, I took a full week off the bike, begrudgingly. A doctor’s visit followed, and I’ve got an MRI lined up for May 12—the day after the Marly Grav Race in Valkenburg. Timing, as ever, is impeccable.

Fueling Up – Finally Getting It

Good news: things are finally clicking on the nutrition front. My trainer, Kate Macleod (from the legends at @trainwithus.cc), has been very patient as I’ve slowly, finally, embraced smarter fueling. I'm eating properly, consistently, and not just surviving on snacks and stubbornness. It's helping with energy, recovery, and making me feel more like an athlete and less like a gremlin.

Training Smarts with Toms Flaksis

While Kate keeps me fueled, Toms Flaksis keeps me sane. He’s been adjusting my training plan with just the right balance of realism and encouragement. Managing the knee properly has meant a big shift in how I train, and without Toms’ practical advice, I’d probably have done something dumb by now. (Let’s be honest.)

Confidence Ride = A Win

Last week I managed a big ride to test the knee and my own nerves. No medals were won, but confidence was gained. I’m under no illusions about chasing podiums in Valkenburg—but I now know I can finish, and finish strong. That’s a win in my book.

Race Day Incoming: Marly Grav Valkenburg

So here we are: the final prep week before the Marly Grav Race on May 11. This one’s a special beast—part of the UCI Gravel World Series—and includes:

The iconic Cauberg climb right out of the gate
A rare roll through the Gemeentegrot Valkenburg (yes, a cave—let’s goooo!)
Beautiful gravel trails through South Limburg
Route options of 100 km or 155 km, depending how brave (or stubborn) you're feeling

What’s Next: This Week’s Checklist

It’s full gas prep mode now. This week is all about:

✅ Bike & gear check
✅ Final nutrition planning
✅ Maybe, just maybe... talk tactics

Let’s be honest—there’s a long way to go from Project Nice to “Nice finish,” but if nothing else, this has been a wild ride. Here’s to not falling apart in the caves of Valkenburg.

Massive thanks to Kate, Toms, and the team at @trainwithus.cc for keeping this show on the road.