105km - 1930m climbing

Fast from the gun, fast climbs and fast across the flats. It was fast today, and I had a good day. Finding myself 5th wheel out of the start, down a rough dirt track, over a nasty gap, and we were away. I guess cyclocross has given me some useful skills. Punched the first climb, and then there 8 of us. The break happened literally in the first 200m. From there it was race on. The first 2 guys disappeared on the next climb, and put 10 minutes in to us by the end of the day. The rest of us settled into a long day, working the flats, rolling the climbs hard but not too hard and making sure that the next group on the road did not catch us, or even see us in the distance.

Then it all came down to a sprint. There were 2 Spaniards in our group and they pulled the one-two on me on the last climb with 3km to go. Being one of the strongest in the group, I chased hard to bring him back, then the other Spaniard took me on the sprint into the twisting last corners. Leading into these corners, with 100m to go, the race was over, and I came in 4th.

4th overall, and I think I am 3rd in the GC, as I picked up a few bonus seconds by coming 3rd in the king of the mountain climb. (I put myself into the red for a few minutes, but saw an opportunity and thought the seconds could be helpful).

Leading the 40+ category by I think 12 minutes, so a good buffered on the first day.

Leah also had a good day, and enjoyed the climbs, and the flats, but got dropped on the descents. I guess by the end of the week, she will be a much better descender, and may even push for a podium spot one day, as she had the leading women in sight for ½ the race, and then lost her on the descents.

Now it is feet up, reading and quiet time. Cold shower done, lunch eaten, massage booked, passed bike off to the team if guys who maintain the bikes every day. Prizing giving and dinner to come, then rinse and repeat tomorrow.

Tomorrow – the QUEEN stage. 113km and 2700m climbing. A little too much climbing for my liking, but have a good buffer and will see how long I can hold the second group on the longer climbs.

Today: 104km. 4:00:39. 4th overall, 3rd on GC and 1st 40+

Leah: 5:14:00

Fastest time: 3:49:31

Slowest time: 7:36:50

Shower - cold and a 4 person cabin

1st place in the 40+