Stage 3: Kirchberg to Kaprun
81km - 2,432m climbing Strava Link
I am shattered..
Tough day today. Hot, long climbs and off day for my legs. I think my hardest day ever on the bike. I think it is a combination of 2 previous days and a really nasty start. The first 8kms were in the pelaton, rolling pretty fast uphill, then the cows got in the way and broke things up abit (see below), before a nasty, nasty, 1,200m climb. Walking through snow drifts up to your knees, and a lot of bike pushing were the order of the day on that climb. Then a good downhill, before a flat fast 30km on bike paths, tucked into a group, but really having to work at times to hang on, as the legs were not cooperating today. The day was topped off by a final 700m climb, within sight of the finish line. In fact, I am pretty sure, then first finishers were finishing as we headed up the last climb. It has been a long time since I wanted to walk, and I came close today. Just had to keep going, and not looking at the speedo as it was slow.
Highlights of the day - over enthusiastic supporters tried to run with the pelaton at the start, only they were cows that had jumped a fence. They even had bells. Other highlight - finishing... In between big climbs that just hurt and some fun downhills.
Long day on the bike today as 4hrs 46mins, which was 32nd for Masters and puts me in 26th at the end of stage 3 for Masters.
Tomorrow - I hope I get my legs back as it is the final day from Kaprun to Neukirchn where I will meet up with Leah. The stage has a flat start, then a bump in the middle before more flat, and a 1,100m climb and then drop down to the finish.
Now, eat - rest - massage - eat - sleep....