The tour actually started on Saturday, May 1st. However, women were not in the ITT, so we had a free day. Siw (my teammate), Jennifer (Daniel Carruther's wife), Kenny (helping us), and I all went and did some shopping.
I was late getting to the hotel. The race included hotel/airport transfers. We were all treated as a mass bunch of people. Everyone, bikes, etc all moved at the same time. I was really impressed. Nothing really started on time and things took longer then we though, but all things considered and the Thai 'easy going, don't worry' attitude... it was pretty impressive.
AAuuugghhh... look at the lovely hill! oh.... a gentle (with a few steep pitches) 20km hill at the end of a 90km flat road... Hmmm... sounds like 1/2 of the Taiwan races just doubled in length. I was very excited to see this profile!
Understandably, my climbing has lost power... but, I know something is left. I have trained climbing as hard as I can with what is available. The only thing is I can't judge my rhythm without a good tempo climb....
We get to the start line the next day.
"They took out the hill today!"
Seriously? I look at Siw and say, "That's one trick I have in my bag... I don't know that I can climb better then anyone, but sometimes, I can". I knew one of the Thai girls, not the other. In Koh Kor Classic, I was out climbing her until I had to get off my bike (okay... maybe I didn't out climb her, right?) Who knows about anyone else.... Doesn't matter.... the race will be nearly decided at this first stage and I love an up hill finish!
So, we are told 118km out flat. For this stage we were out with the Juniors, and men 60+.
It was an uneventful 50 - 60 km to start with. I think, hard to remember now. There would be minor surges, but nothing permanant. When I saw Siw on top, I'd make sure she didn't pull.... I protected her energy. Siw and Christina are the powerhouses for this race, Janine as well. I know I fit in there somewhere.... just not completely sure where. I caught a few off guard, no one knew me.
I ended up towards the back while taking in some water.... we were going through a town... something came towards our group (not really sure what)...
one swerved...
another swerved...
the last cut me off, I could see it all happenening but didn't correct fast enough...
DOWN I GO!
I was back on my bike with in seconds.... the motorcycle escort asked if I was okay.... "YEAH, I AM FINE"... the peloton then was slowing down and I was able to catch up.... Fuming pissed, I remained at the top, even if I had to pull for the rest of the ride....
Speed began to increase as we saw the 3km mark (placed nowhere we though it was.... but that became the norm...)
Just after 1km, slight uphill, I go for the finish.... I know it is too early, but I so desperately do NOT want to be last.... I sprint....
holding...
holding...
blowing...
200m to go... I see the wheels,
50m to go....Siw....Christina
Finishline... me!
I finished 3rd place on my first stage....
I thought, a ROCK STAR performance:
1. Trainined in Vietnam, you know the challenges
2. Crashed, got back up
3. Pulled for the winner, my teammate, she and Christina didn't spend anytime in the front...
I raise my hands in the air as though I won... quite honestly, if felt that way.
I broke in to tears.... I did it... I overcame the challenges I have with training and darn it:
I DID IT!.....
My new team is very excited for Siw, and I believe excited for me.... Christina and Siw gave me their "Singaporean High Five" knuckle touch.... "You're strong", says Christina.... That's a huge compliment....
No comments:
Post a Comment