Once on the bike I found the first few miles a bit of a nightmare - as I wasnt really right after the swim. Then it was a case of being caught in a lot of traffic getting out of PDC which slowed me quite a bit, especially on the climbs were there was no one past some of the slower riders with cars moving really slowly beside. The traffic up front with slower riders really did play a part in the first 30 miles where I was just trying to get past - certainly werent many coming past me - but there werent that many behind me in the first place. The first part of the race was also the main part for wind going up and over Fire Mountain :0( the views around were stunning though - and I gradually got into a groove.
By Club La Santa I did feel more comfortable - but needed a quick pit stop - which lasted longer than it should have ;0) anyway I knew the next 25 miles up to Haria and felt pretty good all of the way up and certainly put the bad swim to the back of my mind when I passed a guy cycling with one leg - really - what did I have to moan about ? nothing and that really did put it into perspective!!!! :0( gradually the sun was getting hotter and hotter as we climbed but I felt good and kept pushing - once at the top above Haria we had an amazing drop into the town - which you could really get the speed up.
After that though it was climbing again - and this time it surprised me as we just seemed to continue climbing - each time thinking I had reach the top. Once at the very top of the island, the views were simply amazing and after such a long climb there was an even longer descent but as the winds got up it did get a little hairy with the crosswinds catch the wheels. It did feel great as it did just seem to go on and on. I was told before the race that the last 30km was all down hill - I think they exaggerated - as from 15-30km we went over some real bad rough roads - which forced another longer pee stop :0( and then it was more climbing :0)
Once into the final 15 km it was mostly down, where you could get some serious speed. In the final few kms I came off a long single track road and joined the traffic - unfortunately I forgot they drive on the wrong side and was quickly forced across by a police officer :0) a real near miss. Anyway kept the pace into PDC
I certainly had picked up quite a few places on the bike leg (520th) finishing the 112 miles it in 6' 22" - which I was happy with but know the first 30-40 miles had cost me considerable time and also started so poorly because of my swim :0( anyway I was happy to be off and knew it was getting hot out there - as you can see by the pic above.
My garmin trace for the bike is here - although I forgot to turn it off so it went back to Club La Santa - seems to be ok up to 111miles - then goes a bit silly - so the overall times don't add up.
No comments:
Post a Comment