Sardegna - the finale

[Marcus]

We're done, with the schedule and physically. Great 55 km ride yesterday with 1100 meters of climbing over about 30 kms up to a mountain pass in a national park. Dave and John started 15 minutes early with the medio riders. They wanted to ride with the guys from Toronto and be sure they reached the top before me. Dave placed 90 out of 164 (2:02, 27.7 km avg). John placed 144 out of 164 (2:31, avg 21.7 km). I was 107 out of 114 (2:24, avg 22.7 km). It was a faster pace at the start than previous days as the GC was up for grabs, so I couldn't hang with the peloton over the first Sard bump. I thought it was going to be a lonely ride when 5 riders came up and we rode together for about 30kms. I was dropped twice but managed to bridge back both times before getting dropped again when the grade pitched to 7%. I hate it when that happens, although I did pass 2 of the group 100 meters from the finish line as well as a dozen or so who started with the medio. That felt good and there was food left at the finish line which was a novelty for me as it's usually gone by the time I roll in. Fun ride back too as we retraced our route downhill to the hotel. I almost made the top 100 in the GC, finishing 101 out of 102 males, and avoiding the black jersey. Three would make a collection but two are enough. Weather was perfect all week too, sunny with highs of 20 to 24, hotter on the road.

[conway]

Marcus, Dave and John congratulations on your Sardinia race successes. Thanks Marcus for the daily race reports.

Mark

[Stéphane Tran]

Bravissimo Marcus, Dave and John! I have really enjoyed reading these reports and imagining riding through the warm, sunlit Italian countryside.

[Paul C.]

Way to fight John D., Dave and Marcus....sounds like quite a challenge....and the black Jersey should match our racing kit??? This will put you all in great shape[once you recover from racing, flying and colds], for our next 2 masters RR in Metchosin and Mill bay....see you soon, Paul

[barton bourassa]

I am inspired! Cpongratulation gentlemen!