Stage 7 report

[Plawless]

STAGE 7 – ITT Porto Cervo
We woke up again to grey skies and a misty penetrating rain. However the wind wasn’t too bad so that was promising. Dave was a kick ass teammate choosing to not race so that he could not only drive the car to the 5k to the start but also so he could be a follow car in case of a mechanical. It was a very Italian start – show up at 9am and get in line to race!
I think I started about 7th two behind this mad Dutchman who has been doing the whole thing on his 1933 steel single speed – Lister this man would scoff at your embrace of modernity! I think it was 45 second intervals but can’t be sure. The toughest part was the lack of warm up and then the 2 step hill about 2km in both of which had average grades in the 9% range. So that was a real leg breaker to get going. After the hill there was a longish downhill and a good straight flat stretch before turning again towards the Coast and a few short (but steep – 7%) climbs to the finish. It was only 20 k but we still managed to ascend 160m. I came in at around 33:04 and was really pleased to have averaged 35kmh given not only the climbs but the accumulated fatigue from the past few days. In fact if I excise the start hill I managed to average 40kmh so I really have nothing to complain about.
All told this was a great stage for me as I felt strong and never had that bad mental patch that sometimes creeps up on me.
My Results:
Stage: 66th OA, 19th in Cat in 0:33:06, +5:13 behind the winner
GC: unknown for about a week! But close to the top third.
The totals for the Giro di Sardegna (Gran Giro) show a total distance of 541km including 7906m climbing all with an average speed of 32kmh. This week was absolutely brilliant. Only 51 weeks to go until the 2011 event! I think that if TSC got a group coming here not only would everyone have as much fun as Dave and I did we would really do well as a group. And if anyone was a little worried about the distances etc there is also the Medio Giro option which does about two thirds of the distance & climbing so it would be perfect if anyone was concerned. Having said that I don’t see that there is anyone in our group that couldn’t do this event. So start planning now as it does sell out.....

[Plawless]

Garmin Data: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/31074856

[Lister Farrar]

Great reports Pete. Thanks.

But you didn't mention whether you caught the Dutch guy on the 1933 single speed who started in front of you.

But you've just given me a great idea to solve the problem of my bikes feeling old.

Get an older one!

[Lister Farrar]

Great reports Pete. Thanks.

But you didn't mention whether you caught the Dutch guy on the 1933 single speed who started in front of you.

But you've just given me a great idea to solve the problem of my bikes feeling old.

Get an older one!

[JohnT]

Thanks Peter. It sounds like a heck of an adventure. I am in for 2011. Back in time for Caleb Pike?

John

[barton bourassa]

Peter & Dave, Congratulations! What a thrill for you to compete in such an event at such an extraordinary location! Your reports have been excellent reading and very inspiring! Well done guys. Safe journey home!

Barton.