Tripleshot Cycling

It was a day of ups and downs, geographically and mentally.  164 kms with 2249m of climbing. About 20 kms in the peleton split.  Dave and another guy were a bit ahead of me and I thought I was even worse off when about 15 riders, including John, came along and we caught Dave and then the peloton slowed and we bridged up and were all on. I was feeling pretty good about that when I messed up by going onto the gravel shoulder at the first feed stop.  Front wheel digs in, I knock the table and stop.  Now everyone but for a few stragglers is up the road 200 meters and the good feelings I had about John and I staying with the peloton for 37kms have disappeared.  They weren't pulling away but I wasn't getting any closer when a police car passed and slowed down to motor draft me back to the ambulance and team cars which I weaved through to rejoin the peloton.  Definitely a good feeling.  Then the first big climb started at km 43 and reality set in as the riders disappeared.  I rode with John for awhile until 2 guys passed.  I hopped on but not John.  Dave was up the road somewhere.  I stayed with the two guys until km 80 when the second big climb started.  Dave waited 20 minutes at the top for us but I was about 30 minutes back with John further behind.  Despite the beautiful scenery, absence of sound except for birds, wind and sheep bells I was definitely suffering, as I am sure everyone else was, they were just faster.  After I rode alone for 50kms I hooked up with the guy behind me in the overall and we rode the final 30kms together coming in at 6 hours 44 minutes, 2 hours behind the winner (145th out of 150). Dave rode it in 6:10 and John came in a half hour behind me, with a sore foot but earning himself a very handsome black jersey. I'm still second last overall, as the 2 guys in front of me didn't ride today.

Also, there is a mechanic here selling Michelin pro 4s for 60 euros a pair (about 84 dollars for 2). I could probably find room for a few in my luggage if anyone interested in buying them. If so, post a reply today and I will check my iPad in the morning. You can pay me when I get back.

Marcus

Hi Marcus,
Loving the reports and can feel the pain and excitement you must be feeling. Way to grind it out!!

I'd take a pair of tyres if you can find the room. John knows me and can put us together when you get back.
Cheers,
Jimmy