Hi all,
Another good couple of days for me. I got over the hills of the first 2 stages with 2 top 30 finishes and was able to assist my team leader to a podium position!
We had a crit yesterday and then a flatter road stage today (much more my style). I finished 11th in the crit after missing the vital break, on what was a sketchy course to say the least. It was all brick pavers, most of which had sunk in spots. It also included two speed humps and was only wide enough for 2 riders. They decided because of the large feild of 96 that it was too dangerous to be for the GC so it was just raced for the money.
Today I made the vital break, along with karl (my team captain, 6th on GC). The break was missing the yellow jersey and 3rd, so I drove like I had never driven before. We got away after 50km, so it was going to be a 100km break if we were to survive. We got out to 3.5 mins and had the leaders team chpping off at the front of the main bunch. There was only one hill, but heck was it steep. About a km long and 400m up. Not fun. I struggled over the top and then the tactics for the win started. I chased all I could for Karl - spent the last 15km on the front. Two got away and won, Karl won the bunch sprint and I rolled in about 30 secs down in 15th. I was wrapped though. It has been a huge leap in my ability and I have risen to the occasion.
Tomorrow presents our toughest challenge. Karl is now in 4th, but we have a 30 km climb to contend with. We will do our best to consolodate his position, but it will be tough. There are a lot of good climbers here.
I'll get back to you all on how we go and how we finish up. Personally im about 17 mins down in 26th or so - but its all about Karl tomorrow, so my place is of no concern.
Later
Richard