I didn’t anticipate this scenario. I’m lining up for the road race, already having won gold in the time trial 3 days ago. To some degree the pressure’s off, I’m leaving town as a World Champion whatever happens today. Would be very nice to win again though! The road race course will be a tricky
I was excited when Lorne was selected as the venue for this year’s finals. It’s a part of the world that I love and know well. The time trial course looked appetizing too, 23km with a couple of significant hills that would contribute to about 330 metres of climbing. The setting would be magnificent, heading
The big day had arrived…..there’d been lots of build up and anticipation to this day. It had been a goal event for me and one that had motivated me to work hard on my fitness over the previous months. We’d travelled across the globe for a one day race, lots of eggs had gone into
Today, new world champions would be crowned in each age group. Two years ago Trento was announced as the host for the 2022 event. Since then I’d been planning and looking forward to this day knowing that it would be on a mountainous course that would suit my cycling attributes. I couldn’t help but think that this could be the day when the stars might align for me. I was a ‘youngster’ in my age category, the course was perfect for me and I was fit and healthy. I had high hopes. I was dreaming of a rainbow jersey.
One more ride. A time trial to finish off this fantastic event and, in my case, the last of 12 days of hard racing through the Alps and then the Dolomites. Today’s task was simple. Go up a hill as fast as possible. In the last few days, I’d pushed myself to the limit and still kept performing to a good level. This morning I was confident that I would go well. The course was spectacular. We’d start in the historic centre of Bormio, roll out on the cobbles and then head out of town gently climbing.
105kms and 3500m of climbing. The thought of climbing Umbrail then Stelvio from it’s classic side would terrify plenty of cyclists. For some though, me included, this stage could turn out to be a relief. A totally different dynamic to previous days. The last few days I’ve been racing, chasing, hurting and concentrating to the max.
Stage 2 was going to be a big ride. 2 major climbs, Falzarego and Valles, 16kms and 18kms long, respectively. No neutralised gaps so today would a real race feeling all the way. A short scamper around Cortina to keep the locals happy and we were off.
Going back to back Haute Routes is a daunting prospect for many who take up the challenge. With 900km and 22000m of climbing in our legs from last week, a few of us have made our way across the Alps to start Haute Route Dolomites. 5 stages and plenty of spikey profiles to keep us busy. A day of travelling and a day settled in Cortina have effectively meant 2 days of recovery for the legs…bar a short warm up ride yesterday near Cortina just to remind the legs of their day job.
A big day ahead of us. 140kms and 3600m climbing with ascents of Vars, Bonette and Auron to finish. This was a long stage that needed careful management. If things went wrong they could easily go wrong in a big way. We had a sunny day to look forward to but a clear night meant a very chilly rollout from Briançon. 7kms in and the race proper started.
A shorter stage today, 86kms and 2700m climbing. 2 climbs, the 35km drag up the Lautaret followed by a summit finish on the beautiful, wild but steep Col du Granon. We enjoyed the luxury of an 8.30am start from Alpe d’Huez, a neutralized convoy all the way to the valley. A tedious and fiddly way to start the day with brakes on pretty much all the way down behind the commissaire’s car. Down to Bourg d’Oisans, onto the flats and the relief of being able to pedal again.