Today was the Epic stage of the Giro. The mountain stage. 95 km of pain and suffering. Three significant climbs.
We started the day on the bus. The stage start line was 60 km from the hotel. We opted for the bus transfer. The start of the race was on top of a mountain, 600 metres, or 1900 ft elevation. The first 5 km were fairly flat. The next 10 km were downhill on grades of between 8 and 10%. There were many hairpin corners, the same as you would see in the Giro Italia or Tour de France. Very exciting. While many riders hit 80 kph on the descent, I held back to around 72 kph. Control and Focus were my mantra. That and “bring him home alive”.
Because of my caution on the descents, I ended up chasing packs all day. Up hill was another story. The week of racing has given me a significant increase in climbing strength and power on the flats. On the first and last hill of the day, both around 10 km in length, I was the lead rider for the entire hill. However, one of the problems I faced was that because I was slow down the hill, I ended up losing significant time overall. On the flats I was able to crank out a 37 or 38 km pace for several kms.
Overall my goal for the day was to place in the top 10 in my age group. Today I placed 10th! Apart from my Individual Time Trail, this is my best placing for the Giro road races.
Today was the last official stage of the Giro. While it is billed as a 7 day stage race, it is actually a 6 days race with a 1 day “age group” race added on. I will give the age race a pass as after today I cannot think of anything that can top the mountain stage. So, I am done.
This has been a fantastic week. The racing has been incredible. The stages have been amazing. The scenery? Well, it has been fantastic. I have left out so much. The people I have met from around the world. The amazing performances each day by the top racers. The calibre of racing here has been unbelievable. The winner on the mens side was a former Tour de France and Giro Italia multiple stage winner. The women were equally as talented. The food. Ooops....not the food. The food has been boring and nothing to write about.
Tomorrow I head across the Island to the Lemon House B&B. I hope to find time over the next few days to post some pictures and further thoughts. Until then, ciao!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday & Thursday....race news
Wednesday, Stage 4, 115 kms
Wednesday was the first race in full sunshine. This was a welcome relief but added the element of heat and proper hydration to the race. The race took us through more beautiful countryside. It was a hilly route with 4 long climbs ranging from 4 to 15 kms with grades up to 12%.
Once again the race start was fast. The average over the first 20 km was around 40 kph. Then we hit the first climb and the race was on. Unfortunately I was near the back of about 200 riders when there was a small mishap that caused about 50 of us to slow down. This happened near the crest of a hill. The result was that we were dropped by the large group. On the first long climb of 10 km I rode with 2 other riders going the same pace. We would ride together for the rest of the race.
Overall it was a great day. Of our trio I was the strongest hill climber so I did most of the work on the hills. On some hill I would lead out and drop back to bring one of the guys back to the other one. On the down hill I sat at the back and let the 2 others lead out. There were 2 or 3 occasions where we could have dropped one of the group and I would sit up and encourage the racer to continue on. Neither of the 2 guys spoke any English but it didn't seem to matter. We crossed the finish line in 3 hours 24 minutes. A few minutes after one of the guys, Massimo, came up to me and handed me his cell phone. I asked who I was going to speak to. He said a friend from Canada. I took the phone and said hello. On the other end was a Canadian gal in Rome. She said Massimo wanted her to say hi to his new friend from Canada. It was a special moment.
Thursday, Stage 5, Team Time Trail
We completed the team time trial today. Yikes, it was tough. We went 31.5 km at an average of 38 kph. Our Team started with 6 racers; John, Chris, Dave, Marcus, me and a fellow we met here, Dennis, he is from Toronto. We dropped Marcus about 5 k from the start. Dave dropped half way. 4 of us roared along and finished strong. There were 79 teams in the event. We finished 42nd at 47:30. I worked very hard yesterday and my legs were tired but I managed to contribute. I think the team is very happy with the result.
Tomorrow is the last stage of the Giro. It is the mountain stage. We have done some big hills but tomorrow will be the toughest climbing of the week. I'll report out on it tomorrow.
Ciao!
Wednesday was the first race in full sunshine. This was a welcome relief but added the element of heat and proper hydration to the race. The race took us through more beautiful countryside. It was a hilly route with 4 long climbs ranging from 4 to 15 kms with grades up to 12%.
Once again the race start was fast. The average over the first 20 km was around 40 kph. Then we hit the first climb and the race was on. Unfortunately I was near the back of about 200 riders when there was a small mishap that caused about 50 of us to slow down. This happened near the crest of a hill. The result was that we were dropped by the large group. On the first long climb of 10 km I rode with 2 other riders going the same pace. We would ride together for the rest of the race.
Overall it was a great day. Of our trio I was the strongest hill climber so I did most of the work on the hills. On some hill I would lead out and drop back to bring one of the guys back to the other one. On the down hill I sat at the back and let the 2 others lead out. There were 2 or 3 occasions where we could have dropped one of the group and I would sit up and encourage the racer to continue on. Neither of the 2 guys spoke any English but it didn't seem to matter. We crossed the finish line in 3 hours 24 minutes. A few minutes after one of the guys, Massimo, came up to me and handed me his cell phone. I asked who I was going to speak to. He said a friend from Canada. I took the phone and said hello. On the other end was a Canadian gal in Rome. She said Massimo wanted her to say hi to his new friend from Canada. It was a special moment.
Thursday, Stage 5, Team Time Trail
We completed the team time trial today. Yikes, it was tough. We went 31.5 km at an average of 38 kph. Our Team started with 6 racers; John, Chris, Dave, Marcus, me and a fellow we met here, Dennis, he is from Toronto. We dropped Marcus about 5 k from the start. Dave dropped half way. 4 of us roared along and finished strong. There were 79 teams in the event. We finished 42nd at 47:30. I worked very hard yesterday and my legs were tired but I managed to contribute. I think the team is very happy with the result.
Tomorrow is the last stage of the Giro. It is the mountain stage. We have done some big hills but tomorrow will be the toughest climbing of the week. I'll report out on it tomorrow.
Ciao!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
3 days of racing, 4 more to come
Hello from Sardinia. One thing I have found in Italy is that nothing works as it should. Technology included. I have broken down and am using the "pay as you go" wi-fi internet available only in the lobby of the hotel. 7.50 Euros per hours.
I have been keeping a daily journal and will post the complete story of my stay at the Horse Country Inn, and of the Giro di Sardegna when I can find fast reliable internet service. For now, here is a short summary.
I arrived in Italy completely exhausted last Wednesday. My team mates arrived Thursday and Friday. Our resort is okay, but nothing like it was advertised to be. For the most part the hotel is in major start-up mode with facilities such as restaurants not fully open. It took they hotel staff 5 days to get the phone system to permit outside phone calls from your room. Very frustrating. While the said there was free wi-fi, it has never worked. There is a pay internet kiosk in the lobby and now pay wi-fi. This is all the complaining I am going to do, for now.
The racing started on Sunday. I did very well i the Individual Time Trial. It was shortened course, 12.5 km. My time was 19:03 good enough for 5th in my age group. There are 25 in my age group. I also got bragging rights for the day with the best time for our team. Things would change tomorrow.
Monday was the Grand Fondo. The course was lengthened to 160 kms. It was cool and raining for much of the race. I did not do as well as I wanted but I did survive. My time was 5:15, a long time to be on the bike. The course was beautiful. Very hilly. It was great to finish and get off the bike. I wasn't feeling positive about tomorrow.
Today (Tuesday) was a 107 km race. Hilly but nothing like the Grand Fondo. I finished strong at 3:01. Average pace of 35 kph. Very fast! Tomorrow is a 115 km race. The stage looks flat, or rather not as hilly as today.
That is a brief summary of the racing to date. I'm having a blast and "livin' the dream". The scenery is very Tour de France. We race through small villages. The towns folk are out cheering their support. Not the numbers as in the Tour but very cool none the less. I miss home and I dreadfully miss Dana. I am living in the moment and concentrating on riding safe. I have a story about the scariest corner I have every gone around. It happened yesterday in the Grand Fondo. I can tell you it is something that will wake me up in a sweat for some time to come. Fortunately I am okay. Focus and Control are words I have taped to my handle bars. I will be careful and race in control.
That is all for now. I have many pictures but I cannot upload them right now. I will when I can. Ciao from Sardinia!
Barry
I have been keeping a daily journal and will post the complete story of my stay at the Horse Country Inn, and of the Giro di Sardegna when I can find fast reliable internet service. For now, here is a short summary.
I arrived in Italy completely exhausted last Wednesday. My team mates arrived Thursday and Friday. Our resort is okay, but nothing like it was advertised to be. For the most part the hotel is in major start-up mode with facilities such as restaurants not fully open. It took they hotel staff 5 days to get the phone system to permit outside phone calls from your room. Very frustrating. While the said there was free wi-fi, it has never worked. There is a pay internet kiosk in the lobby and now pay wi-fi. This is all the complaining I am going to do, for now.
The racing started on Sunday. I did very well i the Individual Time Trial. It was shortened course, 12.5 km. My time was 19:03 good enough for 5th in my age group. There are 25 in my age group. I also got bragging rights for the day with the best time for our team. Things would change tomorrow.
Monday was the Grand Fondo. The course was lengthened to 160 kms. It was cool and raining for much of the race. I did not do as well as I wanted but I did survive. My time was 5:15, a long time to be on the bike. The course was beautiful. Very hilly. It was great to finish and get off the bike. I wasn't feeling positive about tomorrow.
Today (Tuesday) was a 107 km race. Hilly but nothing like the Grand Fondo. I finished strong at 3:01. Average pace of 35 kph. Very fast! Tomorrow is a 115 km race. The stage looks flat, or rather not as hilly as today.
That is a brief summary of the racing to date. I'm having a blast and "livin' the dream". The scenery is very Tour de France. We race through small villages. The towns folk are out cheering their support. Not the numbers as in the Tour but very cool none the less. I miss home and I dreadfully miss Dana. I am living in the moment and concentrating on riding safe. I have a story about the scariest corner I have every gone around. It happened yesterday in the Grand Fondo. I can tell you it is something that will wake me up in a sweat for some time to come. Fortunately I am okay. Focus and Control are words I have taped to my handle bars. I will be careful and race in control.
That is all for now. I have many pictures but I cannot upload them right now. I will when I can. Ciao from Sardinia!
Barry
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Giro overview - 554 kms of Sardinia countryside....
I thought i would provide a bit of an overview of the Giro of Sardinia, distances and metres of climbing. The total kms that we will travel for all the stages is 554. The breakdown is as follows:
Sunday 24 (Easter) – individual Time Trial (20 km, completely flat)
Monday 25 – granfondo sardegna (145 km, 1,509 metres of elevation) not "difficult" but lovely race in “wild” countryside: Arborea, Marceddì, Guspini and Montevecchio, then descent to the coast to the Costa Verde then climbs back up to the old mining village of Ingurtosu then to Uras and back to Montevecchio, before descending to the Costa Verde once again and then to Marceddì and Arborea (we really will be “in another world”- near to the Dune di Piscinas there’ll be 5 km of unmade road and two fords where we’ll make a crossing!)
Tuesday 26 – from Arborea to Ales and Mogorella (up-and-down, but mostly flat). 105kms (overall climbing m. 860)
Wednesday 27 – from Arborea to and Lago Omodeo – the odd little climb but pretty fast. 114 kms (overall climbing m. 1092)
Thursday 28 – Team time trial (30/40 km flat)). 30k (overall climbing 90m)
Friday 29 – from Arbus to Fluminimaggiore, Iglesias, Nebida coast, Buggerru, Arbus – tough mountain stage along a beautiful coastline. 96 kms (overall climbing m. 1.688)
Saturday 30 – from Arborea a 40 km flattish stage probably by age category.
There you have it. 554 kms of Sardinia countryside in 7 days. For more information on the course profile and other Giro information you can visit their website. A link is provided in the blog.
Sunday 24 (Easter) – individual Time Trial (20 km, completely flat)
Monday 25 – granfondo sardegna (145 km, 1,509 metres of elevation) not "difficult" but lovely race in “wild” countryside: Arborea, Marceddì, Guspini and Montevecchio, then descent to the coast to the Costa Verde then climbs back up to the old mining village of Ingurtosu then to Uras and back to Montevecchio, before descending to the Costa Verde once again and then to Marceddì and Arborea (we really will be “in another world”- near to the Dune di Piscinas there’ll be 5 km of unmade road and two fords where we’ll make a crossing!)
Tuesday 26 – from Arborea to Ales and Mogorella (up-and-down, but mostly flat). 105kms (overall climbing m. 860)
Wednesday 27 – from Arborea to and Lago Omodeo – the odd little climb but pretty fast. 114 kms (overall climbing m. 1092)
Thursday 28 – Team time trial (30/40 km flat)). 30k (overall climbing 90m)
Friday 29 – from Arbus to Fluminimaggiore, Iglesias, Nebida coast, Buggerru, Arbus – tough mountain stage along a beautiful coastline. 96 kms (overall climbing m. 1.688)
Saturday 30 – from Arborea a 40 km flattish stage probably by age category.
There you have it. 554 kms of Sardinia countryside in 7 days. For more information on the course profile and other Giro information you can visit their website. A link is provided in the blog.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
New Look, same Blog
I just edited the Blog layout. Last time...... It's Saturday and time for a spin on the bike. 3 days to take off. Vroooom.....
Barry
Barry
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Counting down.......
Training is mostly completed. A lot of small detail remains. Am I excited? You bet!
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