The Tour is over, and has been a solid across the board representation of what cycling is all about – from the highs of winning, the glory and excitement, to the feeling of defeat, bitterness, disillusionment and perceived failure and then dealing with and illness on top of all of that…..all rolled into 5 days!!
Today was a really tough stage – an extremely hilly and technical circuit after 4 days of racing. More than half the field was pulled and the pain suffered by the remaining riders was etched into their faces each of the 13 times they climbed ‘the wall’ (17% average) on the course.
Laura and Anna, so ill that it hurt me to see them pull their kits on to head out racing, fought so hard to come in 18th and 21st in the stage - climbing up the General Classification to 15th and 16th respectively. So incredibly impressive!
Kate had a heart breaking day. She left everything out on the course, but was not able to keep the green jersey on her back for the finish of the Tour, coming in 2nd in the Amateur classification and 37th overall. Our hearts broke for her, yet we are so proud of the way she rode all week - she left everything out there and that is all you can ask. To add to the equation, she rode the whole week on a borrowed bike! (her bike never made it out here…long story!).
Finally, we need to add that we have had the absolute honour of riding with Laura this week – the consummate professional and one of the most beautiful people you could ever hope to meet…..we have all learnt so much from LVG and had a whole lot of fun to boot!!
All there is left to do is thank Anna’s parents – Steve and Linda, who looked after us like we were Queens, provided us with the most exquisite cuisine, accommodation and entertainment….words can’t describe how grateful we are and how blown away we were with everything you have done for us. THANK YOU!!!!!
Onwards and upwards for the A team from here!!
Today was a really tough stage – an extremely hilly and technical circuit after 4 days of racing. More than half the field was pulled and the pain suffered by the remaining riders was etched into their faces each of the 13 times they climbed ‘the wall’ (17% average) on the course.
Laura and Anna, so ill that it hurt me to see them pull their kits on to head out racing, fought so hard to come in 18th and 21st in the stage - climbing up the General Classification to 15th and 16th respectively. So incredibly impressive!
Kate had a heart breaking day. She left everything out on the course, but was not able to keep the green jersey on her back for the finish of the Tour, coming in 2nd in the Amateur classification and 37th overall. Our hearts broke for her, yet we are so proud of the way she rode all week - she left everything out there and that is all you can ask. To add to the equation, she rode the whole week on a borrowed bike! (her bike never made it out here…long story!).
Finally, we need to add that we have had the absolute honour of riding with Laura this week – the consummate professional and one of the most beautiful people you could ever hope to meet…..we have all learnt so much from LVG and had a whole lot of fun to boot!!
All there is left to do is thank Anna’s parents – Steve and Linda, who looked after us like we were Queens, provided us with the most exquisite cuisine, accommodation and entertainment….words can’t describe how grateful we are and how blown away we were with everything you have done for us. THANK YOU!!!!!
Onwards and upwards for the A team from here!!
It is such an encouragement to read about how the team is doing - through the good times and the rough spots. You are all such great representatives of our Institute and Altarum is lucky to be associated with the team. While no where near the level of the team, I have to say that my first 30 mile ride yesterday gives me some insight into what you all must go through - though I'm sure your experiences are 100 times more intense. But I want to thank Kate Flore and the team for inspiring me to first get a bike (a month ago) and then to take it out into the "wilds" of Ann Arbor. Good luck to you all - for the season and for your careers.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Larry