Well- not so much. Today’s stage was the hilliest stage of the Tour of Holland. We did 5 laps of a 20 k circuit that included three climbs- two bigger power climbs (including the Cauberg that the men finish the Amstel Gold on) and then a smaller little kicker. It was clearly not going to be my race to shine in and my job was mostly to do my best to help the team and hang on for the flatter stages where I have more of a job to do.
I was actually feeling really good out there today and hanging well on the climbs. I actually found that the climbs were not too hard- but what WAS hard was the flat windy sections at the top. There was no respite after the climb and instead, the pace was fast and the wind was strong, leading the field to be strung out and left to suffer. That was what was cooking my legs, not the hills.
I had been nervous before the race a bit. I was thinking that it might take me a while to get comfortable in the Euro peloton again: riders are so much more aggressive and ride so much closer. There is also a lot more bumping (intentional and otherwise) and shouting (intentional and otherwise!). Instead, however, I was pleasantly surprised that I felt comfortable right away... I was right at home. Almost as though I had never left! I was also really happy to see some friendly faces in the peloton- riders who I recognized and who recognized me. I had a few hellos and a couple chats. I felt welcomed. This is particularly good as people remembering me means that it is easier to get better position since I don’t have to fight quite so hard for wheels and position. It was a lot of fun to get back into the mix.
I worked hard today to try and do my job. We were racing for Kristin and hoping to land her in the winner’s jersey by race end. K found the climber jersey today and so that was good! And she is clearly in striking distance of the win given that the TT is the last stage and she is only 12 seconds down (I think). Anyway, for me, as I said before, my job description was a little bit loose in that it was of the “be up there to help out” and “hang on” variety. Most importantly, “don’t miss the time cut!!!”
Like I mentioned before, I was feeling good on the climbs and was in the main group for most of the day. Kristin kept getting into selections, but they kept coming back. I fought to get up front to help cover things or drive the pace or just be available to do SOMETHING (and because being up front kept me from getting dropped on the climbs)... and at one point, I did get to drive the pace with Kat and Lauren as we set up Kristin for a big attack on one of the climbs.
I hung on for 4 of the 5 laps, but the fourth time up the Cauberg (800m and very steep), there was a separation and I was in the group behind with Chrissy and Kat. I was hanging on with them until the finishing climb when a small gap opened up. I was dangling just a few bike lengths behind as we crossed the top, but with the strong wind on the top, I could not close it. Soon, I was no longer able to chase and found myself being passed by the caravan cars. DOH! I hate to be dropped. It was frustrating in particular since I felt good in general. I felt really strong but still got dropped. Argh.
Not long after riding solo though, I had a bit of a stomach issue. I have gotten this a few times now... I have self-diagnosed the problem as “RIIBS”... race induced irritable bowel syndrome. Not sure why, but lets just leave it at I will take some immodium tonight and all will be fine in the morning.
At any rate- so I was riding along solo when I could not take it anymore. I was less than 10 k from the finish and I could not go on! I have never had this happen during a race though (usually before or after). HOLY COW! I was cramping, hurting and on the verge of tears. Fortunately, I was able to stop and go to the bathroom. The bonus was that I joined the race in time to catch up with another dropped group and so I had some company for the ride home.
I felt a lot better (physically and emotionally) after getting back to the hotel, eating, showering and then learning that I had a break rubbing the whole race! Turns out that a nipple on my spoke broke and knocked my wheel out of true. It was rubbing on the rear and I am pretty sure that it happened on the first climb of the day! Regardless of how much it actually effected my race, it certainly made me feel much better to know that there was something that could have contributed! Chris, our wrench, was able to fix it and so now I should be good to go and I do adore those wheels (HED Stinger 60’s) and so I am very happy that he had another nipple to replace the bum one with.
I am pretty tired. I am about to head off to bed. I still do feel strong and think that I will find that my fitness will help me get through this week strong more than anything. Although I did not have a good finish today- a lot of riders are tried and hurting pretty badly. All and all, I feel pretty good. That is a good sign and I think that I will be riding strong as the week goes on. Or, at least, that is the hope!
PS... Marianne Vos inspired my subject today. She is really friendly and we were chatting a bit today... she said, “how do you like flat Holland?” (she is Dutch)... I retorted with “they LIED to me!” She is one of those friendly faces in the peloton who made me happy to be back. She really is a nice girl and so if we are not going to win today- it makes me happy to see that she did. Of course, we want to beat her! But still, she is a good competitor and a good person from what I know.
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