Today was the annual Berge en Dale, a race that is gradually gaining a repuation for breaking riders; and today the race sure lived up to it's reputation. The race started on a gradual 3km climb and as was expected, someone from Toyota Supercycling attacked only 500m into the 98km race. This move caused chaos with riders slaughtering themselves to hold the wheel in front of them. This suited me perfectly as I moved to the front of the field with 2km of climbing to go, and just pounded it all the way to the top...

Soon enough I had split the field into 3 groups, and 200m ahead of us was Daryl Impey, currently riding for Barloworld Pro Team. He simply outclassed the entire field. But it didn't stop me from trying to catch him and the riders behind me didn't mind either, as my pace would pull them free from any challengers in the main field. We went through a dip and I took the chance to recover at the rear of our small group of 20 riders, but as soon as we hit the next 4km climb, I went straight to the front to resume my chase and generally see what my legs are capable of from all those miles I've trained.

After leading the majority of the climb and chasing down a few breaks, I started to feel the pinch and eased back into the bunch. The riders who took over pacing duties didn't have the same idea as me (to break free and open a gap) and generally messed up all the hard work I and one or two others had done. The main field of 40 or so riders then caught us, and the attacks were laid down thick and fast on the undulating roads, and several riders dropped off due to the pace. I managed to hang in, and did so for the next 40km. I was hoping to make it to the freeway section of the course, where high average speeds would allow me to sit in the bunch and get dragged along. But as soon as we got to the freeway, there was a huge attack up a long rise and I took it upon myself to have another crack!

Well, after catching the riders and forming a small group, we were once again caught by the bunch. My plans went out the window as my legs started to cramp and my body just had nothing left.... I was dropped by the bunch and struggled to limit my losses. But after finishing a few minutes behind, I figured that next time I'll use more brains and less bravado!

Well you can only learn from your mistakes.