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Well I've finished my first "Grafton" and for those who've tried their luck at the 228km slog, you'll know the feeling! Needless to say I had higher hopes than merely finishing, but as they say - "That's racing..."
My day on the bike started well, as we rolled out of Grafton - I was riding for the Praties Team once again, which was an awesome opportunity to gain yet more experience. As racing goes, there were a few small attacks, and a few sketchy moments but otherwise, not much happened! Until... Until we reached the 17km long Pass where the moves would really come, and come they did! I had put in a few efforts in the 70km leading up to the Pass, so by the time we reached the base, I was already feeling like an overcooked prawn - but I hung in there with the hope that the pace would soon ease up, and I could pretend that everything was under control. But needless to say that was NOT the case. I felt like I was slipping into a coma as I slid ever so gracefully out the back of the main peleton. Try as I might, I just couldn't hold on. So I had a drink, gathered my head and prepared for the next 158km - solo. A mere 7hrs and 19mins later, I rolled through the finish totally wasted. I had more salt on my face than Lake Eyre and felt like I'd just popped into Hell and back out again... But I finished! My next race is the Goulburn to Citi Classic, taking place this Sunday the 20th. Keep in mind that all these National Road Series events will in fact be shown on SBS, so check the local guides! And yes, I am hoping that this race will work in my favour. N.B I have also just been selected to be awarded my National Springbok Colours for my representing of RSA in the 2009 Giro Del Capo. I'll definitely let you know how that turns out. |
