http://newsite.dundeethistle.co.uk/node/801
Stage 1 was a prologue up THE LAW, Dundee's extinct (I think) volcano. This was never going to be easy, with a winding course starting into a headwind...more headwind was to come...then a brief downhill section then up a sharp left onto the Law itself. This is where the course ramps up till the summit and the finish. Let's just say I could have vomited and fainted by the end. With a time of 4:56 I was 41 secs behind the winner Liam Cowie (Endura Pedals) at 4:15.
Stage 2 was a flat road circuit just outside Dundee. However on the way out to the course the extreme crosswinds caused the riders to cross the white lines several times, an unknown to all was the presence of an unmarked police motorbike, he promptly halted the race and cancelled the stage. The organisers did a great job of securing the next days racing with an increased neutral section right up to the course. It must be said that it was the riders fault crossing the lines.
Stage 3 well what can I say, it was hard enough getting out to the course, the crosswinds were extreme once again and if anything worse than the previous day. We made it to the course and the race set off along the long rolling side of the course, then up the first climb through Collace. Riders were already being dropped like flies and each successive climb a few more dropped away. By the time we reached the main I was near the back and thought I heard a slow puncture, but it seemed to be okay. The bunch shattered to pieces going up Tullybaccart with a group of 30 making the decisive break. From here there was no getting back, but I was resolved to make as much ground back as I could and looked ahead for the riders in one's and two's to get back on with. It was along the return leg to the climbs that destroyed most riders desire to finish, on your own it was a case of 10mph with no others to share the load or the take the wind. I managed to claw back to a junior rider only for confirmation that I had a rear flat. So I stopped and thought it was game over, however the 2nd service car pulled up next to me and gave me a spare wheel. So from here I just worked my way to the end, working as hard as I could. No way was I going to pack in.
Speeds on the rear side of the course were fast, 40 mph in the 53/11 with ease, then descents of 50 mph with strong crosswinds.
So I finished 29th and had the dubious honour of being the last finisher, however at least I did finish what was one of the hardest races I've ever done.
A final note about the race, it was well organised and I was met with a warm reception. My dad used to ride with the club Dundee Thistle so it was fitting that I took part.
Some links
http://newsite.dundeethistle.co.uk/home
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