I have never felt less like going out on my bike as this morning, so much so that I saw someone out running on our way to the race and I could only wish that I had to run today rather than cycle. I really don’t like running. Luckily once we got settled into the first climb my feelings changed dramatically and I was back to having a great time. Today’s video is a good one (click here).
We’re now based in Jaén, a city high up in the mountains surrounded by olive groves and a much drier, barren landscape than Cordoba. The winter sun is strong but temperatures have dropped so we’ve have to learn the Euro racing skill of stuffing newspaper down your jersey to keep warm at the start. The day began with a huge long climb through the olive trees up into the high mountains. Tired legs are to be expected at this stage but we settled into a steady and manageable pace in a group of about 15 riders, though a bit of pushing from Josh was required from time to time!
Over the top we moved up and followed Sally and Kristine into an amazing singletrack descent once again. We were on top of the world with incredible views and a narrow track swooping through alpine like pine trees before turning into a dusty rocky trail running along the mountain with a big drop of the side. Eventually we finished with steep, switchbacks through more olive trees into the valley. Its amazing how great trails can motivate a tired body and it was back full on race fun.
Unfortunately towards the end of the descent Josh’s wheel bearings collapsed and we had to ease up. At the next feed station we stopped to try and fix it but there was no hope so we continued as best we could but had lost several minutes to the girls who were still looking super strong on the climbs. After another killer climb and some brilliant descents we finished just over a minute behind the girls and 1st mixed team. From being dying for the race to be over yesterday I now can’t believe there’s only one day left!
