UCI World Cycling Tour

WOW, what an experience the last few days have been!  I’m totally shattered and nearly every muscle in my body is aching, yet I’ve never felt so alive.  From my perspective I’d have to say the inaugural UCI World Cycling Tour has been a fabulous success.  Perth really turned it on.  Not only was the weather fantastic, but the atmosphere on the day was electric.  The crowds at the top of Malcolm St were something else.  Seeing so many people cheering everyone on was one of the best experiences.  They were cheering everyone on; even the likes of me who got dropped on the 3rd lap and had a struggle-face-from-hell for the next 5 trips up Malcolm St.  It was a tough day on the bike, but one I’d gladly repeat.  Bring on next year!

So did I win or place well?  Nope, I finished #105 of 150.  Or 19th in my category of 27.  So not an exceptional result, but considering where I was a little over 3 years ago, I personally think this was incredible.  For those not keeping up, a little over 3 years ago riding just 5km was a challenge.  I was also considerably heavier than I am today.  So, in that light I’m very proud of my result.  Next year though I’m hoping to be much more competitive.  I just need to do more work on my hill climbing.  That’s where I lost it yesterday; everywhere else I was comfortably able to keep the pace.  It was just when the course climbed that I struggled.  Oh well, something to aim for…

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