We lined up in the early morning mist, although we were promised sunshine for most of the day.
Chris and I were in the C start, with the elite A's starting at 8.00, the B start at 8.05 and us off at 8.10.
The uphill started immediately. We were soon onto technical single track, with queues of runners waiting to climb.
This was definitely technical climbing, with this sign meaning no overtaking and to take extreme care on the fixed ropes and loose, rooty trail.
This continued for about 4km and took an hour, not our fastest pace, but we were going the same speed as everyone else, and the trail just kept on going up:
Until we finally reached the summit in sunshine and a spectacular Alpine vista. The calves were screaming at this stage and were delighted to pass the hard work onto the glutes for the downhill.
However, it was also time for Chris's press up at the top, just to prove to Dan Bennet that he was up to the challenge!
After another of those great drink stations, it was on up the Kitzbuhel peak. Chris and I both agree that the best item at the drink station is the watermelon. So juicy and it really refreshes the palate. Maybe we can have a go at NRC!?The climb was unrelenting, mainly up mountain tracks, just long a continually stepp, with minimal amounts of running possible.
Just the odd break for a photo!
There was snow at the top, which was great to wipe over the forehead and cool down. We peaked at about 1,850m above Kitzbuhel, and then descended the last 7km down into the town.
The descent was great, mainly technical single track through the forest. Our only problem is that we are faster descenders than those around us. This is a surprise, as I would have thought the locals would train on these trails, but all the Brits say they are fast. Maybe it's because we are used to mud and roots. Many otehrs slow down and dodge the mud. Brits just run through the middle!
We finished the stage 41st in class and in a time of 5Hr 10mins (the winning time 2Hr 59mins, 15 mins ahead of second!)
We have found the free Smoothie stand at the finish run by Buff. We have three or four smoothies to rehydrate and carb up, then its off to the hotel in Kitzbuhel, and hopefully a good night's sleep later.
We start at 7.00 tomorrow and can look forward to 2,300m of climbing over 43km. It is the most vertically challenging stage race in the world, so we knew what we were getting into:
Just the odd break for a photo!
There was snow at the top, which was great to wipe over the forehead and cool down. We peaked at about 1,850m above Kitzbuhel, and then descended the last 7km down into the town.
The descent was great, mainly technical single track through the forest. Our only problem is that we are faster descenders than those around us. This is a surprise, as I would have thought the locals would train on these trails, but all the Brits say they are fast. Maybe it's because we are used to mud and roots. Many otehrs slow down and dodge the mud. Brits just run through the middle!
We finished the stage 41st in class and in a time of 5Hr 10mins (the winning time 2Hr 59mins, 15 mins ahead of second!)
We have found the free Smoothie stand at the finish run by Buff. We have three or four smoothies to rehydrate and carb up, then its off to the hotel in Kitzbuhel, and hopefully a good night's sleep later.
We start at 7.00 tomorrow and can look forward to 2,300m of climbing over 43km. It is the most vertically challenging stage race in the world, so we knew what we were getting into:
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