Chase the Sun 1
This race seemed to be the talk of the town, not because it's such a great series, but because of the conditions forecasted for it. 100km/h winds, rain and hail in sub 10 degree temperatures! And unfortunately the forecaster's got it right, we were in for a day of... unpleasantness?
But showing true strength and nads that go 'clank', brother duo Paul and Neil Van der Ploeg rose to the challenge and grinned through it all.
It certainly helps when Gerald lends a hand, creating a base no less greater then the Targ Mahal. With sites being battered relentlessly by the wind and broken left right and centre, the FELT set-up became refuge for many.
When the race got under way, it was no surprise to see Paul taking the reins and steering the pack.
After the starters loop, the cream slowly rose to the top.
The course was well recieved, long and fast, with some good single track. Riding in bunches soon became a key tactic slogging it along the long fire roads against the strong winds.
Not for Neil though, some people are too strong for tactics, just open up, smash on those pedals I say.
Railing the single track early in the race
After a minor set back mid way through the race Paul decided to pull the fastest lap of the day, 37:58mins, WOW, this put us back in the mix and left those on the sidelines, scratching their heads asking; how did he do that? But more importantly; Why has it taken till now for it to happen?
Paul on his FAST lap.
About now in the race, the weather got worse, yes, worse than shite! forcing the organisers to shorten the race to 5 hours. at this time Paul was out on his lap unknowingly on the second last lap of the day, pushing for a double. After his super fast lap we were keen for him to finish the race and put us from 3rd into an optimistic 1st.
only to confirm everything was all right and that he was still on for the double I walked out to catch him mid course. Unfortunately Paul had binned it pretty hard on his knee, and he couldn't double up. So at the last minute I radioed back to base for Neil to kit up and transition for Paul, was all happening!
LAST LAP. There was under 2 minutes between all three teams, with ourselves sitting on the cut off point. Poor old Neil went out with the hopes of the team on his shoulders (a situation no one enjoys) but to Neil's credit he stepped up to the plate and started pulling the leaders in.
It wasn't till the last 200 meters where Neil made the decisive move that would propel his team into 2nd.
The winning move, you take the low side i take the high.
Presentation:
Well done boys, lets take the series!
But showing true strength and nads that go 'clank', brother duo Paul and Neil Van der Ploeg rose to the challenge and grinned through it all.
It certainly helps when Gerald lends a hand, creating a base no less greater then the Targ Mahal. With sites being battered relentlessly by the wind and broken left right and centre, the FELT set-up became refuge for many.
When the race got under way, it was no surprise to see Paul taking the reins and steering the pack.
After the starters loop, the cream slowly rose to the top.
The course was well recieved, long and fast, with some good single track. Riding in bunches soon became a key tactic slogging it along the long fire roads against the strong winds.
Not for Neil though, some people are too strong for tactics, just open up, smash on those pedals I say.
Railing the single track early in the race
After a minor set back mid way through the race Paul decided to pull the fastest lap of the day, 37:58mins, WOW, this put us back in the mix and left those on the sidelines, scratching their heads asking; how did he do that? But more importantly; Why has it taken till now for it to happen?
Paul on his FAST lap.
About now in the race, the weather got worse, yes, worse than shite! forcing the organisers to shorten the race to 5 hours. at this time Paul was out on his lap unknowingly on the second last lap of the day, pushing for a double. After his super fast lap we were keen for him to finish the race and put us from 3rd into an optimistic 1st.
only to confirm everything was all right and that he was still on for the double I walked out to catch him mid course. Unfortunately Paul had binned it pretty hard on his knee, and he couldn't double up. So at the last minute I radioed back to base for Neil to kit up and transition for Paul, was all happening!
LAST LAP. There was under 2 minutes between all three teams, with ourselves sitting on the cut off point. Poor old Neil went out with the hopes of the team on his shoulders (a situation no one enjoys) but to Neil's credit he stepped up to the plate and started pulling the leaders in.
It wasn't till the last 200 meters where Neil made the decisive move that would propel his team into 2nd.
The winning move, you take the low side i take the high.
Presentation:
Well done boys, lets take the series!
posted by Scott Liston at 5:34 pm
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