Tour of NZ - Day 7: Blenheim - Picton
Final day of riding! In order to secure my 3rd position I just had to stay with the leading group as always.
Today's ride followed half of the famous Grape Ride race 9reverse direction thought) which happens in late March each year.
Not a long distance and only two serious hills really. The start is at one of the wineries which was very cozy. There was a warm fire inside at the cafe.
The started time has been adjusted so the fastest team start first and not interfere with fast individuals starting last. The weather has improved and promise 18 degrees during the day with morning lows only at 7 celcium.
You could tell that everybody was tired at the end of the this 7 days of riding.
Our group of leaders worked well as a team, especially with some headwind kicking in on the first halr of the ride. I was happy to see some new faces in our group as Peter from Switzerland and Brian. The low sun reflects some amazing cycling-train-like shadows.
The first climb after Havelock was quite gentle and it wasn't long until we saw the banjo playing on the top. The downhill was smooth nice with awesome Queen Charlotte Sound scenery.
The last 30km of the tour to follow. I'm feeling quite good - may be because I've reading this section on the bike multiple times, although this was on a mountain bike. As it will turn out the advantage of knowing the route will be essential.
We are well working with the usual teammates on the flat and the last climb begins at 10km to go. Everybody takes it easy at the beginning with a couple of failed attempts to break away. At the end David gives it a go, I follow him. At the top of the climb it seems we got away but not far away. The downhill is a bit scary with shadowed areas being wet. David and I over brake for safety and being caught up my more experienced downhills. After 5km mark another small climb awaits us.This is where we are all together and Nigel goes first. From this point I recommend watching the the last minute of the video because it tells it all. David's makes the move, I follow. David's breaks before roundabout since he is not sure where to go (Nigel & I). Nigel sprints on the left - I jump on his back. On the last 150m I made the move and start breathing hard (Nigel later tells me that sound scared him:) - the finish line we cross together and it is too hard too call! Time results are in my favor! First stage win of the tour and 3rd place secured! Glad that I have an understanding what to do in the finish sprint!
Happy finishers chatting.
After that Clair and I go for 10km run around some beautiful Picton scenery.
Ferry is loaded with very expensive bikes. we are heading home
Very happy with my performance - now I'm definitely a more confident road cyclist and sprinter!
Super video from the filming crew as always!
Today's ride followed half of the famous Grape Ride race 9reverse direction thought) which happens in late March each year.
Not a long distance and only two serious hills really. The start is at one of the wineries which was very cozy. There was a warm fire inside at the cafe.
The started time has been adjusted so the fastest team start first and not interfere with fast individuals starting last. The weather has improved and promise 18 degrees during the day with morning lows only at 7 celcium.
You could tell that everybody was tired at the end of the this 7 days of riding.
Our group of leaders worked well as a team, especially with some headwind kicking in on the first halr of the ride. I was happy to see some new faces in our group as Peter from Switzerland and Brian. The low sun reflects some amazing cycling-train-like shadows.
The first climb after Havelock was quite gentle and it wasn't long until we saw the banjo playing on the top. The downhill was smooth nice with awesome Queen Charlotte Sound scenery.
The last 30km of the tour to follow. I'm feeling quite good - may be because I've reading this section on the bike multiple times, although this was on a mountain bike. As it will turn out the advantage of knowing the route will be essential.
We are well working with the usual teammates on the flat and the last climb begins at 10km to go. Everybody takes it easy at the beginning with a couple of failed attempts to break away. At the end David gives it a go, I follow him. At the top of the climb it seems we got away but not far away. The downhill is a bit scary with shadowed areas being wet. David and I over brake for safety and being caught up my more experienced downhills. After 5km mark another small climb awaits us.This is where we are all together and Nigel goes first. From this point I recommend watching the the last minute of the video because it tells it all. David's makes the move, I follow. David's breaks before roundabout since he is not sure where to go (Nigel & I). Nigel sprints on the left - I jump on his back. On the last 150m I made the move and start breathing hard (Nigel later tells me that sound scared him:) - the finish line we cross together and it is too hard too call! Time results are in my favor! First stage win of the tour and 3rd place secured! Glad that I have an understanding what to do in the finish sprint!
Click to viewHappy finishers chatting.
After that Clair and I go for 10km run around some beautiful Picton scenery.
Ferry is loaded with very expensive bikes. we are heading home
Very happy with my performance - now I'm definitely a more confident road cyclist and sprinter!
Super video from the filming crew as always!