After three exhausting stages we retired as a team with only 15k to go in stage 4. The stage started out nice and cool however Stefan's legs refused to cooperate with him and while we tried to take it as slow as we needed to the heat was once again a factor. Stefan had become dizzy and it was too dangerous for him to continue. We dispatched the medic and as soon as it arrived i continued on by myself so i could make the cutoff time and ride the next day as an individual.
It was disappointing for both of us but moreso for Stefan as he felt bad for not being able to finish.i think we can both be proud of the effort in attempting the world's toughest mountain bike race and the fact that only 350 out of the 600 teams that started are still in tact.
I will continue with stage 5 while Stefan gets to recover and have a real holiday.
4 Comments:
At April 2, 2008 10:23 AM ,
Jason said...
Wow, sounds tough. Great work so far. Good luck with Stage 5!
At April 2, 2008 3:19 PM ,
JRW said...
Sorry to hear about Stefan. We hope he's okay. I keep sending out updates and links to your blog here at HQ. We are all pulling for you.
Bring it home strong buddy, we know you can!
I saw your results and you finished 29th as an individual, nice work.
At April 2, 2008 10:36 PM ,
angela said...
Hang in there Steve!! You can do it!! Good luck with Stage 5!
xx
Angela
At April 3, 2008 12:49 AM ,
Inge said...
How awful to hear about the bad finishing of Stefan. He was really motivated to get the finish is this most difficult mountain bike race. Winning wasn't a goal, but he really wanted to stay in the race. Hope your getting well soon and from here in Brussels we wish Stefan all the best in recovering.
Inge
Post a Comment
<< Home