My race was actually quite eventful.  Typically, the goal is to make the first 103km as easy as possible, so that when you come into the final km, the legs, the body, and the head are ready for one maximum effort.  Sometimes, though, you must overcome some distractions along the way.  Today was one of those days for me. 

About 64km into the race, the shrinking peloton was together over the top of a climb.  The group was shifting into ‘piano’ mode, so I had pulled a bottle to take a drink.  As I was placing the bottle back in the cage, there was some shuffling in front of me and my front wheel caught the edge (5cm?) of the road.  I was almost able to pull the bike back up, but with only my left arm, it wasn’t possible.  Down I went.  I picked myself up and put the chain back on, but the rear derailer hanger was bent.  I couldn’t turn the pedals, and I had to wait for the team car to arrive with a spare bike.  Benny helped me with the change, and I was off.  Then, Luise dropped back and helped tow me back… Well, there were two more bike changes after this one.  Twice more I used my teammates, Luise and Suzanne van V, to help get me back.  They were awesome. 

I tried to settle into a good climbing rhythm and position as quickly as possible.  There were only two climbs left until the wall.  Before I knew it, though, we were going under the 1km to go banner.  I still had hopes of a podium finish, so I moved into a good position to start the climb.  Lutz and Cooke went immediately, and although I knew this wasn’t such a good idea, I also knew that you couldn’t just let Cooke go.  I was climbing with everything that I had left on the day, but the others were just too good.  I just didn’t have enough.  Vos, Cooke, and Arndt earned their podium spots, while I finished in fourth.  A top five at a World Cup is always a great achievement, so I cannot complain.  However, the goal for myself and the team is always to land on the podium… so considering the day… happy but not satisfied.     

The Final Kilometer

On The Muur

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One Of The Last Climbs