It was pouring with rain when we woke up. The cloud hung low over the hills. Beautiful in a wild sort of way!
Today's 50 mile stage lay ahead of us: some kind of giant beast to be conquered. Three major climbs: Knockanoughanish (cat 2), the Healy Pass (cat 1) and then Caha Pass (cat 1). This was not going to be an easy ride!!
Sarah was feeling sorry for herself, having come down with a nasty cold and not having slept at all well. She was determined not to let this stop her from racing.
The race started in the town of Kenmare and after a neutralised section out of the town, we soon found ourselves on the first climb. The bunch stayed pretty much together until the descent, where the slippery, windy roads allowed those with guts and "no fear" (or maybe just better descending skills) to get ahead. Then it was straight into the next climb. Iona, Steph and Sarah found themselves chasing the lead riders for the first couple of miles up the climb. Kim was sitting firmly with the leaders and this is where she stayed for the rest of the race, finishing 3rd overall. Another superb result.
Iona enjoyed the descent off the Healy Pass but found herself riding alone for several miles before she was joined by four other riders (including Steph). They formed a strong, cohesive group, which worked well together until the end of the race. Iona was the first to cross the finish line. Sarah ended up riding with a group that finished a few minutes later.
This was a challenging stage but probably one of the most beautiful, epic races we have done. If only we could have more races like this in England. Oh - and despite getting drenched just warming up, the rain mostly held off for the duration of the race, which was a bonus!
Stage 3 placings: Kim 3rd, Iona 22nd, Steph 23rd, Sarah 29th
GC: Kim 2nd, Iona 21st, Steph 24th, Sarah 29th
Team 5th overall
(Photos taken by Jill Leonard of Eurosport Photography)
Today's 50 mile stage lay ahead of us: some kind of giant beast to be conquered. Three major climbs: Knockanoughanish (cat 2), the Healy Pass (cat 1) and then Caha Pass (cat 1). This was not going to be an easy ride!!
Sarah was feeling sorry for herself, having come down with a nasty cold and not having slept at all well. She was determined not to let this stop her from racing.
The race started in the town of Kenmare and after a neutralised section out of the town, we soon found ourselves on the first climb. The bunch stayed pretty much together until the descent, where the slippery, windy roads allowed those with guts and "no fear" (or maybe just better descending skills) to get ahead. Then it was straight into the next climb. Iona, Steph and Sarah found themselves chasing the lead riders for the first couple of miles up the climb. Kim was sitting firmly with the leaders and this is where she stayed for the rest of the race, finishing 3rd overall. Another superb result.
Iona enjoyed the descent off the Healy Pass but found herself riding alone for several miles before she was joined by four other riders (including Steph). They formed a strong, cohesive group, which worked well together until the end of the race. Iona was the first to cross the finish line. Sarah ended up riding with a group that finished a few minutes later.
This was a challenging stage but probably one of the most beautiful, epic races we have done. If only we could have more races like this in England. Oh - and despite getting drenched just warming up, the rain mostly held off for the duration of the race, which was a bonus!
Stage 3 placings: Kim 3rd, Iona 22nd, Steph 23rd, Sarah 29th
GC: Kim 2nd, Iona 21st, Steph 24th, Sarah 29th
Team 5th overall
(Photos taken by Jill Leonard of Eurosport Photography)
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