5/5/18 9:25 PM

Went with my son and a friend to see the 2nd stage yesterday..about 100 meters from the end of the short climb that offered the first KOM points. The climb is rated Cat 4, and it`s about 2 km long with an average incline of 6-7 % with a peak of 10. As with watching professional athletes in any sport you enjoy, it is mind boggling just how good they really are. They went up this at a pace which I probably ride in the flats, and it was quick enough that it was impossible to pick out a specific rider....I didn`t even see the pink jersey. Unfortunately, there was no breakaway, so aside from the 2 riders who contested getting the 3 points, it was only the peleton, so we only got to see one group go up instead of two. Nevertheless, it was a blast, with a great atmosphere.
To cap it off, as the team cars that follow the riders were driving by, the one from Boro threw out some cycling caps, and I came away with a souvenir. Throw in a good meal and a few beers, and it was just a wonderful day.

5/5/18 9:38 PM

Fun, thanks for sharing that!

5/6/18 9:06 AM

seeing a race in person gave me a whole new respect for how fast the pros are. They climbed a hill that I can go 6-7mph on at about 14mph. beyond comprehension for me.

Congrats on getting to see the Giro-my favorite stage race.

5/6/18 1:09 PM

...a few years ago showed that he was climbing a 7% grade at 17 MPH with a heart rate of 135 BPM. This rider was nobody of particular note and I'd never heard of him. Imagine what the top guys can do.

5/6/18 1:54 PM

But you can drink beer better Marc, as they probably wouldn't let those guys drink a couple beers lest they gain 3 ounces.

Though Landis did have a miracle ride after a few beers and Jacks.

Sounds like a great day.

5/6/18 6:07 PM

Sounds like fun, glad you got the chance to go.