15-16/08/15
A two day stage race in the beautiful country of Norway. UCI 2.2
Day one: the sun was shining and the race stage was a 30 minute drive away. I was ready for the race of 112km, it was slightly daunting due to the standard of field and my first UCI stage race.
But we set off and after a few km’s the bunch began to settle down and I was able to move through the pack to the front. With about 40km to the finish someone crashed uphill in front of me and then someone fell sideways on to me. This then caused me to stall and I didn’t get back on the bunch. Shortly after I got a stomach ache and I wasn’t sure if I was going finish within the time cut.
Thankfully I finished with time to spare!
I was feeling much better for the start of stage two!
Once again being able to ride up at the front of the stage, I stayed there for most of the race. The road to the finishing circuit was a relatively long descent which strung the field out, this dictated the race on to the finishing circuit. Due to the finishing circuit being like a town centre crit the field split and I found myself in the second group, which ended up being the 3rd group at the finish as the front group split on the last lap.
Positioning myself fairly well for the finish I attempted to sprint and was 7th in my group.
I was pleased with my ride and it was a great experience for my first UCI stage race.
I would love to go back!
A huge thank you to The Racing Chance Foundation for giving me the opportunity to race in Norway as well as the support from Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge.