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Written by Adam Craig
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Sunday, 29 May 2005 |
 Houffalize is a classic. Thats it. Steep hard climbs and rough and ready descents through the Ardennes forest. Beautiful little village in a beautiful little valley, and they love their World Cup. Tons of people. The race pretty much was less than optimal for me. Luck of the draw at the start saw me on the side of the pack that was awkwardly falling on itself on the gravel start climb and letting the other side of the pack ride on by. First lap I was in the 50s. Sweet, considering I had felt great the day before and was hoping to uncork one.
I accepted the situation and set about moving forward, which I was doing slowly, as the legs weren't so good... After a few laps I was up in the low 30's and getting myself together for a decent last couple laps (of 7). Then I paid the price of finally being out of traffic and bombing descents with reckless abandon, hitting some bumps a bit too hard and bending a important component. I stopped, did some loosening and bending, and got it sorted out, but not until most of the guys I had passed got me back. Starting again in the mid 50's, I felt a bit better, and kind of ticked, and made it back up to 40th before the finish.
Not sweet, but what are you going to do? Rest up and try again next week in Germany. After that it's back to the States, so that will be nice.
Hope all is well there, or wherever.
Adam |
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