Yesterday at the start of stage 18 from Bourg d'Oisans, I had a chance to stroll around the buses to check out the boys before they headed out for their sign in and start. Team CSC had a major crowd, so I swung by to visit the Boulder based team, Garmin Chipotle. The team physiologist, Alan Lim, was outside. I told him that I had checked out his rice cake recipe online, which he cooks for the riders when they're on the bike. I asked him if the guys really liked the egg, ham, rice, and soy sauce concauction and he said the guys love it. He quickly jumped in the bus and pulled out a sample for me to try. It was actually really gross! But what a nice guy, huh!
There's something about a man in spandex. These boys are so cute! I was thinking about how I could jump one of the podium girls in Paris so I could have a chance to get a kiss. The boys all look super thin. It shows in their face and in their arms. Here I am out riding less than a third of their distances each day at a touring pace and I feel exhausted and constantly hungry. It's a very humbling realization. These men are the absolute best in the world. Not only are they talented, but they sacrifice a lot of pain and dedication to compete at this level. I've been reading various news sites and many of them speak about the phsycological component that only a select few have. It's the mental toughness that only the elete riders possess. Reports say that both Carlos and Christian Vande Velde are among the riders that carry this rare strength. What a gift...
Today we rode Col de la Forclaz and Col de Leschaux. 72k in total with roughly 4050 ft of climbing. We stopped in the town of Annecy, which is absolutely devine. There's a lake in the middle of town that is as clear as Lake Tahoe. We're staying in Talloires, at Abbaye de Talloires. If I ever return to France, I'm coming here again. It has been my favorite stop thus far.
We have a wine tasting in an hour, so I better run. Thanks everyone for your comments on the blog. It has been really special to share this experience with you.
Kimmy
3 comments:
don't forget, the elites have the advantage of team doctors to aid with recovery: IVs, special diets, massage, and other recovery aids.
Alan Lim is a great guy. super-smart (about a lot more than just cycling) and funny, too.
Hi Kim,
Earlier this week I sent the URL for your blog to the folks at College Heights. It is fascinating to read your commentary on the Tour.
George in Berkeley
Funny this post on Argyle appeared today. This morning's Versus coverage of Stage 19 has a fluff piece about Garmin-Chipotle and the Argyle. Most of it consisted of guys on the team saying they loved it because women liked it.
When do you watch the pro guys again?
Post a Comment