Stage 3 - Break out your climbimg legs

Stage 3 - 67 miles, 6600 feet of elevation, lots of pain. We woke up early as we had to pick up our packets before rolling out at 9:00. We left the crib around 7:15 to head to the start. Our Director Sportif, aka Big Dirty immediately went to work on Derek's bike as we found that they were not going to do roll outs on Jr riders. After getting set up, we went for a little ride to warm up before the race. The course is about 19 miles and starts out with a 10 mile climb. It's not that it's that steep, but it goes on for what seems like forever. The pack rolled out on time and after a nice easy roll-out, the pace started to pick up. The pack immediately was cut in half. J, Derek, and Andy made the first climb together with the rest of us in various groupettos behind the main pack. The backside descent is absolutely awesome with lots of twists and turns and after a little work, Travis caught back on. Lap 2 started the neutral feed and out savior Dirty was there to save the day, handing off ice cold water and coke to the killer tomatoes. The pack continued to cruise up the hill and was whittled down even further. Travis lost contact with the group for good and Andy started cramping due to the heat. J and D-Rock continued to look strong riding within the main group. Lap 3, a solo attack goes off and puts 2 minutes into the pack. Everyone else maintains position. Travis catches up with Andy who is cramping pretty bad at this point. Last lap, the pack starts attacking each other, and spreads out. J comes in 18th for the 2's, Derek finishes only :58 secs down at 14th in the 3's which he's looking to make that up on the TT tomorrow. After the race, it was back to the crib to shower, eat, rest. Around 5, the crew headed into town to get some groceries and frappacinos. Back at the crib, we enjoyed a boat load of Cucina Fresca pasta (you get yours at www.cucincafresca.com), bbq'd salmon and salad. But the best was yet to come as once Dirty was done cleaning up, began rubbin down the legs of everyone followed by a date with the hot tub and a cold bath. Tomorrow is the TT. Stay tuned!