Starting with a speed-controlled rolling mass start, the race immediately kicks you in the teeth by sending you up a 3km pitch that averages 12% and has sections that approach 16%! This road may be classified as "Hors Catégorie"—approximately 16km at a brutal 8% average grade. It hurts, but that is part of the challenge!
The weather was perfect-nice and hot-perfect for having to work hard! I like it hot, because my muscles work better.The road wasn't all climbing, as there was some downhills and flat stretches where I could get into the Time Trialing position and make up some time!I was really happy that we have the new jerseys that open up wide, because I had it open all the way up! I slowly passed some of the slower riders at the start, and then just got into my own rhythm of climbing. It helped to have Guns n Roses blasting in my ears, too!
When I finally got to the top, and saw the finish line, I let out a big War Whoop, because I finally conquered a race that I've been wanting to do for a long time!I even managed a fairly fast sprint and raised my hands across the finish line! It took me 1:16:22, and I came in 3rd in my age group-45-49! Good enough for a Bronze. I didn't see it going up, but, there was also a Bear standing at the side of the road, watching as the riders ahead of me went by!!
Incidentally, it only took me 20 mins to come down, and I descended at 78 Kms/hr.