I woke up at 2am and peeped outside... Pouring rain, howling dogs and enough lightening to power a city. Don't get me wrong, I love storms - but not on a race day! We loaded the car and all squeezed inside, to drive a mere 25km to the race. By the time we got there all rugged up in leg warmers and full kit, we saw nothing but dry roads, and the sun peeping from behind the clouds. Oh well, at least we weren't under dressed!

 I met Tim on the start line, who also rides for FiT. We discussed some sort of game plan, to not take on the big names, but try and enhance my Giro Del Capo preperation. I hoped to make a few showings in breakaway attempts, and maybe even fly solo for a spell, but that would be decided on how my legs felt. (My coach had made a solid attempt to kill me, with a half hour ITT over 4 climbs of 11% gradient, all done on an indoor bike earlier in the week.

I've grown tired of sitting in the middle of the field and dealing with development riders seemingly rehearsing some sort of circus act, while the rest of us simply want to start. I sat in front, and for some sponsor coverage I remained on the front for the first 5km or so. i saw a shadow move up the right hnd side of my field of vision, so I jumped ahead and met the rider before he managed to break free. Following this were endless attacks but none too successful. We were headed for the climbs around Heidelberg, where I hoped to try my luck.

to cut a long story and countless attacks short, we dropped loads of riders as they struggled to maintain pace with the main field. With the field almost halved, we hit the final few corners and made like hell for the finish line. I was positioned nicely mid field, behind some reputable lead out riders. My plan was to hold their wheel and be dragged up field once the line was in sight. My plan sort of worked, as I made my way to top 20, where I finished somewhere thereabouts.

I'm preparing for the Giro Del Capo this week, and am hoping my first road tour will be one to remember!

http://www.girodelcapo.co.za/ for more info on the Tour