Nearly missing today’s cut-off, Daryl reckons today was his hardest day ever on a bike, but all the great saffer support is keeping him motivated.
- By Daryl Impey
Two big days in the mountains have just passed us and I am relieved. Yesterday went pretty well and I got through the day relatively easy but today was another story. On from the word go and once we hit the first HC climb of the day it was just in pieces. I had some great legs and managed to climb with the leaders up the Madelaine but got dropped on the 2nd HC of the day. I thought that I was well ahead of the grupetto so rode the next two climbs a bit easier but I am glad I did because had I not I would still be riding. Anyhow the grupetto caught my group on the final climb and we got word that we had to finish within 35min of the winners otherwise be eliminated. So 10km to go, it was a race from behind to make the cut. I was seeing stars at the finish today but we made it within 2mins, so we couldn’t have gone much slower. There were guys sprinting in who had been dropped to avoid getting kicked off the Tour. Today I realised why it is the hardest race out there. The field is just so strong, one bad day and you could be well on your way. Thank goodness I had good legs today. I still don’t even know who won.
I met one of the nicest groups of Saffa fans out there today at the finish. They were on top of Colombier yesterday too. They have done it properly, dressed from head to toe in SA flags and their camper fan is also decorated in our flag. I asked my team if they saw them today to give them something for their support. They gave them some VIP passes for tomorrow’s stage to show how much we appreciate their support. I really love seeing the flag out there and it motivates me when I hear my name being shouted. The Tour is special and I am slowly falling in love with this race.
Tomorrow is another big day and we’re hoping for an easier start although that won’t happen. We’ll try and keep Sagan in the main group so he doesn’t try snap up any points and then hopefully on Saturday we’ll have a go for the sprint again. Right now I’m just putting the feet up and waiting for my massage after the race, I need one so badly. I can feel we have done 11 stages, my body is starting to show some signs of fatigue but then again so is everyone else, except for Froome. Man, he is moving well. I think he is going to win it and I also hope he does.
Anyway, rest and recover is what’s left of the day. Time to relax and wait for dinner time.
Daryl Impey
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Riding his first Tour de France, Daryl is only the third South African ever to have raced at the Tour. He will be blogging exclusively for Bicycling for the Tour’s duration. Log on daily for his blogs from inside the peloton and behind the scenes in France. Follow him on twitter @darylimpey
Daryl- you are such a champion. You ride with such conviction and courage and commitment – a true professional. We are so proud of you and your allegiance to your team and country. South Africa is lucky to be able to name you as one of its very best cyclists. Good luck for the rest of your tour- thanks for your wonderful updates.
Hang tough Daryl. You and Robbie are inspirational riders that set such a good example for young Saffa riders to follow. Can remember commentating at the under 16 tours and announcing your arrival. Now look at the stage you are performing on. Good luck and may your legs last until Paris.
Hey Daryl,
You may not know it but you have group of fans here that really admire what you are doing. We are with you all the way, and just to mention your points are looking awesome!!! #19 today! Wow, that is quite something. Keep strong!
Hey Daryl,
Keep the SA Flag Flying, I’m sure Tony is very proud of you..!!
as are all your SA Supporters..
As you probably know if you have ever ridden in the Karoo,
remember the chant of all the Children ” HOE BENE HOU ”
See you on the Champs-Elysées in Paris..!
Hi Daryl, Well done again friend. You guys are still in the tour. We are convident that you will stay there. You are champs. Keep up the VASBYT!! and good cycling friend.
Regards
Pieter
Hello Sir,
Wow, great job on keeping your head in the game and realizing that you needed to make the biggest move of your Tour thus far, to make the cut off. I could not imagine being in your shoes, having trained so hard, riding with the best of the best and then just having to hang on to make it to the next stage. Great move on keeping the legs fresh after the first climb, that is truly a real pro thinking and it paid off for you. Nice work. Okay, go get some points now, keep Sagan in your cross hairs, and yes, I too believe Froome (even the name sounds fast and furious) will take the tour, that is unless Wiggins has another stellar day on the mountains or TT stages, then it will just be all bets off.
Take care, be safe, keep the rubber side down,
Yehuda
Great job Daryl.
I love seeing the SA flag on the tour and its a pleasure to read your blogs.
Rob
New York. (ex Cape Town)
I took m bike over and did my first ever Argus this year at age 61!
Hey Daryl…you are our Champion. Those ‘Saffers’ are from our club and have the privalege of seeing you honour our country with your awesome riding….!! ride strong and enjoy every minute of the tour. We of the ‘Sunward Slipstreamers’ , salute you..!!
www.slipstreamers.weebly.com