Daryl’s wishes have been granted – he got some Woolies rusks! While he’s loving the SA support, the neutral zone has been incredibly stressful (yes, you read that right). Today, it’s 42km of pain.
- By Daryl Impey
Big news! A kind gentleman by the name of Pierre came to our rescue yesterday with some Woolies Rusks and my roomie Brett Lancaster was just as thrilled as I was. I also got a chance to speak with some SA fans at the start and it was good to see the flag around the route. It’s sad that Robbie is not here, I miss that morning laughter in the group.
Anyway, yesterday there was no time for any jokes. It was on from the “0 KM” board and in one line until it split into many groups. I found myself in a respectable group and just rode into the finish. All that was on my mind was saving energy and avoiding the time cut. I was actually disappointed that we could have saved more time but rather safe than sorry. It’s amazing, the neutral zone (when we all line out behind the race official’s car) is sometimes the most stressful. Yesterday it was the only thing holding guys back. Everyone hard on the brakes, not giving up position because they know that as soon as the “KM 0″ sign comes everybody will try to get into the break and you can’t even try if you are at the back because it is so hard and fast that you are forced to hold the wheel in front of you. That being said, yesterday could have been worse for us.
How impressive is Chris Froome?! Looks like my prediction of him being on the podium is pretty good. It just shows you how hard work and determination pays off. Massive congratulations to him, he is having a great Tour. He deserves it too.
I’m on the way to start of my 42km pain session but I’ll be riding it and not looking for any standout performance. Although I can sometimes pull a good one, I think I’m out of my depth here so I’d rather just save energy and have a dip somewhere else in the TDF. My prediction: Cancellara 1st, 2nd Wiggens , 3rd Froome.
And finally rest day tomorrow :)
- 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
Good day Daryl
Well done on the last days of the ride. I see you not haning and sucking wheels, you lead as well. We are proud of you man. Keep it up and stay on the bike. Good luck for the rest of the tour. You will make it pal!
Regards
Pieter
You’re awesome!! Very proud!! xoxoxo
Great so far Darryl, keep it up! Agree Froome is have a fantastic ride so far. Predict he could win overall if Wiggins fades. Hope Froome at least gets an podium finish but depends on team tactics.
Hello Sir,
Sounds like you are a bit tired, but with that goes experience and you are showing great experience by choosing and picking your battles and deciding what day is best for not only your own ride but the ride for the team. Great job.
Froome, I would agree with you that he will make the podium and show the world how great a rider he truly is.
Keep up your great attitude, race hard when you need to and carry your team and flag with pride.
Best of luck,
Yehuda
Hey Daryl
From 1 fellow Impey to another, I say hi and goodluck! Am rooting for you! Good luck & enjoy :)
Angie