Monday’s crazy-hard stage, the ‘rest day’, the monster stage today and why this race gets the respect it deserves!
- By Daryl Impey
Ok I think its time for me to start respecting this race a bit more. Stage 15 was one of the hardest starts I have ever had in my life before. I started right near the front and, as we hit “KM 0″ I went straight from the front to the back where I stayed for the next 40km. It was twisty, up and down and in single file. I eventually got my way to the front and tried to get into a move as I thought everyone was tired by that stage but all I did was put myself back into the red zone. Thank goodness those 5 got away and things settled as I was in a lot of pain and suffering at that point. In the morning I thought “not long till we get to Paris” but in that moment I was even wondering whether I would see Paris. I got through the day and Lotto wanted us to ride because they wanted a sprint but we said no, none of us were feeling great and it was maybe time they took control like we did 2 days before without any help and they reaped the rewards.
Well yesterday’s rest day was really nice and I got a chance to sleep in and also catch up on an afternoon nap. I also did a 2.5hr ride as I have learnt from the Giro that 30mins on the rollers was just not enough, I paid for it the next day. So I did a longish ride with a couple of efforts and finished off with 15mins on the rollers to get a real sweat going. At this point I don’t want my body to get into the recovery mode as it will take a long time to get out of it.
I feel really sorry for my roomie Brett Lancaster who crashed a few times in the Tour and was forced to abandon the day before the rest day. It was unfortunate that the start was so hard as we will miss him in the lead out this year but I am sure his glute will recover from the crash (poor guy was basically riding with one leg). What a top guy he is, always sacrificing for the team.
greenedgecycling.comTo everyone who read my blogs and post messages of support to me and Orica Greenedge, thanks very much. It is really appreciated and keeps me going. Today we have the Tourmalet, Col d Aubisque, Col d’Aspin and Col de Peyresourde which is going to a thrilling race to watch between the GC contenders. Maybe some kinks in the armour today, we’ll see how kind the rest day has been to everyone. I have attached a picture of what I have been staring at all morning for you guys, enjoy!
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
really have enjoyed reading Daryl’s blogs. Great insight into what it takes to be a TDF rider. Well done Daryl, you have made us all very proud.
You are a true inspiration to SA cyclist showing what true commitment can get you. Congrats on a great tour thus far.
Hello Daryl, come on friend. You do very well and once the TDF is over and you back home you can proudly say I DONE IT! You do very well. Keep your head cool, lift the spirit and go for it. Good luck for you and the team with today’s race.
Daryl I think you have done brilliant thus far. Well done!! It is so great to see the South African flag flying high at the TDF.
Daryl, you are a tough sportsperson and your efforts for your team are admirable. The insight which you provide makes me respect your prowess even more. Well done on flying the SA flag high. Viva Madiba.
PS Your blogging skills will make many sports journalists jealous. Keep it up.
Keep up the good work Daryl. We are all rooting for you and the team, even with the Aussie flavour. We pray for safe riding and get over your cold quickly; nothing worse than feeling off colour in a big mountain stage. Fly the flag with pride.
Wow Daryl,
You are an inspiration. I mean look at this points clasification so far:
#9 – Daryl Impey (RSA) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team – 84 – blimey this is good!
Thank you for always taking the time to blog. It seems many of us read it and it inspires meto clip in and ride and never give up.
Well done and we will look out for you today!
Well done again Daryl (got the spelling of your name right this time – apologies) keep going, Sunday is just around the corner! Just think of the great atmosphere on the Champs Élysées
and enjoy it. You deserve all the praise and respect from your team, media and public.
Hello Sir,
Way to go in keeping your head in the game, taking the initiative in starting up front even though you were feeling soooo tired. I along with all the rest of your fans are quite impressed with your drive, understanding of the race, and most importantly your dedication to your team. I myself could not imagine just going out for a quick 2.5 hour ride and then 15 minutes on the rollers the day before another stage, you and the rest of the tour riders are just so fantastic to be able to perform as such. Hang in there for the next few days, Paris is just around the corner as well as the final sprints that I am sure you will do great in.
Respectfully yours,
Yehuda
No matter what happens, to us, you’ve already won. So proud of you.
And all the riders who make it to the end of this magnificent event are worthy of tremendous support and respect. Hope your cold hasn’t gotten any worse. Good luck for the last three days.
We are so proud. VASBYT Daryl! You are a true example of what a South-African boy can do!!!!
Thanks for being there for all of us. It really makes watching TDF a pleasure. And to see you doing so well to boot. We have seen a number of SA flags. It must be gratifying for you to know that you are being supported every step of the way.