So the trip ended, and so ended the
roller coaster. Imagine a roller coaster that takes you to heights,
takes a severe free fall to get up to speed and then, derails in the
first loop – and does so in a spectacular manner. So was the ending
to my trip.
We competed in UCI Europe Tour races in
severe heat in southernmost Poland. In fact, official recommendation
by some instances was to avoid physical exertion due to excessive
heat. Of course, the racing was on. My problem wasn't the heat, it
may have exaggerated my underlying problems, but definitely played no
major factor. I was happy how I coped with it. Yet again I came to
face my personal issues with criterium type of racing and harvesting
season. The races were over before they really started from my part.
I have to state that I was about
survive the initial surge in the first race, when it comes to the
above mentioned challenges. I overcame the blocked breathing and
found some ease in the back of the peloton, and then came the
derailment. A guy in front of me slipped in a right hander and
blocked my riding line. I was forced to crash since hopping on
pavement and making a sharp right was not within possibilities. So, I
hopped on pavement and quickly chose the best option to crash on. The
options were a milestone, electric wire post, fence or bush. I opted
for the bush and escaped with a scratch or two. However, one of them
was bleeding and I was taken to ambulance, which was one of the most
interesting rides I've ever experienced. I got my wounds checked and
then was left at the finish line, where I finally found my bike as
well. Lucky escape.
The second race was plain and simply
over due to – yeah, you know it, and it is not worth describing.
Frustrated and disappointed we drove home through the Baltic states.
A day of feeling jet lagged was in the plan, but then it was back to
basics.
Since, then I've tested and
experimented with things cycling wise and there may soon be some good
news on the professional front as well. More on that later though.
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