TOUR OF EGAT 2007 REPORT FROM TEAM SONIC CATHERINE RAYNE

Re: Sonic Sports - Thailand Bike Race
Well the truth is hard to know where to start!!

Multi stage racing is certainly an experience although I'm not sure there were many moments I would have called fun!!

Although in some respects it was very well organised, communication was very piecemeal so I felt like I spent most of the first two days trying to chase what was going on. By the end we had a pretty smooth routine and felt like we'd been doing this together for years!

Having said that the first nights hotel was lovely and we started with a pre-race dinner buffet on the outdoor terrace overlooking the river. We were all in bed by 9:30 to rest up for the 5:30 wake up call.

Next morning we had to pack up and put our bags away and cycle to the Egat headquarters where the race started. It was good to have a chance to warm up but still had to wait about half an hour for registration and the helicopters with the media to arrive so we could start!!! I was very nervous and had no idea what to expect but was cheered by the news that we had a 14km 'neutral zone' before they separated us for the category starts.

The rest of my 'team' was in the 30-39 group so I was very much on my own, however as there were only four girls out of 140odd competitors we were put with the 50+s. I held a fond hope that this might mean they wouldn't be as competitive, but only in relative terms! Straight off from the gun the politics started, manoevring for position, breakaways, mad sprints, breaking draft lines and everyone doing their best not to 'pull'. The first day was 105km and I managed to keep up with the peleton until the last 20km where they broke away at 55kph+ and of course completely taking me by surprise. I soon discovered that not only do you have to watch the road in front of you, the cyclist arounds you and in front, but also legs of the front of the peleton as the only notice you have of a break away is tightened legs muscles and suddenly the've accerated 20kph in 3 seconds! Amazing

The second day I was starting to get the hang of it a bit more but still hated the politics - its so frustrating to have to slow down to 20 only to shoot off at 55 within a couple of seconds - not something that I had trained for and all my lovely base training was absolutely useless. Neither had I trained to go 30 up hills so was soon lost on the second day. The Thai lady blatantly cheated to come third grrr as well as drafting me for 50km then shooting past me at the last 100metres but I knew at that point that I was much stronger so wasn't too worried about losing her on the hills the next day.

The third stage was definately the hardest with pouring, blinding rain, gusting winds and 50kms of hills. It was also the most pleasant as we left the main roads and winded our way through the hills on a narrow country lanes. Was fighting for second for about half the race but hard to know as my competitor had got a flat tyre and had been taken up the pack by moped - I think they were trying to make sure she wasn't penalised for the flat but I sure would have loved a bit of a rest and a ride up a few of those hills!!! The Thai lady dropped out at this stage so I knew i was guaranteed at least 3rd place!!

Although the first two days had felt pretty easy after the hills I was getting tired and just wanted to get the award ceremony and lunch over with as quickly as possible. Even so I managed to get at least 10 minutes run in after each stage so my brick training didn't suffer. Everyday we had to stop by and pick up the boys at the next finish (about 40km on) and then go on to the elite finish (another 30km) where we had lunch and the award ceremonies for the stage. We then went on to the hotel where we had to unpack, get the bikes and wash our clothes for the next. Somehow the days were really busy and there wasn't as much time to relax as I was expecting. The third day we had checked into our rooms and everything when they told us we were at the wrong hotel! I think we were all ready to cry. Nevertheless after a nice hot bath and a little nap we were ready for the goodbye banquet with music, entertainment and a showing of the race video. I am a celebrity!! ha ha

By the fourth day about a third of the race participants had dropped out, we were now a small band indeed, and breakaways were less dramatic as everyone was tired. however we were still cruising at 35-45 for over two hours with only a few breaks where we slowed down a bit. We then separated as we attacked the last 8km to the finish line - straight up hill and absolutely relentless. I was so pleased to have my little police escort as it meant I could zigzag across the road to my hearts content. I have no idea how far I was behind the other girls but was just so pleased to have finished my first bicycle tour!! 100 + 90 + 90 + 100

We just had time to change, pack the bikes and collect our awards before we had to rush back to Bangkok to catch our flights home. The reservoir where we finished had amazing views and made me realise how high we had climbed in the last two days. An excellent feeling of accomplishment.

I would definately recommend Sonic takes a team next year as if there is enough of you it doesn't matter what the rest of the pack is doing. It is fully supported and each peleton has several water carriers and spare wheelsets. The roads are cleared, the course is clearly marked and everyone is kept track of by walkie talkie so you will never get lost or left behind. Each team has a van with a Thai interpreter and driver. They check you in hotels, help you organise your stuff, take you to dinner and basically babysit you and treat you like royalty. For me as a vegetarian there wasn't enough to eat and you are responsible for taking your own nutrition and sports drinks but considering that this is run and organised by keen amateurs its an amazing deal for 1200HKD. I met some lovely people and learnt so much - it will certainly be an experience I will never forget.

These races need your support to survive and I hope I can inspire a few of you to consider joining next year.

If I can do it- anybody can

See you at Tour Egat 2008

CATHERINE RAYNE TEAM SONIC SPORTS HONGKONG

TOUR OF EGAT 2006 REPORT FROM TEAM ANZA

RACING REPORT FROM TEAM ANZA

Anti Drugs Tour 2007Anti Drugs Tour 2007

: Racing: Anti Drugs Tour of Thailand April 2006 - Race Reports & Results

Saturday, April 8
Anti Drugs Tour of Thailand April 2006 - Race Reports & Results
Sent in Daily by Big Col Stage 1, Anti-Drugs Tour, Thailand Facts: - 120km including 25km neutralised - rolling climbs all the way with 3 decent climbs - about 100 starters - 2 races, Open and 30-39 then Masters started a few minutes later - start time around 11am Singapore time - temperature was already 44C in the neutralised section!! ANZA riders Dylan and Colin - Open Seb and Locky - 30-39 Dave - 40-49 In the first race we had to contend with a big semi-pro team - effectively the B squad from the Siam Baru team. Basically 10 thin light fast guys - bugger. Dylan and I got over the 3 main climbs with the front group of about 15. Although we put in a few attacks, you couldn't escape the big team. Eventually Siam Baru let 4 riders away including 2 of theirs and then they controlled everything. Frustratingly no-one would work with us and we lost 3 minutes. I came in seventh and Dylan ninth. But with some hard stages to come we aren't too worried about the time gap. Seb and Locky had a good race and found a nice group to ride with after the tough climbs. They finished safely, about 24 minutes down, and even had the legs to sprint at the end. Dave faired rather worse. He's a bit sick and nearly had to pull out. But there's no stopping Dave and he finished the stage, despite a water shortage, and he only lost 30 minutes. Great effort. Tomorrow A fairly flat 110km stage. We're hoping the big team control it all and it ends in a sprint. Then comes the monster climbing stage on Saturday... arrrggghhh Memories Burning hot water - the water they handed out was the same temperature as us - 45C! Not much use for cooling down and actually nearly burning hot. Trying to eat enough is actually the hardest part. I've felt like vomiting several times today. I never want to see rice or an energy bar again. Our race motto has become "eat till you feel sick then one more". The funniest event actually happened after only a few kms. Dylan turns round to Seb and says "why don't you attack to get things going". Amazingly and stupidly, with 90km and 3 climbs in 45C heat to go, Seb does what he's told. I was so stunned by the idea I sat and watched his suicide unfold without stopping him.. Unbeknowst to Brave and Intrepid Seb as he redlines it, the first climb suddenly appeared and he got caught and dropped, never to be seen again. Great tactical advice from Dylan there. Already being marked down as a potential team manager in his retirement. Will report tomorrow on how the 110km and 2kg of rice went down. Cheers Colin Stage 2 of the Anti-Drugs Tour Today was about 100km total including 10km neutralised. Pretty flat the whole way but still 45C on the road. Overall: after hoping for a nice steady ride in the bunch we were all sorely disappointed to be in a race that blew apart. The tired legs on the start were much more tired by the end. Colin's race: After a few attacks early on, a few guys escaped but nothing too threatening. The only danger was number 10, a Siam Bara rider on the same time as Dylan and I. After 8km a few guys attacked and I tried to get across without getting any attention. Mission accomplished except I found a bunch of 8 other guys all looking at each other and not working very hard. I managed to get 2 to work with me but after a few kms they stopped again. I rode the front a bit, looked back and saw they couldn't even agree who was going to sit on my wheel. I attacked and left them. By now number 10 had a couple of minutes on me but there were long straights so I had a carrot. It took me 20 minutes to ride him down. We spent the next 70kms working well together, taking equal pulls and holding about 40kph steady. We built a 5 minute lead over the next group so I knew we would be the leaders overall. Tactically I didn't want to be in the lead tomorrow and have to defend against the huge team so I let the other guy win and claim the extra bonus seconds. Hope I don't regret that later! Now I'm in second place, 6 seconds behind the leader and 90 seconds ahead of 3rd. Dylan Too busy eating to type. He says it was a frustrating day (between mouthfuls). Think he's on his 7th plate of food since the race - no joke. And there are still 2 more plates in front of him! Seb Stayed with the bunch and helped control things for colin and dylan. Was very stop start with short sprints followed by slowing down to nearly stand still. Evebtualy the legs could not sprint again. Came in nice and easy lost 3 min. Locky Had a better day on the bike being relatively flat helped. Got myself involved in most of the breaks trying to keep myself close to the yellow jersey, who was doing no work what so ever... Got away with Dylan about the 70km mark however the bunch had other ideas. Final got sucked up but the pleleton which was a lot smaller, Dylan attached again but my category did not follow. 5 of us sprinted in ... Long story short there was a bike length between me and a podium position, ended the day 4th, 5th overall on GC. Big day tomorrow...! Dave Still sick so he had a tough day. Although he got in the leading break he couldn't finish. Tomorrow: is full of climbs including 2 huge ones. Wish us luck! The ANZA Tour Team Stage 3 - a pretty brutal day! The course was 131km including 11km neutralised. It was fairly flat for 70km until a big hard climb that took about 20mins (and 99% of what was left in your legs after 2 days). Then it was gently rolling for 20kms then it got bad. The last 30km was continuous sharp climbs and descents ending with another 15 minute climb out of valley plus about another 5 sharp climbs before the finish. And it was still 45C! Colin: Dylan, Locky and Seb did a sterling job keeping it together until the first climb. Only one threatening guy escaped and I knew he wouldn't get much time before the climb. Loads of guys went flying past on the climb but I knew they were going too hard. I kept it steady and went over the top 3rd and worked hard on the descent to bridge to the leaders who had taken out 40 secs. By the bottom I was in a group of 4, the top 4 on GC! The only problem was the other 3 all rode for the same team. I could see what was coming from the second we got together. We rode together for a few kms before they attacked me. Luckily I was strong enough to defend and only their yellow jersey was really strong at that point. But with 30km to go we hit the hard part. They started the games again taking turns attacking me. I defended a few times but then blew up. Then they all jumped me and rode off. That was at 15km to go. That might not sound a lot but there were about 10 smallers climbs then the big one, oh, and then another 5 or so. I lost all enthusiam at that point and lost 5 mins. I finished 4th. And I'm now 4th overall, 1min 40 down on 3rd. Seb: nice steady first 70km. Enjoyed the fact we did not need to sprint every 5min. Then we hit the big climb. Decided to go my own pace and ended up doing the rest of the stage on my own. Had great fun on the desents and hateing the climbs. The last climb was a world of pain. Hardest day on a bike, again. Locky: Felt good today, so good I decided to fly off the front 3 times hoping to get a few to come with me and also get some TV time, failed on both fronts...! The last flyer off the front I managed to stay away for 5km then realised I had another 85km to go and decided that it was a bit to time trial the rest... Then the hills hit, too hilly too hot all resulting in a 55km individual time trial crossing the line not knowing what day it was! Not sure placing, GC should not have changed. Looking forward to a flat day tomorrow, not sure the sprinting legs are feeling the same way. Dylan: he's waiting on food so too preoccupied to type. He got over the first climb in the second group and attacked on his own near the finish. Or so he thought. After a long solo he came upon the 10km to go sign about where he expected the finish. just before the hardest section. He promptly cramped on the climb and limped home. Dave: sat on the front for 70km, again, then cramped, again, and caught a bus home, again. Flat but long day tomorrow then home.... The ANZA Tour Team Stage 4 - Its over, thank god. First the stage report then a final reckoning. The stage was 128km with only 5km neutralised. Although it was overcast and cooler (35C) at the start, it was sunny after an hour and 42C in the shade. Thankfully I didn't check on the bike, but it must have been well over 45C in the sun. We were told it was flat today. Maybe it was if you had fresh legs, or compared it to yesterdays 47 climbs. After some rolling hills in the first 30km we went up a 10km drag into the wind that did a lot of guys in. Proof that it wasn't flat came on the other side. I hit 79kph on the descent and it lasted several minutes at that speed. Flat stage? Yeah right. Colin and Dylan: mission number 1 was to protect Colin's 4th place on GC from a few guys who were within a few minutes. Mission 2 was to try to get away and steal a couple of minutes to get third place. We both worked hard chasing breaks to protect 4th. There was a steady stream of attacks. We both got away at times. Siam Bara knew we were both threats and they chased us hard every time. Although we probably had some of the strongest legs left in the bunch, we had 8-10 Siam Bara guys and a few other GC rivals to contend with. In the end it was too much to ask to steal time back. Defending 4th was hard enough! The plan was to get to 80km then start attacking. That we did. Col was closed down fast every time he twitched or reached for his bottle but they let Dylan away with 30km to go. The plan was for Col to cross but he had about 10 Thais stuck to his wheel. So Col worked hard defending Dylan's break, chasing everyone that attacked. Then he rode tempo on the front to prevent more attacks. Dylan had 3 companions in the break, one of whom dropped off. Unfortunately the other 2 got him in the sprint but 3rd place was worth the effort. Col, determined to shake his reputation as the worlds worst sprinter, concentrated hard and got 6th in the bunch sprint (probably his best ever sprint result) and came 9th on the stage. Col kept his 4th overall. Seb and Locky: both worked hard at the start but the hard stages before and the brutal "flat" roads took their toll. They, along with many others, dropped off with 50km to go and they rode in together. Seb says it was his hardest day on a bike but he's said that every day! Locky had a close call with the Bangalore Boy (more below), coming down a decent at +65km he cuts in the inside then cuts in front, when the heart got back to under 200bpm I decided to have a quiet word with him, perhaps not so quiet, half the peleton turned around to see what was going on... Dave: Masters was about 30km shorter than Open/30s but still a hard race. He earned himself a few beers by working hard for a couple of friends he made. Basically he chased all the attacks until he blew up near the end. Mission accomplished though as his pals got the results they needed. The final reckoning: Bear in mind in the following that there is a 30min cut-off each day. If you fail to finish within the time limit then you are off GC (although you can still start the next day). Just staying on GC is one helluva an achievement given the speed, heat, climbs, distance and competition. I guess less than half the hundred starters finished on GC. Colin: 7th, 2nd, 4th and 9th on the stages, 4th overall Dylan: picked up a 3rd and 9th on stages, not bad for a man who is sick, also finished on GC. Plus one outstanding result explained below. Seb: came 5th overall in the 30-39 category, actually his first ever cycling prize, great effort. Obviously he stayed on GC Locky: 4th and 6th on stages, 6th overall in the 30-39 category, again on GC Dave: should have been in bed sick rather than stage racing. As usual he put in a huge effort until he succumbed each day. The result of the above in terms of hardwear is a number of attractive plates. Let us know if you need some new crockery. Other successes: The following inter-team rivalry has been hidden until now but its time to show and tell (only coz we won). There is a team from India here - known to us as the Bangalore Boys. Number 2 rides what looks like a 1960's Bob Jackson frame with similarly aged components. Think he borrowed most of his kit and other stuff from his great grandfather. He took one upside down water bottle each day and was never seen to drink from it (we don't know why either). He was never seen eating on the bike. Water seemed to be his fuel of choice. But so what I hear you cry. By stage 3 he had eeked out a lead over Dylan of several minutes. Yes, Bangalore Boy was leading a guy riding a Litespeed with Dura Ace and Mavic Carbon Cosmics. He was leading a guy who had every energy drink, gel and sports supplement known to man. Someone who takes his nutrition, hydration and post-race recovery very seriously and who has better fashion - or at least kit bought this side of the Great War. But Bangalore Boy never finished stage 4 within the time limit. Rumours that his bike expired are surely untrue. Our version is that Dylan's brutal attack made him realise his dream of beating Dylan was over and he drifted in outside the time limit. Whatever the truth, Dylan beating Bangalore Boy is surely our greatest triumph. The ANZA Tour Team
Handout: Anti Drugs tour of Thailand 2006

The Past Winners of Tour of Egat over the google search 2

MR ANDREA QUARANTA (ITALY)

Bamboo-Lake-Village

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291 Moo 2 - Sanpakwan - 50230 Chiang Mai - Hand Dong District - Thailand
Email: Reservation2007@bamboo-lake-village.com

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Our Racing Bike Driver Andrea:

- Andrea Quaranta (Italia):
- 48 years, most about 36.000 km/Year
- stay here like holyday since 17 years,
- he really know every corner arround Chiang Mai, speaking also Thai and will be availible for heavy long tours also with surpricing locations

Cycle Experiance:
• 02.02.2008 (2551): 257 km Race - Saraburi to Petchaburi - 1. Place (40-49) of 45 - 5. Place (all) of 100
  
  
• 12.08.2007 (2550) - Road Race 20 km - 1. Place (41-50)
  
  
• 06.-09.04.2007 (2550): www.thaibiketour.com - 'Anti Drugs Tour' -
  Chom Burg - Kanchanaburi, Kanchanaburi - Sri Sawat, Sri Nagarind Dam - Kanchanaburi;
  - 9. Place (open)
  
  
• 30.04.-03.05.2006 (2549): Tour de EGAT - 3. Place (40-49) - 1. Place (3.5., senior 40-48) - 4. Place (2.5. Runner Up, senior 40-48)
  
  
• 16.10.2005 (2548): Chiang Rai - 'Doi Tung' (Hill Race) - 1. Place (30+)
  
  
• 27.-28.08.2005 (2548): International MTB-Race - 1. Place flat (40-49) - 5. Place hill (40-49)
  
  
• 27.03.2005 (2548): - 4. Place (senior 40-49)
  
  
• 20.02.2005 (2548): 'Team Time Trial' Cycling Promotion Association - Roadracing 40 km - 2. Place (all) - 1. Place (40-49)
  
  
• 21.-24.04.2004 (2547): Tour of EGAT
  Supan Buri - Kanachanaburi, Kanchanaburi - Sri Sawat, Sri Sawat - Kajiralongkam Dam, Kajiralongkam Dam - Three Pagoda Pass;
  - 1. Place (40-49)
  
  
• 06.-09.04.2004 (2547): www.thaibiketour.com - 'Anti Drugs Tour'
  - 12. Place - Nr. 43 - Andreas Quarnta - Team Chiangkhong +30:23
  
  
• 2004 (2547): Tour de EGAT - 15. Place (open)
  
  
• 2004 (2547): 'Rayong King Cup' - 1. Place (all) Foto
  
  

Bilder soweit verfügbar ...
• Siegerehrung Rayong 'King's Cup' 2004:
  

raymond see

The Past Winners of Tour of Egat over the google search

Mr Martin Brot

Team Bauzone, Mondsee, Austria Trainings camp Phuket + Road Bike Tour Bangkok - Phuket, Road Bike - and Triathlon Team Bauzone, Mondsee, Austria, February 2008. Brochure Siam Bike Tour's new brochure has just been published. Download and print out. Coming up in 2008! In autumn 2008 we will offer two new tours. They will both start in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand Tour E: For mountain climbing enthusiasts: from Chiang Mai crossing many passes to Mae Hong Song, including the ascend to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain at 2.595 mt (8.511 ft.) marking the highlight. Date: Nov. 9 - 15, 2008 Description, see: Tour E Tour F: An easy and plain tour from Northern Thailand across Central Thailand to Bangkok. Historical cities on the way like Sukothai, Kamphaeng Phet and Ayuthaya, which has been added to UNESCO's world heritage list. Date: Nov. 21 - Dec 1, 2008 Description, see Tour F The entire schedule and rates for 2008: Dates / Prices Tour A, Bangkok - Phuket Six successful and pleasant tours were accomplished from Bangkok to Phuket, from October 2006 to April 2007. Get more impressions in our Galleries Tour of EGAT 2007 Our newly set up Siam Bike Tours Team took part in the "Tour of EGAT 2007", a 4-day road bike race, from Bangkok via Chainat, Saraburi and Korat to Lum Ta Kong Reservoir, sponsored by the National power provider. Everybody not only had a great time but also a lot great victories could be marked. Here the results in detail: Michael Burkhard (Hanau, Germany) Cat. 50-59 yrs., 6th, 2nd , 2nd , 2nd stage ranks, GC = 2nd overall Surasuk Taweesaman / Nick (Phuket), cat.Open, 15th overall Fritz Oertel (Pattaya) Cat. over 60 yrs., stage ranks: 4th, 2nd, 3rd 4th and 3rd overall Martin Brot (Phuket) Cat. 40-49 yrs., stage ranks: 1st, 5th, 3rd, 1st and 1st overall Somnai Nauprai / Ann (Phuket), Kat. 30-39 yrs. Chitmat Prasert / Utt (Phuket), Kat. 30-39 yrs., GC = 7th overall (from left to right)

Results MTB - and Road races by Martin Brot, 2007 Road races: Egat Tour 1. Rank, 1st stage 1. Rank, 4th stage 3. Rank, 2nd stage 5. Rank, 3rd stage 1. GC MTB - races: 1. Rank, Phuket, Patong - Pronthep 1. Rank, Chainat 1. Rank, Khanom 1. Rank, Hat Yai 1. Rank, Chom Bung / Ratchaburi 1. Rank, Koh Phangan 1. Rank, Phattalung 1. Rank, Khao Mane, Nakhon Si Tammarat 1. Rank, Kho Yao Noi Results MTB - and Road races by Martin Brot, 2006 MTB - races 1. Rank, Nakhon Si Thammarat 1. Rank, 100 km race, Phatthalung 2. Rank, Kings Cup, Had Yai 1. Rank, Khanom 1. Rank, Khian Sa 2. Rank, Karon, Phuket Road Races EGAT - Tour, Bangkok - Bhumiphol Dam 3. Rank, 1st stage 4. Rank, 2nd stage 5. Rank, 3rd stage 3. Rank, 4th stage 2. Rank, GC

JOEL GIRONELLA (Philippines)

TOUR OF EGAT 2006, Thailand May 1, 2006 Inside the 2006 Tour of EGAT (Energy Generating Authority of Thailand) Bike Race by Joel Gironella April 30 - May 3, 2006 4 day stage race, 475 kms Bangkok - Bhumipol Dam A stage race is truly an experience that every aspiring bike racer has to try at least once in his "racing career". It is a 5 to 6 month commitment of training your aerobic and anaerobic zones, of putting yourself close to complete exhaustion and of still pushing those pedals even if it hurts. Having done the same stage race last year, I decided to go back for more. It's like an addiction that you just have to experience one more time. To prepare for this, my program started as early as December 2005 when most of my cyclist friends were either on holiday breaks or have already decided to hang up their cleats till middle of January. I followed a rigid training program, devised from the Cycling Training Bible by Joe "the God" Friel. I have used this program with great success in my previous build to peak sessions and was confident that it will give me the fitness I needed to be competitive. Unfortunately, having a family and a full time job, it didn't all fall into place. Less than half way through, I experienced setbacks in my training program. My work hours became longer while my training hours became shorter. I could not quite put in the quality work outs needed because I was either too tired from work or could only do a shorter ride due to work. Yes, that's the word most hated by cyclists….WORK, WORK, WORK. Worst, I got sick 2 weeks before EGAT and even had to sit out an important POWERBAR race the week before. In all honesty, having come 2nd overall last year, I was not entirely sure how I would fare for this year. But I thought that at the end of the day, it really did'nt matter much because all I really wanted to do was have fun and savor the experience…one more time. Stage 2 150 kms Chainat to Kam Phaeng Phet Although this stage was officially noted as 140kms in the race program, we all somehow registered 150kms in our cyclo computers after the race. Being another flat stage, I thought this would play to my advantage and had high hopes of winning this one. But as my teammate Eric Carandang would say...winning races is 51% ability and 49% luck, this stage proved to be my unlucky day. At km 40, I got a flat from a nail stuck on my brand new Hutchinson tubulars. Fortunately my team car was only a few meters behind and so was able to administer a wheel change in a matter of minutes. I chase the pack and make contact within a few kilometers. The problem was that my spare wheel only had a 12 sprocket which was undergeared for a sprint finish when paired with the 50T chainring I have on my compact cranks. Since I felt good thru out the stage, I tried to attack in the hopes of winning with a small group (I felt I had more chances of winning a sprint against 3-4 guys than in a bunch sprint). But everytime I went, a Rama9/Sawasdee will chase and end my futile attempt. Finally, with a bunch sprint inevitable, I decided to try my luck. At 500 meters to go, I latch on to my teammate (alex billan) who was being led out by his domestique (overall winner ruel gendrano). At 250 meters, I start my sprint and immediately get a gap on the field. I tried dropping the chain down one more time but had no luck; I was already full throttle with my 50x12. Darn, I was willing to forever give up chocolates just to have my 11 sprocket at that moment. Having reached the top rpm I could on my 12, I finally get passed by Tony Harvey of Team Malaysia in the last 20 meters, good enough to win by half a bike length with me ending up in 3rd. I now know how it feels when Mc Ewen blew past pettachi at todays stage (stage 2) of the Giro. Stage 3 95 kms Kam Phaeng Phet to Mae Sot For the mountain climbers and GC riders, this is officially the start of their race, and this stage did not disappoint. My legs still felt quite okay and I even had plans of risking an attack in the hopes of gaining some time and not fall too behind on GC on the climbs. Again, every move I made was checked by a Rama 9 guy. It seems that through out this race I will never have a chance to get away from the peloton. As soon as we made a left at KM 75 near the Burmese border, we hit the major climb of the day. Immediately I was greeted by perhaps the steepest ascent I have seen in a long time. The climbers looked so comfortable and positioned themselves in the front while the sprinters and the heavier guys like me do our sluggish pace at the back. 3 kms into the climb and I was in serious trouble. The ascent was so steep that I could not even spin my 34x25T sitting on the saddle. I had to literally grind it out of the saddle just to move up a few meters of asphalt. You can smell the burnt engines along the way and see cars stalled by the wayside. This climb was no joke and it was definitely deciding the outcome of the race. I finally crest the climb, sweat covered all over my shorts and jersey and go cautious on the downhill. Unlike my teammate, Robin, who hit a top speed of 80kph on the descent, I took my time but still registered a fast 69.5kph on my computer. I finished with a Cannondale and a Rama 9 rider who graciously worked with me in the flatter sections to reduce our lost time. Although this stage was short, it definitely took more out of me than the previous 2 longer flat stages. Stage 4 95 kms Mae Sot to Bhumipol Dam If the climb of stage 3 was Alpe d'Huez, then stage 4 had the Col d'Galibier. I was told that this is the jewel in the crown. The climb up Ban Timu will separate the men from the boys. I was beginning to feel the fatigue on this day. My legs were heavy as I suffered too much from the previous days killer climb. Taking chances was my personal slogan for this year's race and as soon as the stage started, I latched on a break with 4 other guys to gain some time before the climb. I fell back a couple of times in our breakaway group but luckily the friends I have gained in the peloton have helped me to stay with the group even if I could'nt help much for the common cause. Our group was hauling much needed time and by the time we reached the foot of the climb, we already had a comfortable margin of close to 4 minutes…which for me, was only good enough advantage for a few a kilometers as riders immediately passed me one by one in the climb. The first ascent was steep, and I mean really steep. I had serious thoughts of dismounting and walking up this damn hill but common sense would tell me that I would never be able to mount my pedals should I unclip. I labored up that steep hill for 6 kilometers, passing thru some valleys then climbing a few kilometers again. This went for almost 50 kilometers. Upon seeing the last 5 km sign, I breath a sigh of relief with the though that all those months of training and sacrifice will finally end, only to realize that the last 5km is all uphill. Masochist is the word I would describe the person who though of this course : Finally after 3 hours 36 minutes in the saddle, I cross the line, having climbed a total of 1,635 meters. Wow, that was a feat! Riders like me are not made for stages like this and just to finish is an accomplishment in itself. I clean up, have lunch at the awards ceremony and proceed to Bangkok to have a bottle of Cabernet, a Cuban cigar and some great conversations with my great teammates…something I always look forward after a hard fought race, and which makes all these sacrifices so worthwhile.

(Click image to enlarge. Opens a new window) Welcome Dinner at Royal River Hotel Stage 1 start with Robin Valdes Mohammed Yousuf (Cycleworx Singapore) Hotel at Stage 2 Trying to Attack at Stage 2 Robin at Stage 3 Stage 4 climb...Yikes!

THE VICTORIOUS ONE the victor espiritu blog

the Victorious one in yellow..9th stage leading the peloton is Victor espiritu












mano a mano with heir apparent Baler Ravena in Baguio City 2007









signing a t shirt for bisekletaguy
























thats me the driver of Victor espiritu after their service car bogged down in the Padyak Pinoy 2007 stage 9 and this is my precious cargo.. VIP Victor Espiritu










below is the offical team Wow Magic Sing car sticker which was signed and given to me as a gift by members of the Champion's team after i helped them out with their bogged down vehicle by volunteering to drive them back home....











below thats me with victor checking my Colnago c35
















dear friends,


if you cant have enough of my light hearted blog and wondering where you can go for the serious stuff...i want you to check out the link of my idol Philippine Professional cyclist VICTOR ESPIRITU's Blog.

The Victorious One » About The Cyclist


raymond see

Subic TLBF recon ride by rocka1bikeshop 3-30-08

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Cebu Cycling > Communities > Luzon (Moderator: bisekletaguy) > SUBIC TLBF recon ride by teamrocka1bikeshop 3-30-08

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Topic: SUBIC TLBF recon ride by teamrocka1bikeshop 3-30-08 (Read 50 times)

bisekletaguy Moderator Pro Cyclist Online Posts: 908 WORK HARD TO PLAY HARD SUBIC TLBF recon ride by teamrocka1bikeshop 3-30-08 « on: Today at 09:23:30 AM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic this recon ride was organized by me...as a familiarization ride for the upcoming TLBF (terry Larrazabal Bike Festival ) the biggest bike race for roadies and mt bikers to be held in SUBIC the former american Naval Base Olongapo City next week April 4-5-6 meeting place was at rocka1bikeshop plaridel 6am in the morning foggy view of north Luzon Expressway around 615am sunday san fernando exit enroute to olongapo...for subic subic was 1hour 45 minutes from rocka1bikeshop...so i told the boys "woah i think we have to leave bulacan 4 am in the morning on race day guys...the traffic in pampanga is terrible" we parked our cars at the FedEx airport in subic then decide run the XRC course twice...Note we dont know exactly where the road race of the TLBF will be...but thought it should be the ocean adventure course... "im not feeling too good today mommy...a bit dizzy maybe due to high cholesterol again.got to ride this recon ride for the exercise..also my team some of them havent ridden the course before so its best to ride it one week before race day for the familiarization run" thats me far left on the red jersey going down the ocean adventure parking lot ocean adventure skipper pineda rode with me..."man dont ride with me..im not feeling ok..too slow for this subic climbs...better go sparring with ramon and our champion oliver..." be careful of the monkey crossings guys..plenty of monkeys here as this is one of the last remaining wild life sanctuaries here in Luzon "mommy how come you dont take a foto of me when im standing on the bike?...i look awful struggling on my saddle..." here is a video sampler of what the roads in subic looks like... for the benefit of the out of town teamrocka1bikeshop riders. "man the weather is gonna be the factor as its 33degrees in the morning here in subic..water bottle please " i said...as i pulled over ask water from our team vehicle... "ray i gotta have gatorade first" as skipper pineda pulls over to have gatorade this is team Gerry's grill who also went training in subic last sunday we will look forward to ride with you...in subic... ok guys ..thats it for us today ...."ray thats gonna be a fast race next week ha..." skipper said you know its a former military base when you see the chain tied to empty Ammunition shells used as a steel post in this railing at the olongapo gate...thats subic.... « Last Edit: Today at 12:49:51 PM by bisekletaguy » Report to moderator 121.1.20.138

arnold Newbie Offline Posts: 3 Re: SUBIC TLBF recon ride by teamrocka1bikeshop 3-30-08 « Reply #1 on: Today at 12:00:49 PM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic good day! Sir raymond ask lng ako kung pwde ba maka order ng team kit ninyo? ill be leaving for sea otter classic this april12 ill be joinig mtb xc race..yun sana gagamitin ko in case mka order ako.tnx Report to moderator Logged

bisekletaguy Moderator Pro Cyclist Online Posts: 908 WORK HARD TO PLAY HARD Re: SUBIC TLBF recon ride by teamrocka1bikeshop 3-30-08 « Reply #2 on: Today at 12:08:07 PM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic ok arnold check ko muna from clarence fajardo if the new team kits will be ready ha...he is specially busy kasi as he is doing the tlbf jerseys...ill pm you when there is feedback...thanks again for reading the teamrocka1bikeshop reports.. the red white and black teamrocka jerseys all SOLD OUT. thanks to the guys who bought them..hope you ride saudi or usa in your teamrocka1bikeshop PHILIPPINE jerseys.. paging aldicua..any pictures of you with al figer in New Jersey?