After a huge first stage, Jens pays for his effort – but it was all worth it. - By Jens Voigt
Wearing my hard-won prize, the polka-dot jersey for best climber.
(Photo by James Startt)
Oh man I really paid the price for my efforts on Stage 1! I was really suffering today. It’s funny because rolling out, I actually felt okay and I even, just for a minute, thought about going for another breakaway today. But then as soon as we hit the first climb I knew I didn’t have the power to go anywhere. It was like all of the energy I saved for the first week of the Tour de France got used up in that first early break on Stage 1. But yes, it was definitely worth it. To wear the polka jersey for a day was such a great way to start the Tour! You know I have worn one of the distinctive Tour jerseys on four different occasions. But each time, only for a day.
Yesterday was also great because, when you are in the break, you have more time to look around and there were so many amazing things like that flock of sheep all painted yellow! That was just hilarious!
But there was one thing though that really made my day, however, and that was seeing these two British WWII planes flying overhead at the start. There was an old bomber and then my favourite, a Spitfire! Those are the most beautiful planes ever made. Growing up my brother Ronni was so into them and I’ve got to admit he was right.
Today, I was just pack fodder and I didn’t have time to look at the sheep. I was stuck in the pack trying to survive. And let me tell you that was not easy with all of these people on these small roads. Yesterday I was alone and the crowd really pushed me along. But today in the pack it was just crazy! I did see my name painted on a lot of signs and I’ve got to say that really helped me get through the stage.
And what an amazing stage. Everyone knew today would be tough, but let me tell you there were climbs today that were not even listed in the race book. It was just up and down all day.
All of the GC riders were at the front and really going for it. Wow, that’s great to see! And I’ve got to say I really like the way Vicenzo Nibali rides. He always tries to make his own destiny. It doesn’t always work, but he just keeps trying. He is kind of like me actually, just on a different level, ha ha!
Anyway, tomorrow we race into London. On paper it looks really flat, a real sprint stage. It should be a normal stage—for a change!
Read all of Jens’ blogs
Now in his 16th year as a professional, Jens Voigt has earned a reputation as one of the sport’s hard men, both among fans and his fellow riders. And the only thing Jens likes as much as riding his bike is talking about it. And that’s good for us.
via Bicycling » Tour de France http://ift.tt/1xEkNJl
No comments:
Post a Comment