Final results:

Keith – 585km
HY – 583km
Geek – 271km
HP – 229km

YJOY
HY – 4923km
Geek -4882km
Keith – 4800km
HP – 1865km

Wow, what a stage of racing! Some psychological tactics by HY, feigning that he wasn’t “competing” for this stage win. But then, on the home stretch, putting in a massive effort to try and bridge the 100km+ gap. His sudden move, out of nowhere, took the rest of the peleton by surprise, and he found himself working alone to bridge the big gap. A commendable solo effort.

After making his solo breakaway, Keith was initially riding at a comfortable pacing, after Team Radio informed him that no-one would be trying to chase him down. However, in the last sections of the stage, a sudden announcement that HY appeared to be making a move, had Keith worried. He tried to up the pace further, but despite this, his lead was gradually getting eaten away.

Finally, down the last stretch of road, Keith could almost feel the stage victory within his grasp. He put his head down and went for one final surge. Desperately hoping that he could stay in front just long enough to get the win. HY, was getting very close to catching though. In fact, the support vehicles were starting to remove themselves from the gap. Sensing the possibility of snatching the victory, HY also puts in one last massive effort. A nerve-racking chase ensues. Two solo riders, both miles ahead of the peleton, fighting for glory.

Keith reaches the final straight. He can see HY, in the distance. It’s close, but not close enough. Keith cruises over the finish line. Fortunately for him, HY mis-calculated his effort. In the end, there was only 2km in it. HY blames Team Management for not calculating the chase accurately. Keith is just happy to win, even if it was due to an error in his opponent’s strategy.

And so it begins…

I probably won’t open it until Xmas though. I think Bastian is still a bit young to ride it.

I could probably make it more aero, with a carbon wheel upgrade. Perhaps a new carbon handle-bar could lighten it up, too.

Now, where can I buy those “Specialized” decals…

HY – 470km
Keith – 434km
HP – 397km
Geek – 125km

YJOY
Geek – 4611km
HY – 4340km
Keith – 4215km
HP – 1636km

Yellow Jersey tally so far:
Keith – 4
Geek – 3
HY – 3