Like any bike race, be it road or mountain, long or short – you can never tell the whole story. There is far too much going on. Various allegiences form and fall apart, micro-relationships may last for a section of trail or road, yet disintegrate due to the smallest of disagreements later. One of the most entertaining things in a bike race can be what is overheard in the bunch, or beforehand or afterwards. Clearly this is a social aspect to racing – but that doesn’t stop it from being intruiging and even humourous. Here are some of the more amusing things overheard at the 2011 Crocodile Trophy.
“I have been on my bike maybe twenty times this year. For me, the Crocodile Trophy is a holiday.”
“Even though that was a neutral stage, I’m in the locker”
“I can say this – those boys partied very well when they were in Cape Town”
“This stage is like saying ‘walk over a house’. Sure, it is possible. But it is ridiculous.”
“It’s just easier to stay in the bigdog”
“Now I know what racing in Belgium is like”
“None of us would attack, as we didn’t want to piss Urs off anymore. Except Kevin, he didn’t care.”
“They have two kinds of rice tonight. Raw, crunchy rice, and overcooked gluggy rice.”
“Where have those guys in the yellow and black jerseys been all tour? All of a sudden they’re in the front group on the last day!”
“If you want to get back on the bunch, you’re going to have to pedal!”
“All the volunteers did a great job. Well, maybe 95% of them.”
“That guy is so soft. He is never in the wind, and won’t pull a turn.”
“Don’t eat the chicken. The refrigerated truck hasn’t been here for three days.”
“The backpackers have drunk all the beer that was meant for the riders.”
“If I attack, will you chase me?” – “Yes, but mostly because I’m bored.”
“Why would they know me? I’m just a weekend rider!”