It wasn’t meant to be for Peters. After Brzozka abandoned after 2nd stage Peters took over the command and it’s been only his countryman Rood being able to threaten the 1st place in the general classification. The final stage eliminated Peters completely after his fatal mechanical. Peters rode a wise race until shortly before the 1st water point, where his rear derailleur didn’t steer clear of some rock. It’s been a huge blow after fighting all-week . Thus, Rood scored 1st in GC, even though the stage went to the Polish Banach who showed a very consistent race over the course of the whole race. It was a great piece of work with his younger brother Bartosz who ended up 7th in the GC. 3rd went to Janowski from Poland who showed an equally steady race.
Hence, the Beskidy Trophy is in the books and it showed its relentless colors’ and lived up to its trademark, despite the fact that the preluding 1 stage was rather benign for the protagonists. The course for the 4 stage, crossing the border to Slovakia, peaked on the famous Velka Raca and traversed its main ridge in the process. Thankfully the weather was merciful enough and barring some short lived showers it was bearable. That wasn’t true for the track though which was unforgiving and partially turned into inhuman conditions where hiking proved to be the sole remedy. Mud, slippery rocks and roots all over the place.
The attrition was consequently evident, and lowered the average speed down to hilariously slow figures. Beskidy demands a different planning as far the equipment selection goes, and those first-timers who hadn’t been warned or ignored to pointers prior to the race, had paid dearly.
All in all an impressively successful event. The suspense was kept in the GC down to the very last minute and nothing was given away. Those that came off badly and seek amends, can do so in 2013. A new chapter will be opened then.