On The Side Lines

The last week has been tough ‘on the side lines’ watching teammates Mike Blewitt and Imogen Smith rip apart the Craft Bike Trans Alp 2013. TransAlp is one of the toughest team stage races in the world, eight days traversing the ‘alps’ from Mittenwald in Germany down to Riva del Garda in Italy. Today they race the final 38km to Riva and as they stand in the start chute they are placed 3^rd in the mixed team category. To stand on the steps of a European podium is an amazing feat and for a team that was born by default only months before the race…Goosebumps!

I raced TransAlp with Mike last year, we placed 5^th in the mixed category after 8 gruelling days through the Alps. This year Mike was planning on racing in the Mens category with UK team mate Will Hayter. Unfortunately Will crashed in the closing kilometres of the ABSA Cape Epic (earlier this year), Will fracturing his pelvis, an injury that has him similarly watching from the side lines. The mixed team of Imogen and Mike was born only a few short months before the big event.

Watching their race from the sidelines has been an emotional rollercoaster as I would much rather be there than here, dealing with the reality that is daily life. The continental time difference means Mike and Imogen are finishing their stage in the early hours of my morning. This has me waking up every morning at ridiculous o’clock just to check Facebook and see how their stage unfolded.

It is hard being in a different country on a different time zone watching your best mates have the race of their lives.

Stage one was a rude awakening for both Mike and Imogen. They rode hard but Mikes’ hub collapsed causing a break in momentum than needed redeeming much to Imogens dismay. They suffered in the chase and finished 12^th position in the mixed category. This position threw them into the second start chute as only the top 10 mixed teams are allowed in chute one. Their start for stage 2 was therefore less than ideal as they were not amongst the riders with whom they were competing. Trying to pace and catch rival teams from a cute behind them is difficult.

Stage two was revolutionary, the team started steadily up the 35km climb. When the climb turned technical Imogen and Mike saw their chance and rode away from the other mixed teams. This gave them an advantage for the rest of the stage and they managed to hold onto some fast groups home. They blew apart the mixed category and finished in third place, a podium at an international competition is an outstanding achievement, never to be forgotten!

Stage three saw the team again back in the first start chute after their amazing comeback and podium. With a taste of podium the team pushed back to ride a very strong stage and hold their position on GC coming 4^th on stage.

Stage four is ‘hump day’ and mentally one of the toughest as a competitor. You are physically and mentally drained and only half way through the race. Imogen and Mike rode strong and maintained their position on GC. Facebook told little of this stage but photos of Mike wishing he could get lost in the Dolomites says a lot!

Stage five saw Imogen dig deeper than ever to hold their 5^th position on GC. It was no easy feat to finish 7^th on stage and the realization that they are both putting everything they have into the stage so where they finish is where they finish “I’m not really fussed as I know we are both going as fast as we can” Mike.

Stage six could never have been predicted, Mike and Imogen rode the stage of the event and finished second in the mixed category, only a minute behind the leaders. I think Mike described it as the strongest display of climbing by anyone he had ridden a stage race with! The team jumped to 3^rd in the mixed GC, I don’t think either of them ever expected to be that close to the pointy end of the competition. “Best ride ever” Imogen

Stage seven reflected tired legs but a solid performance to hold onto 3^rd in the mixed GC and 5^th on stage “Nothing in the tank” Mike.

The final stage is yet to be raced, an apparently brief 38km run into Riva Del Garda. The team is holding onto their third position with amazing tenacity but every day is a new race and anything can happen. Mere minutes separate the top 5 teams but whatever the outcome of todays stage Imogen and Mike have elevated the profile of our team nationally and internationally. Two podium stages and a guaranteed top 5 finish reflects a week of strong consistent riding and amazing mental fortitude.

Mike and Imogen have raced an amazing race and we are all proud to be part of such an inspiring team with Mike at the helm.