Day One: Out, But Not Down

The first stage of the Trans-Rockies from Panorama to the K2 ranch near Rushmore was only 45km, but the first climb was well over 1,200m with a total of 2,267m of elevation for the stage. Just as we ran into problems on the first stage of the Trans-Alps, the same was true today. Jon had clearly not recovered from the illness he picked up in the Alps and he struggled to maintain any rhythm on the first climb. With a racing heart rate, dizzy spells and nothing in his legs Jon was forced to abandon the race after just 2 hours. I can't explain his disappointment.

Just before the second feed-station at 23km, we stopped to wait for medical attention. With Jon in the capable hands of the Trans-Rockies medical team, I rode on alone, once again, to the stage finish.

After all the fire-roads on the Cape Epic and the tarmac on the Alps, this is finally a full-on mountain bike race, 100% off-road trails and some exceptionally difficult technical riding. Even the fire-road descent towards K2 was technically demanding, with numerous lumps and bumps and bends that demanded a tight line and acute lean. This is what we'd been looking forward to riding all year. I can't explain how disappointed I am to be riding alone. Jon is out of the race, but those who know Jon will not be surprised if I say that he's by no means down.

Pete & Jon's sponsors:

www.skins.net | www.cube-bikes.co.uk | www.bentleybirmingham.co.uk | www.mulebar.com | www.highfive.co.uk | www.camelbak.com | www.udderlysmooth.co.uk | www.thecyclestudio.co.uk |Gateway Cycles