Was really happy with how the tour of east java ended. finished up 3rd overall and was climbing better than i ever have done before. the mtn on the 4th stage was incredible. from sea level up to 2250 in 40km. it started out reasonable gradual for the first 10km then was wickedly steep in places after that. the last 10km was like bluff hill the whole way with the last 2km even steeper! i had a 25 sprocket on but some guys had 28 and even a few with 32. it was sort of like riding whatamonga 5-6 times no-stop. great views of volcanoes from the top.
Have just completed the Sort tech Ardenne challenge in Belgium on the weekend. i managed 4th place in the 2nd race of the series so was pretty happy. the race was in the very hilly area of belgium where the Liege-Bastogna-liege race is held. very nice area but hard. most days there was about 150-170 riders starting i think. form seems to be holding together pretty well which is encouraging as we head off to China tomorrow for the tour de Qinghai Lake. this race is rated 2.HC this year on the UCI calendar so there is going to be some really strong teams and riders there. this is my third time at this race so i know what to expect with regard to the altitude and weather conditions which will help. the race is 10days and has a low point 2250mtrs and a high of just over 4000!!!. 2 stages of 200km+. should be fun.
