Apparently the consensus today was that I gave Spanish sprinters a bad name. Again.
Not sure why though. I took the final sprint by quite a distance.
Some mentioned the fact that I refused to take any turns at the front for (at least) the last 10 kilometres. In my mind that is race craft but I am open to the possibility that I have stretched it a bit too far. After all, I am a person of reason.
Others complained that The Pope had to do all the work from Cobham to Esher. But that was deliberate punishment.
You might be wondering why a very nice person like me wants to punish The Pope so severely.
Well, because he did it again. For a second ride in a row we found ourselves going for the KOM of a climb. Today it was Stroud Lane. And, in the last metres of the climb. At the steepest part. He, again, started to talk to me. And, again, to tell me he was doing the climb in the big chainring.
“I hate you with a passion” was what I was able to shout with what felt like my last breath as he was passing me. To which he responded with a gesture my sensitivity doesn’t allow me to describe here.
Look, it wasn’t about me. Although I’ll admit feeling relieved taking the final sprint after yesterday’s poor performance. It is about someone taking action to defend that poor bicycle. Poor thing. A whole week and the front gears are still not working. If Luca were still riding with us he would be disgusted.
But, even if we open ourselves to the remote possibility that I have given Spanish sprinters a bad name, there is nothing to worry about.
I heard reports that Antonio saved Spanish sprinters’ honour by taking revenge for what Michal did to me yesterday.
Next weekend he’ll ride with Amber, GC Denis, The Pope and Noel and will clean up all the mess I, very justifiably, have created.
Our honour (assuming I am still considered a Spanish sprinter) is in your legs Antonio. No pressure.
The ride in Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/20908469295/
Take care of yourself
Javier Arias González
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