Stage 2 – 6 July 2003 – 85km

Well, what a hard day!

The day started out rather unpleasantly for me.  Without going into all the details, I accidentally drank Italian tap water last night, caught a stomach bug and spent the morning running to and from the bathroom.  After countless visits, I had become quite dehydrated and by 12 noon when the race started, I had a headache and uncomfortable empty stomach cramps.  With poor health, I knew today would become a survival day.

Today’ stage was 85km, which started in Colle Sannita and finished in San Marco dei Cavoti, at the top of a category 1 climb.  Most of the major climbs are categorised with 1 being the hardest and 3 being a little less steep.  The first category 1 climb was 10km long, commencing at the 19km mark, but the roads wound up gradually after 9km and the pace was putting me right on the rivet before we even started the category 1 climb.

I started the race right at the back of the peloton and after an initial 4km steep descent I was badly positioned as the road started to climb and soon gaps were opening up everywhere.  Each time I came around a rider to close a gap it was using up energy and I was really struggling.  I tried to drink a juice box (liquid Extran energy drink) and I didn’t have the co-ordination to get it in my mouth.  I spilt it all over my face, down my arms and all over the bike.  I felt sorry for our mechanic Chad who would have to clean it all off tonight.

Shortly after starting the 10km climb, I lost contact with the front group, and found a smaller group of riders who were climbing at my tempo. About 25 of us finished the day together, coming in 16 minutes behind the main field.  It was not a brilliant day for me but I am glad I made it in, within the time limit and hope I can have a better day tomorrow and my stomach doesn’t feel so delicate.  And for those that were wondering, my tender stomach didn’t effect my appetite!  The dog bowl is still being filled on the hour.

By the way, I thought I would briefly introduce the Team S.A.T.S. (Scandinavian Athletic Training Senter) team, that I am riding the Giro d’Italia with.

The riders include:

Trine Hansen – Denmark

Christine Peick-Andersen – Denmark

Mitte Fischer – Denmark

Meredith Miller – USA (living in Denmark)

Tina Mayolo-Pic – Georgia, USA

Charm Breon – Pennsylvania, USA

Felicia Greer – Canada

Our staff include:

Chris MacDonald – Director

Chad Contreras – Mechanic 1

Mario Salinas – Mechanic 2

Per Kylling – Soigneur 1

Rasmus Hansen – Soigneur 2