Watching each of the categories leave the start line for Stage 3 from the side of the road was a strange feeling after being in the thick of it for the previous two ‘action packed’ stages. I was assured my driver would be here as soon as possible but with only a 38 kilometer, relatively flat stage with an anticipated high pace I was worried I was going to miss it all. Finally, after 20 minutes my new driver and motorbike turned up. As we speed off it immediately became clear that this wasn’t going to be as smooth as the previous stages. We managed to get to the final sprint point and set up position just before the Cat 1 peloton arrived and with a little coaching and encouragement my driver settled into the rhythm of the peloton for the last 15km back to the finish.
Overall I had an absolute blast on the back of the motorbike and I can’t wait to give it another go. I honestly did miss being on my road bike and racing with the team but I did not miss all the nervousness and anxiety that goes with it.
I would like to thank Metasport for allowing me to be part of the Tour De Bintan 2011 and of course my motorbike drivers who did a magnificent job of getting me so close to the action.
Click here to visit Stage 3 gallery on my website.
The Cat 1 Men returning to the finish pass the Women’s Cat on their out bound leg.
Congratulations to Kate Poat, her first stage race and first across the line in stage 3. Well done!
by shep