Stage 2 - Strong winds, tough climbs, and fun
Deloitte Partners Cycling 2023
Hard data of the day
Day: Friday 9 June 2023
From: Vaals
To: Vaals
# kilometers: 120
# altimeters: 1,200
# flat tyres: none
# bananas consumed: 12 (too hot for bananas)
# hours on the bike (shortest): 4.45 hours
# hours on the bike (longest): 5.15 hours
Hero of the day
Today Sabri Mzah deserves the title Hero of the Day. Whereas nobody ever doubted that Sabri is a great cyclist, especially uphill, today he left many of us dreaming that we would be able to follow him... After about 100 km, the Keutenberg crossed our path, with climbing percentages up to 22%, we were all suffering except Sabri. With a dazzling easiness he dropped all of us, leaving no doubt he wanted to the title of Climber of the Day.
Trivia of the day
Some of us might claim it is inappropriate to mention our chief legal officer as “trivia” but this morning we all surprised Anne Tilleux by singing to celebrate her birthday. We hope she will surprise us tonight with champagne and cake!
Did you know that Koen VD is an animal lover? When we stopped after the Keutenberg, everybody was in search of a cold drink and shadow, except Koen VD who was crawling on the ground playing with the café’s dog.
Story of the day
Today we battled the wind and conquered the hilly roads of the Amstel Gold Race. With climbs like Gulperberg, Slingerberg, Cauberg and Keutenberg, a few of us felt like we were professional cyclists, while most of us were simply struggling to survive or calling for our mother.
Whereas the first half of the ride was reasonably easy going, the second half of the ride was a different story with several longer and steeper climbs, of which the Keutenberg hit percentages up to 22%. The strong headwinds and high weather temperature did not make it feel easier. I believe it is correct to call it a hard, but pleasant day in the saddle.
Despite the stunning views and good quality of the roads, some car drivers, especially in the Netherlands, show dangerous behaviour toward a group of cyclists. Because of a crazy driver, some of us had to brake strongly and Nicolas G touched the ground. I hope that after a massage and some rest he will be able to continue the last ride tomorrow.
Did you know that Kasper P cares more about his looks than actually riding the bike? After he finished today’s ride, he immediately took off his jersey and showed what he believes is a great Baywatch-like body, a fashionista in the true sense of the word.
"With climbs like Gulperberg, Slingerberg, Cauberg and Keutenberg, a few of us felt like we were professional cyclists, while most of us were simply struggling to survive or calling for our mother."
