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The Vuelta Guatemala is finished. I did not succeed in my bet of winning a stage, however I am satisfied with my performances over the week given all the adversity I encountered.
Stage 4 - Solola - San Marcos - 128km
The fourth stage was on paper very hard with 2 mountain pass close to 3000m of altitude. From the very first km, we hit a steep hill. Then we had a ondulating section before the first high mountain KOM of Alaska followed by a long descent to Quetzaltenango. I hang on well during that mountain pass. However, the second climb was steeper and the legs started to hurt. In San Marcos, we were welcomed by hundreds of thousands of fans. The athmosphere was absolutely electric !
Strava - Results
Stage 5 - Retalhuleu - Quetzaltenango - 97km
The fifth stage also presented a very difficult course with a long category one climb towards Quetzaltenango. The road was very bad on the flat and I punctured 5km before we start climbing. Being the only rider in the team with 11 speed, I was given a 10 speed wheel, which worked well. However, I had to remember not to move up pass the 28 which I forgot on a 10% section of the climb, resulting in breaking my derailer hanger into the wheel. The team had just passed me and I had to wait about 15min to get a spare bike, which end up to be a tiny Small Scott bike. Still, I had to push a little in order to make the time cut with all the time lose. Luckily, I brought a spare derailer hanger with me and so I will be able to continue on my own bike.
Strava - Results
Stage 6 - Totonicapan - Quiche - 151km
Longest stage of the Vuelta, I was not ready to suffer that much. Right from the start, I tried to joined the breakaway, but I came short a few meters on the first KOM. Them, we had a long and bad descent towards Huehuetenango before hitting a very hard section of mountains. The legs being very tired, I was not able to hang for long on the steeper parts and I just followed as I could with the group I was then. I was very weaken from the sinus infection and it took me a good ammount of time to take back some strength after the stage.
Strava - Results
Stage 7 - Tecpan - Tecpan - 132km
The number is usually a lucky number, but today was not my day. 5min before the race start, my derailed hanger broke again when the mechanic tried to do a last minute adjustment of the gears. With so little time before the start, I had to jump on a neutral bike, set the saddle height by eye and do the race. The tires were no more than 50psi and I almost got drop right from the first climb and descent with only a 12 cog. All day long, all I had focused in my head was getting through the stage in order to be able to fight for the win the next day. It turn out, my legs were good as I managed to hang on the main bunch and even dispute the bunch sprint. With 8 riders up the road including a teammate, it was only a sprint for 9th, but I got it and was encouraged for the next day.
Strava - Results
Étape 8 - Guatemala - 104km
After a very long transfer from Tecpan to Guatemala because of the traffic (90km in 4h), my Guatemalan friend Alejandro helped me find a bike to my size to finish the vuelta. In the end, he found me a nice Specialized Medium for me. Confident in my sprint, the tactic was delicate as the leader's team was likely going to let a break go up the road. I followed a few moves and after the first lap, I was happy with the situation with 2 riders up the road with only 40sec. Midway, one of my teammate bridge across with another one making it 4 and the gap grew to 1min30 quickly. From then, I just concentrate on the bunch sprint. I was feeling very good today, but the teams were not letting anyone in the break. The colombian team said: "No le deja ir en fuga, el es pistard". A sprint for the win and a sprint for 5th doesn't bring the same motivation and I got surprised by two colombians with 200m. A bit deceived, but overall, quite satisfied with the Vuelta and especially having overcome all the adversity from the badluck to sickness.
Strava - Results
Credit photos: Jean-Michel Lachance & Juan José Monsivais
