台灣 Team Cinelli Ritchey 車隊

Yeah, Team Cinelli-Ritchey went off-road, but not out of control, this last weekend at Merida Cup in Baiguo Shan near Shetou. And again it was visible at the (extended) podium, with a 7th position finish, behind some top pro riders.

Top world-cup professional mountain bike riders Hermida and Grenze lead the race, and behind some of the usual faces in the Taiwan road races. The course this year had been modified and extended, a total of 28km and more off-road sections than previously. That was good for me, as I could be faster than other riders in the technical twisty singletrack, overcoming the lack of power in the road and concrete (that still makes up for most of the course…)

In the start line it was all smiles, but then it was an intense 1 hour ride; with short climbs and descents there was no time to rest or coast, it was all-out all the time.

About 50 racers in the Elite category, the race started uphill for the first 3-4km, splitting the group. After loosing contact of the leading 8 riders, I set my own pace spinning a rather short gear trying to keep my legs fresh (the wat to pedal is definitely different for a mountain bike, after so many months only riding my road Cinelli bike). I managed to catch a rider and pass it in the forest singletrack, then keep my position in the last 4-5km on the road to the finish line (riding a Mtb on the road is not much fun! It feels slow). It was a short intense effort, good for a 7th place, a medal, some podium time and some cash!

There was also some time for a picture with olympic silver medalist,  multiple times world champion, fellow countryman and longtime good friend Jose Hermida, who had a flat tire and finished 4th, when he was leading the race.