Day 8 - Masterton to Wellington

Day 8 - Masterton to Wellington - 135km

Right then, the very last stage before completing the North Island. All that stands in the way is 135km and a 400m + climb, called the Rimatuka, which also contains some King of the Mountains points.

The day started with the full squad rolling out towards the base of the Rimatuka, where battle would commence....really enjoyed just rolling along with everyone and having a good old chat. spent a fair bit of the ride chatting to Clas Bjorling, who is an awesome triathlete and rider.

Quick stop at the base for rules of engagment and we were off, unfortunately Lordy broke his chain, so one of the faves was out of the running only 10m into it, but thats racing, he was a great sport though and borrowed a bike from the production crew to complete the climb and get those important miles across NZ done.

The group immediately split into a select group after a few surges, couple of attacks from myself as well, but there was a brutal headwind coming down the mountain which at times, had me pushing 300+ watts, but actually going nowhere!

The group consisted of Clas, John N, Scott Molina, Petro, Tara and Pete (and myself), going round one corner and a headwind combined with an attack from the strongest riders split the group in half again, lead group gaining those vital few metres that gradually opened up. It was then a straight race up the climb between Tara, Pete, Petro and I. Everyone took a turn at the front, trying to
guess where the winds would come from, HR was maxed out for 3 minutes (long time since ive done that!). We didnt have all our own way though, and a great steady climb by David Craig (DC), and some handy local knowledge, clawed his way ahead.

I just managed to outsprint Pete and Tara in the last 30m of elevation, that was everything I had laid out on the line! well pleased with my climbing and how my bike fitness has improved.

Power profiles for the day, some new numbers too!!

1mins - 765watts
5mins - 376watts
20mins - 315watts
Max HR - 174bpm

legs felt pretty ripped apart at the end of the ride, but rest day tomorrow, with a ferry ride to Picton and then a 28km ride to Blenheim. A well deserved rest day before we attack the South Island and potentially some more KOM points :)

Also check some of the other blogs being put together by the other athletes.

http://www.epiccamp.com/blogs/team/index.html

Catch up tomorrow.