Tuesday, July 2, 2013

A Modified Stage 3 in Austria

Due to a landslide taking out one of the roads on the planned route for stage 3, the organization was forced to make a change for the stage's route. After a 3 hour transfer around the problem area, we arrived at the new start town. The stage was now a short 120km and relatively flat. It was mostly uneventful with the exception of a crash in the last kilometer. I avoided that and finished with the field, so it should be status quo going into tomorrow's potentially more decisive stage going over/through the National Park Hohe Tauern. We've done a version of this stage every year, and it is always a treat due to the stunning beauty (if we can enjoy it!). I believe the road is the highest paved, continuous road in Europe, passing over 2500 meters. Of course, to pass that elevation, you have to climb, so we have plenty of uphill to confront tomorrow. Last year, it was this stage that launched Jakob into the yellow jersey after an explosive start and a well timed attack followed by an incredible breakaway effort. The stage is slightly different this year, so we'll have to see how it plays out. Good night!

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