Saturday, July 26, 2014

One More Day!

It's officially the night before my first ride onto the Champs-Elysées. I'm trying to be excited, but I have to admit that the exhaustion is winning at the moment. The last two stages have been anything but easy. Friday we had a dry start but then 180km in the rain and wind. It was not the day many were hoping for, that's for sure. I fought to hang on until the final climb, but that was all I could muster. Between the physical exhaustion in my body, mental exhaustion in my head, and extreme discomfort coming from TRYING to find a comfortable spot to settle myself on my saddle, I've run out of energy. For the tt today I tried to push, but my body was in complete protest. This whole experience has been a true test for me. I know it is going to make me a stronger rider, so I'm trying to just look at the positive side of things. I know all the anguish will be forgotten in a moment when I cross the finish line tomorrow and get the loving embrace of Lisa. It will be a celebration for both of us. And our team will have a celebration for a good Tour with Haimar riding himself to 8th overall. It's been a challenging but rewarding race. Once again thanks to everyone for your continued support and cheers. Ciao.

9 comments:

CH said...

Congrats on the Tour and surviving a brutal and hellish race. Thanks for letting us follow the journey in your blog. The added insight was interesting and appreciated.
Next stop Paris!

Tracey said...

Hooray!!!! One more day!!! Way to go Matthew! Absolutely amazing feat! Congratulations to you for your inaugural tour and to your team! Hope your "brain, heart and muscles" will recover this evening so you can enjoy all the pomp and celebration on the Champs-Elysees tomorrow. Cheers!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!! Well done. Your writing underscores how the TDF is one of the greatest athletic challenges in any sport.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on making it to Paris, and thanks for sharing your Tour experience with us.

Caren said...

Matthew, CONGRATS on making it to Paris! I hope you'll be able to enjoy the Champs tomorrow! Thanks for taking the time to share the experience with us!

Anonymous said...

All of tosa is proud of your incredible endurance. Chapeau!

Unknown said...

I will want to the photo at the finish line. Congrats on a job well done.

nordicjules said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Martin said...

It was very exciting following you on Le Tour. First time I can say I know someone (well, your parents - they walk by with Jack every day which is very nice) on the TDF, and I follow they tour since I was a child. I biked once what has been a stage in the Vosges hills and it took me two days and a few brakes! So I am in awe of anyone doing and finishing this entire race! Congratulations, fantastic job! Thank you for letting us follow.