Damn you, hahaha. I was the laaitie that finished with you and came 6th overall. It was a really great race but a real breaker for me. I mean, you know how much riding I do..so for me to want to chuck my bike into the bushes and give up cycling completely, shows how low my morale was. But fear not, I was back to usual the next day. I definitely went out too hard for the first 2 hours, which I paid for dearly at the 240km mark until the end. Oh, let's not forget the first half that had a near constant headwind. I was crawling along alone in really thick mist from the start of the 5th stage (250km in) not being able to see, being alone and fighting an in-winnable battle with the corrugation and thick sand, it became a real mental game to keep the legs turning. Luckily @Mailot Jaune caught up to me and we rode the last 70-80km together which definitely helped. We finished in 17h20, which isn't bad but I want to come back and aim for a podium position and sub 17hr. So despite the ups and serious downs, I'll definitely go back for another one. Great organization, really friendly staff and lots of food for the solo riders who don't have their support vehicle until half way. Plus as a bonus, Squirt wont be lube sponsor next year. (I hate that stuff with a passion!) Advice, get a dual suss! Your saddle can only play ping pong with your tjom for so long before you start crying.
