Yeah – another year of strong wind at the 2010 Cape Argus Cycle tour, the world’s largest timed cycle race with over 38,000 participants. After last year we thought and would have hoped for an easy ride, but the Cape doctor was blowing again big time. Wind speed up to 65 km/h for more than 80km of the 110km ride made it definitely a tough one!
Had an awesome start at 7.16am just under an hour after Lance Armstrong kicked off his race, which he missed to win. On the M3 Muizenberg I managed to speed up to 96.5 km/h (I am sure there is a limit of 80 somewhere) and caught up with lots of fields of cyclists all the way to Simon’s town. Again more wind and hard fighting but then a great turn of wind around Smithwinkel. All the mountains were easy this year, no cramps and a final run into the finish next to the new Cape Town Soccer stadium.
Unfortunately not my best time – 4hours – but the excuse of course is the wind plus taking pictures and even some video on the way. Cheers to all finishers in this lousy storm (I heard they even closed Chappies way before the cut-off time) and hopefully to a better race in 2011!
Here we go with the pics:
4 Comments
1 Eddie Glass wrote:
Dear Martin,
Can you tell me what the record is for “THE OLDEST NOVICE” TO FINISH THE TOUR?
I’m 80 and 2011 will be my first ARGUS!
Eddie
2 Martin wrote:
Hi Eddie –
Sorry for the late reply though!
That is great news – 80 years and your first Argus. You must give us a call when you are in Cape Town – we live on the Argus route in Camps Bay. Just email me before hand or call 0726441789.
I am not sure what the oldest person is – but I do have a book at home about the Argus and I think it does mention those statistics!
Traveling at the moment – but will definitely look it up.
By the way – I am more impressed that you seem to be on the Internet with 80 years – so well done!
Cheers,
Martin
3 michael fiorini wrote:
Hey Martin, i’m from toronto, canada. any tips on prepping for climbing in the the 2012 argus? keep in mind, i have ant hills to train on over here.
cheers!
michael
4 Martin wrote:
Hi Michael – sorry for late reply – just keep on pulling on the hours in the saddle – the most important thing. And go against the wind as much as possible – we sometimes have up to 60km/hour head wind. Good luck! M