ECNZ 2010 – Day 10 –Blenheim to Kaikoura

ECNZ 2010 – Day 10 –Blenheim to Kaikoura

After yesterdays rest day everybody looked keen this morning. I had a target on my back by putting on helmet cam facing backwards (for the TV crew). With a KOM only about 15km into the ride there were fireworks as we left town. I was more concerned about athletes falling off their bikes and missed the break. Whilst we worked at a good pace to try to close the gap we couldn’t close it down and hit the hill too far behind to be able to catch Madman. I was still happy with my climb coming over in 3^rd but Molina did make me work for it. After a fast start we spent the rest of the day battling into strong headwind. From the first aid station to the 2^nd I was at the back of the bunch which was misery. Lots of surging due to the wind which made for hard work. So from the next aid station I got on the front for a bit, Eric soon came around me for a pull. After a break I went back around him only for him to come back, he wanted the lead position and when you have a 6”8 steam train in front of you I rationalised that it was a good place to be.

We rolled into Kaikoura in light drizzle but it’s a place I always enjoy coming to. I had a few organisational issues to sort out then fell asleep on the couch. It was the first time I felt wacked on this camp but I think it was mainly a bit of a dehydration issue today. Got out for my run and got into a good stride knocking out just under 11km in 48mins. I’d sent everyone on a beautiful run out to a seal colony, the views are just spectacular, if you come to NZ put Kaikoura on your route.

The camp made it onto national TV tonight. The TV crew following us got a 30sec clip on Prime news which was great of them.

Looking forward to getting home and seeing Belinda and the kids tomorrow. I think it’s going to be very hard leaving again.

Summary

Swim 3km

Bike 128km

Run 10km