Andalucia Bike Race Day 3

Today was awesome. This is what I pictured this race to be. First 90 minutes were mostly climbing through olive farms on small gravel roads so no problems with congestion (until one technical section... err by section I mean a trail with a rock in it). Long beautiful climbs. Saddle of pass transfer was muddy, which we ended up ingesting some after Cindy did a waterslide style wipeout in a field of mud. I hope the mud doesn't have too many stomach incompatible things living in it. Fantastic mountain valley descent that was very technical. But people were strung out enough that you could pass anyone walking pretty easy. Descent from that valley into some quintessential castle + walled city mountain town, where we rode down the switchback steps and trail. First switchback had a cheering section, and I came into it fast. The lady watching was losing her mind to wave me to slow down for fear of catastrophe. I high fived her as I went around. I hope that blew her mind in a positive way.

Long steep road climb after which was spectacular way to get up and over to next valley. Views of the snow capped Sierra Nevadas in the distance. Great descent again, and enough space to pass usually.

We dug in on the last gravel road climb to the third pass and kept passing other teams. Last 3 kilometers had a 500m wall style climb which we attacked.

See that smile Cindy has? Don't be fooled. That hid ruthless pedalling today. Plus her booster rocket engine felt really good today too. So fun just moving forward all day and getting the bike race sensation.