Back on track: The Marion Clignet Journal 2004

French track legend Marion Clignet retired from racing in 2000, intending to become active as an advocate for women's sport. But after two years off the bike, and perhaps inspired by the other female champions she's encountered while working as a presenter for French TV, Clignet returned to the velodrome in 2003 to the velodrome in a determined comeback. After a solid year building a foundation, Marion's back competing at thehighest level in 2004.

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Giro d'Italia Femminile - 2.9.1, Italy, July 2-11, 2004

Well, the wine was good!

Stage 5 - July 7: Briga - Leukerbad Team Time Trial, 25km

Today's wonderful torture session was a 25kms TTT with 6kms of flat headwind (ok so the first 800m were tail wind and then we did a u turn) and then straight on up to Leukerbad, a small Swiss thermal town at about 2000m. I will say, if nothing else our hotel host was very good looking, and the red wine was quite nice. They make a Pinot Noir that's about 13% and a bit like Australian Shiraz (not as good of course!).

Back to the ride - The idea was that I would take longer pulls on the flats and hang on for dear life on the climb. All went to plan until we got to the climb and I discovered I'd left my only good lung on the 15kms to go sign.

Oh well, I was able to limit the debris and come in a few minutes down but still a bit disappointed after having such a good day yesterday and not being able to help Annette go for the pink. More days ahead though, ya never know.

Tomorrow, 101 kilometers with 3 GPM's and more than likely, hotter than hell.

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