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The Susanne Ljungskog Diary
Susanne Ljungskog has had an amazing couple of years, winning back-to-back world championships in 2002 and 2003. This year her new Team SATS outfit starts the season as the world's top female team, and with a powerful roster of riders from all over the world, looks ready to stay that way and support Ljungskjog as she clocks up even more wins in 2004.
Scrapes and snow
Vuelta Castilla y Leon & GP Feminas Castilla y Leon, March 24-28, 2004
Hey friends!
Over and done with my first stage race this season. It's equally hard each time and each year. Vuelta Castilla y Leon might not end up on my top ten list of stage races, or my list of places where I want to spend more time than necessary. Stages of one hundred kilomtres, and wind, wind, wind. Did I mention the wind? I'll have to add though, that the race is well organised, and the great hotels are worth an extra gold star.
Had the bad fortune to crash on the first stage, some 200 metres before the finish, while traveling in a respectable pace. As luck had it, I got away with some bruises, scratches and a sore loin. It's part of the game, and you have to accept that sometimes your sheets will follow you to the bathroom at night!
The highlight of our trip to Spain was yesterday's world cup, 121 kilometres in central Salamanca. We are talking about a real city course, way tougher than what the race profile spoke of. When I opened my eyes on the morning of the race, I had to try and wipe the sleep out of them twice, cause there was snow! When the gun went off, it was minus one degree and snowing heavily.
After some 40km, the snowfall eased somewhat and the rest of the race could be spent in a more "pleasant" temperature of nine degrees, and yes, I'm still talking about Spain. I finished sixth after a rough sprint. Still some way to go to my best form, but considering the fact that it's March, I think it's okay.
Now I'll be reloading my batteries in Nice for another week, and after that I'm off to Belgium to ride the first edition of the Women's Ronde van Vlaaanderen. It will be a world cup race, and we'll ride the last hundred k's of the men's course. Wonder if they'll let us start in snow?
Until next time.
Au revoir, Susanne
GP Feminas Castilla
y Leon results
Vuelta Castilla
y Leon results