Bike: BMC Teamelite XX1 Fast Trak 2.2 / Fast Trak 2.2 1.5 bar (training wheels)
I found out about the race the evening before. I had just changed to a 30T front chainring because I wanted to be ready to climb the Doi Suthep. Changed back to my oval 32T just before going to sleep.
Then there was a 42km ride to get to the race (I have no car in Thailand). Had to be there by 8 am to register. Sunrise is at 7am... Do the math (yeah, that was a rather quick warm-up ride out there). No time for breakfast before so I just grabbed a banana quickly after I had registered and just before the race started.
The track was mostly paved roads with two really steep climbs. Speed was high and I just barely managed on my 32T chainring. With about 10k to go there was a steep hill where I had to let 4-5 riders go. I caught up with them just after the climb... or so I thought...
Approaching the finish area which was a few tight twisty chicanes I pushed my way to the front of the group and came in first... Well, no, because one of the guys whom I had let go at that climb had gone ahead and I hadn't seen him... So second place.
Here's my helmet-cam video from the race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWgd7pA4hXw
Then cycling back home... with the price attached to the frame of my bike (see below photo)... in 30 degree heat...
Woman walked up to me after the race asking to take a photo with me
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| How do you get the trophy home when you've bked to the race? |