Pia Sundstedt

Rain, rain and rain. Start in Garmisch at 10.15. Already 1 hour before the start people were lining up in the start boxes. It was pouring rain and about +8 degrees. Insane! I mean there was 81km and 2500 meters of climbing in today’s stage. I felt the 5 Minutes I was standing in the start box long enought.
I had the opportunity to change a few words with Sally Bigham and was so sad to hear that she was still having knee problems. Strong from her to be here and aiming to ride evry stage.
The start was neutralised until the first climb. That climb was a real ‘monster’ climb. 18% for 1km and continuing for a few more kilometers, but not so steep.
I was in second place and just on my way to catch Elisabeth Brandau. Then it was just too much for my right leg. I could hardly pedal. With tears in my eyes and just thinking of quitting + had to see Birgit Soellner pass me. I could not follow. My right leg was not responding. I had to fight against myself wanting to quit. I continued. Caught a group with male riders, caught a few kilometers later the group where Birgit was in. I was freezing. I had a rain west, but it was not enough. I still had a rain jacket with me, so I decided to wear that as well. For half of the race I tried to close the zipper of the jacket, I didn’t make it. My fingers were so cold, that I couldn’t use them. The second last climb started. I passed some guys, caught up to the fastest male riders and continued with them. Was a good group to sit in because the wind was blowing against us and was also a very cold wind.
The descent went well. I was more than 4 minutes behind Elisabeth when there was still 20km to go with a 3km long climb with an average of 18%. I finished second. That is ok taking in consideration the problems a have to fight with at the moment.
The team support is also awesome. Marco and Mario is taking care of our bikes, Jens is the man for everything and always having lunch ready for as as we arrive. Matthias is taking care of our legs. A big Thank You to all of them!