www.strava.com/activities/11879515346/overview
These files were never to see the daylight but after a while I decided this was actually a good day.
Yes, I was miserable for a couple of hours but so what. We are out with like minded people doing what we wanted to do that morning. I had my worst bonk ever in a race and had to ride it to finish. I say in a race because I had much worst in civilian rides. Like one on this route back around 2001 or 2002: ua-cam.com/video/d42gUSpiFi8/v-deo.html
This year I am using a new bike. S-works Epic evo from 2021. And having some issues with it. It is too slack for me and not aggressive enough like Supercaliber. Does not feel planted on fast gravel descents. So I am a bit slower. Without the lockout it is crap to pedal. And with lockout a bit too inefficient on broken surfaces. Needs 3 mode suspension or FA imo.
This year also tried a hydration pack. Started with 3,5L of water and ~800g of homemade Jels. Only stopped once to fill up the bottles but weight was an issue.
Not much insight in the video so: I was having a good race, until plug is pulled and I experienced worst bonk ever in a race. I was having difficulty by the 3rd hour but still did ok on the second to last long climb. At 4 hour mark engine light was on. Alongside a couple more warning lights.
Then came the dreaded Bonkberg of Salzkammergut Trophy. A mild hill between you and an easy ride to finish line. A sub 30 min climb on any day but a never ending wall on the race day. Breaker of champions, crusher of dreams. Bloody Bonkberg. I made it over this hill without soul crushing pain only once in my 8 trials. I witnessed people walking up at 5%, a future world champion throwing up on the gutter and more. It was not over by the top of course. A sluggish misery until the finish line awaited. I had to stop at some point and regain myself. I would give up but car was at the finish and I had no choice.
00:00 Start
26:40 Top of 1st hill. A Zwift A+ race would be finished by now.
42:10 2nd climb finished
01:07:05 Long flat section. As planned grouped up with strong riders
01:43:54 Picked up another rider
01:56:40 Hellclimb to Salzberg - I blast it for no reason
02:06:20 Meeting the devil mid Hellclimb. 3rd overall at this point
02:18:30 Top of Salzberg. 3 hours, ~300wNP. 3rd overall
02:22:55 A very decisive 2nd to last climb start. So much pain but managed my 2nd best time
02:31:50 Highest point. Only one more climb and flats to finish. 295w np.
02:38:40 First pit stop to get water.
03:06:40 Bonkberg. I attacked it with rigor.
03:10:30 Plug is pulled, lost 3 places and some pride on this hill
03:23:50 It felt like a dream around here. I stopped to regain myself. Lost some more places.
03:30:12 I tried to hold this wheel. It required less than 200w. Could not do it.
03:38:45 Finish line. A broken man arrives. Like many others to follow that day.