Riding For the Pure Joy...Even If You're A Pro
Yesterday I caught Stage 7 of the Tour de France Femmes. It ended with a summit finish up Mont Ventoux. The commentators called this “The Queen Stage” of this year’s grand tour for women.
I confess, I fast forwarded through much of the broadcast on Peacock until about 15km to go and the start up Mont Ventoux.
The commentators for the women’s Tour de France Femmes were entertaining, informative and interesting. Part of it was also their delightful “King’s English” accent.
This morning New York Times declared this as the “climb for the ages”.
As exciting as the stage was, this is what I found so refreshing: the post-race interview with stage winner Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney. It was her sheer joy, and wonderful comments that caught my attention.
Here are two of her comments:
Most cyclists can relate to that joy of riding as a kid. I do and still hold on to it.
Then, Kasia enthusiastically thanked her teammates, her husband, her coach. After which she said, “As we started to climb Mont Ventoux, I looked right and I saw my parents. They made a surprise visit. I could see my dad crying, and I was like, ‘I just need to make them proud’.”
Before Stage 7 Kasia was in third place, 1 minute and 17 seconds behind the yellow jersey. After Stage 7 she was wearing the yellow jersey!
General classification after stage 7
1. Kasia Niewiadoma (Pol) Canyon-SRAM, in 24:07:34
2. Demi Vollering (Ned) FDJ United-Suez, +0:15
3. Marlen Reusser (Sui) Movistar, +0:39
Stage 8 happened earlier today, Saturday, August 8. I haven’t watched it yet. Tomorrow is the final stage into Nice, France. Anything can happen. Hope you get a chance to watch it on Peacock!
May your rides bring you joy, even the pain-fests like riding up your own Mont Ventoux.
Ride often. Ride safe.
Bruce