Stage 6: Engadin Scuol (SUI) - Mals (ITA)

Distance: 37.02km/23miles
Ascent: 1332m/4370ft
Descent: 1474m/4385ft

Course Profile

Today's stage took us over a small pass and into Northern Italy.

Patrick and I both rolled out of bed feeling good. The relatively easy time trial yesterday gave us a chance to recover a little bit and rest the quads afterall the long descents we'd done the first four stages.

The stage started off with a 5k gradual downhill on a paved bike path. After about 2k I realized I'd been fooling myself thinking that my legs were fresh. I felt waves of lactic acid course through the legs and was laboring through a relatively easy pace. When we turned off the pavement and started what would be about a relentless 20k grinder of a climb, I wasn't feeling any better. It didn't help my psyche when we passed a guy from one of the Scottish teams that had been near the front of the pack doubled over on the side of the trail retching. It was looking like it was going to be a long day for Team Chugach.

But you learn things about yourself after six days in the Alps. After a couple k's of doubt and frustration, I realized that my legs were turning over just fine and we were reeling in a slew of familiar teams.

Dealing with fatigue. Big part of this race. Several teams that had been running ahead of us the first several days came back to us today and they didn't look good. At the same time, several other teams that had been playing it conservatively showed up in our running group. Smart running.

Today's stage was the tamest yet with regard to climbing. No big passes, just the long grinder. Very much like the Lost Lake race on steroids with a 5k on paved bike path on each side. The pass itself was spectacular. The trail is an old cattle trail that was blown out of the side of the mountain with dynamite. Several tunnels and exposed trails too narrow to pass on. Awesome!

Patrick has really come into his own during this race. Every day he seems to get a little stronger and more confident in his ability to compete in an event like this. Along with this comes his competitive spirits. We've been firm about staying in our comfort zone though and not getting passed our threshold. We have 2 tough stages left (a climb up to 10,000 feet tomorrow) and both of us know it wouldn't take much to blow up.

We've found our place consistently in the top 20 overall and around the top10 for the "Men's under 40". Got to keep focused on good health and good spirits and we'll let the standings take care of themselves.