Getting over to China was a hassle because the airport security was atrocious.
Foreign tensions are at an all-time high right now, politics ruin everything.
But, I'm here now and that's all that matters.

This is about as close as you can get to a Grand Tour in the PCT division.
13 stages with some crazy MTN finishes, it doesn't get much tougher that this.
Also it takes place here in the middle of July, it's like a mini Tour de France.

July 7-20, 2017 : Tour of Qinghai Lake



Looking at the past history not to many overpowering cyclists,
I actually might have a good shot to do something special here.



My competition will be Pirazzi, Zoidl, Moreno, Caruso, and Kudus.



I'm the sole leader here due to a few race clashes. Pressure is on.

--- *** --- *** --- *** ---



A simple flat stage to kick things off.



But that doesn't mean I can't get involved. The breakaway is pulled back and
we go to the bunch sprint. I get myself into good position and have a go at it.



A massive tag-team leadout from PT team Vini Fantini.
I'm still hanging in there as we go under the banner.



1-2 for Vini Fantini with Matteo Pelucchi and Elia Favilli. Big day for them.



The last spot on the podium belongs to... ... ... me.
I timed my sprint perfectly and my legs did the rest.
Bring on the mountains, I'm ready!

This is what I'm talking about. This stage is tailor made for me.
Built for a strong climber that can finish off the stage in a sprint.



I order the team to set a high tempo. I want to eliminate
all the sprinters on the climb to make my job easier at the finish.



They are doing a great job and even bringing back the
morning breakaway halfway up the climb.



However, they tire out quick and soon I'm the only Fox member left.
This isn't how I planned it! Oh, well. I'm just going to go with it.



I just keep pushing the tempo and the peloton gets smaller and smaller.
A few riders try to attack me but I drag them all back one-by-one.
Not the best way to spend my energy but nobody is helping me.



By the time we reach the top there are only 9 of us left!
I completely ripped this race apart.

Pleased with my efforts I decide to let up and catch my breath. In the process,
a group of 4 gets away and riders slowly make their way back into the peloton.



Jump to 8kms to go and the group of 4 is in sight. And as you can see,
the yellow jersey fought it's way back into the peloton. I can't out-sprint him.
So, I decide to attack him instead. I have recuperated nicely on the downhill.

Would just like to take a moment and say take that trainer for calling me
an idiot for spending a lot of time working on descending skills lately.



Pedal over pedal, I fly across the gap and into the group of 4!



The banner! I look back, the sun is blinding me. I have no idea where anybody is.
All I can do is push forward and hope for the best. Speed, think speed.



Yes Sir! I can't believe it! I look down and see Chloe on the front of the jersey.
She would be so proud of this win. This one is for the her and the kids.

I would have Skyped her when I got back to the hotel after the stage
but China has restricted all internet access and I'm basically isolated out here.



I worked so hard pace-making on the climb that I truly deserved this.
Everything just worked out so perfectly, I couldn't be more proud.

I wish this climb came closer to the finish.



The team has to do the bulk of the work because I'm in yellow.



Just one breakaway rider, and the team is doing their best to keep him in check.



20kms to go and riders are jumping all over the road.
The sprinter's team are just now taking control of the race for us.



I'm exhausted after yesterday, so I don't even bother trying to sprint today.



However, I wish I did because Matteo Pelucchi takes 2nd and with the bonus seconds takes the yellow jersey away from me. Jonas Jorgensen wins the stage.

+3 EXP for the brilliant and well deserving stage win on stage 2.

The next race update will include Stages 4-6 of Tour of Qinghai Lake:

EXP - Downhill, Flat, Mountain / Form - Mountain (x2), Downhill

I need 8 seconds to take the yellow jersey back. With very hard stages ahead,
the race general classification could easily be decided in these next 3 days.

--- *** --- *** --- *** ---



226kms with 2HC categorized climbs I know I don't have the stamina for this.



The casual breakaway of 5 gets the day started.



Fox does a little bit of pace-making along the way. Look at stunning view.



The first HC climb and a group of average climbs breaks from the peloton.



They connect with the original breakaway at the sprint point.



Fox is doing more pace-making. Did I mention the view before?
The incredible sight seeing is actually taking my mind off how long this stage is.



We reach the final climb, the group of 8 has a slim one minute advantage.



4kms into the climb and my teammates are exhausted after working all day.
I'm the only one left. So, I decide to stay on the front and keep pushing.



I keep stretching the elastic band on the peloton, but they won't break.



As we reach the dip 30% through the climb I'm already starting to feel it.
In fact, I think I'm hallucinating. As that a flying cow?



Back to the climb, I'm still holding my own. Everyone is weak at this point.
It's been a long day. Who still has the legs left in them?



Right near the submit an attack! 3 riders go for glory:
Merhawi Kudus, Pedro Merino, and Damiano Caruso.



And they do have the legs to hold off the peloton. Kudos to Kudus for the win,
and just getting enough time to jump over me to take the overall lead.

A perspicacious looking climb about 20kms from the finish.
But, will it have an impact?



Short answer no. Matteo Pelucchi gets his 2nd stage win in a bunch sprint.
I use the day to rest up for another hard mountain stage tomorrow.

This is worse than stage 4. Are they trying to kill us?!?
I like mountains and all but this is just torture.



At least it's another beautiful day and I have my Fox boys surrounding me
as we take a rather slow pace going up the first HC climb.



We go up and over without any major moves, except the weather.
That doesn't look good at all. And we have to go over there for the final climb?



Snow falling and Riccardo Zoidl attacking. We have reached the climb.



And more attacks. I look around and I'm the only favourite not to move.



So, I attack and start dragging people back in the process.
Soon it's Merhawi Kudus, Pedro Merino, Damiano Caruso leading the race.
It's an exact replay of happened on stage 4.



Over the top I'm in the peloton. I tried a late move but couldn't get anywhere.
But, my move did springboard Gorka Izagirre across the gap and...



He wins the stage! That's terrible luck on my part.
I set-up the move that won, wow. Just wow.



I come to the line wet and cold, finishing 9th and dropping to 5th overall.

After the stage win on stage 2, I expected to do a lot better here.

The next race report will include Stages 7-9 of Tour of Qinghai Lake: