Since we were in Indonesia, alcohol is relatively hard to come by. It is banned in certain regions, but since most people don't drink anyway, there isn't much even in the legal areas. Unfortunately, a lot of the teams were bringing in their own mini parties, and they hadn't even done as well as us!
Neither me nor Mr Hobbit are Muslim, but many of the team are, so we didn't have a big party, and there was no alcohol. I don't drink anyway, but I might make a few exceptions. Since we were an Indonesian sponsor we needed to appear civilised, unlike the European and American teams
This disgruntled a few of our international team mates, but most were understanding. It didn't mean we couldn't celebrate. We all went out for dinner in town, and talked about the race. Unfortunately we got a bit swamped in fans and autograph seekers, but I had plenty of time, it was months till my next races. Indonesian cycling is really taking off, and Mr Hobbit has told me he has a big surprise for the late season. I wonder what it could be, my mind keeps thinking maybe the Worlds, but surely not? How could he possibly have managed that?
I suppose there is much to find out, and I have plenty of time to do so!
(sorry if I offend any Latvian, it is common though people from the former USSR drink more alcohol than any other people on this planet, on average that is)
After the official, and rather boring celebration in Indonesia, I recieved an invite, from Bruno, for a 'real' party over at his place. I've grown to like him and after all he did while I was Ill about the legal side against UHC (which is still going on by the way) I felt obliged to go.
It turns out me and Ricardo were the only real guests. A lot of the other lads were also having private parties, where there was no alcohol limit... I arrived in Brazil and it struck me how different it was to Indonesia, and even Europe. I was used to Europe, so I knew everywhere was different, but it is impossible to describe my sense of confusion and lostness (that's not even a word...).
The party was held at the Ramires family household, not in his little Apartment. I was full of family friends, some of Ricardo's friends, and uh me. I seemed a little ill informed. The house is nice, Bruno's family is pretty rich, but I was preoccupied. I was also very jet lagged. After drifting around in a daze I retired. Leaving Ricardo to what he does best, somehow talking to every woman in the room at the same time....
I was woken up, by Ricardo shaking me. He started murmuring, but it was a while before I made out what he was saying.
"Waltare you drunp?"
Ok, well that's what I heard, what I replied was
"No, don't think so, just jet-lagged"
He told me Bruno had gone to America, for the Istrian Spring Trophy. I was initially annoyed I wasn't selected for it, it suited me best, but now I'd raced my schedule, I saw the wisdom in Mr Hobbit's ideas. For a rich eccentric businessman, he actually understands sport, well, that's a first...
Ricardo took me into town, ally remembered where I was, Brazil. Even so, there were crowds, actual crowds. This wasn't even Indonesia, how had these people even heard of me? I guess the media must've found out we were staying here. Even so, this was odd. People were gathering round, we needed a bodyguard or something. We were only going out for breakfast! They all demanded autographs and asked me innumerous "how does it feel?"
If this was how things are now, I can wait till I'm actually famous... This was going to be a long day...
While I was struggling to deal with my new found celebrity in Brazil, our very own Brazilian was off racing. Having got back from breakfast at 2 O'Clock in the evening, I saw this email, the first of many, which I've summarised here.
Bruno was doing pretty well himself. He came 2nd, finishing the very short course in 2:38. The time gaps were very small, which meant our leader, Tom O'Malley, was still in with a fighting chance.
Back in the hills he was ready to fight. Together with Peter Pal he attacked and hoped to put some time into the peleton.
Peter was spent and had to fall back, but he left Tom in the perfect position to capitalise.
And capitalise he did, allowing our squad yet another win, and this was still early season! He also had a sizeable advantage of 48 seconds, while Bruno sat pretty in the peleton. It was looking good for GC.
The next day they were at it again, not content to sit and wait, Tom and Peter placed another attack. Although I wonder why Bruno chose this photo....
Tom swept up the breakaway, and then set about making ready for the sprint...
Which he dutifully did, this race is going beautifully for him, another 42 seconds in the bag!
Bruno is still in the peleton too!
On stage 4 Djaja completed a clean sweep of podiums in this race with 2nd.
Our leadout had broken the peleton, so we got some other nice placings.
Tom O'Malley won the GC dominantly, with Bruno a strong 4th, especially for a cobbler.
No wonder he took the time to write a report.
Tom and Bruno have also won us the team, young rider, and KOM stakes. Another great race for the team.
Real report, sorry, can't edit ATM. Will delete as soon as I can, or admin could help. Technical issues at my end.
This long hilly race wasn't exactly suited to us or our planning. Even so, we sent Peter Pal here as leader.
The conti peleton seemed quite bitter at our success so far. They marked our whole team, no one could get in the break.
Everything passed uneventfully till stage 3. With a cobbled, hilly finish, it suited Peter perfectly. He attacked at the foot and made up ground with ease on his competition.
Having passed about 10 riders over the cobbles he was bearing down on a lone leader, with only 1km to go. Surely he couldn't do it....
Unfortunately not
He was going almost twice as fast, but his opponent was twice as close, so it was a nail biting finale.
Unfortunately the hard stages were just too hard in the end
He lost to some strong climbers, and lost big time, falling to 21st in GC.
At least we had the podium and a day in yellow though.
United Healthcare Pro Cycling Investigation Continues
The investigation lead by the UCI and an independent committee has uncovered some new findings today. The investigation started after the Pro Continental Division Cycling Team refused to pay for the medical bill of one of their riders, Indonesian Walter Susilo. It reached a further climax when they also released the rider completely, despite him still hospitalised with an uncertain future. Hence there has been a great deal of speculation around the circumstances of this case.
There was at first a great public outcry. Susilo was a popular rider in certain circles. He was seen as a nice person, and also a great future talent. It seemed very wrong that they should treat an employee, especially one in his condition, in such a bad manner. The medical treatment was eventually funded for by a charity fund, which covered all the costs, and also a bonus for the later court case. Many of his friends and fellow cyclists spoke out, and his status grew from prospect to global celebrity.
United Healthcare's various leaders are unable to comment on the situation, but were all present. Susilo's team boss, Mr Hobbit, was also present. Although Mr Susilo himself has claimed he bares no grudge against them, a court case has followed.
Walter Susilo has taken no part in it as of yet. However the case was put forward by the UCI itself, who has commissioned an independent group to do fight for the side of Susilo. It has taken a good deal of news time recently, but has reached a stalemate.
The problem is that there was no legal obligation for the team to pay, or even keep on, the Indonesian rider. However immoral, they are legally covered. Loopholes are currently being sought out, but for now, the case will remain in deadlock.
Sorry about that newspaper article I dropped in here earlier. I didn't have much time to explain it. I've been busy in meetings with Mr Hobbit and with the media. We've had a great start to the season, even better than a few WT teams! Although that's good for the team, and our wallets , it isn't so good for our time! The article is accurate about most things.
Well, I say most. It says I don't have any ill feelings towards the team, and as far as the media know, I don't. Ricardo still keeps me updated on what's happening, and told me what happened while I was ill. It seems the slimy businessmen up there have managed to cover up their mistake, fairly or otherwise.
On a happier front, the meetings with Mr Hobbit have been productive. He's a practical guy, so we got straight down to what needs to be done, for both the team, and Indonesian cycling as a whole. From what I know of it, we are Indonesian cycling! We already have at least 1 new talent for next year, and as far as I know more are on the way, as well as the best from over the world.
There was another piece of news which stood out a bit more....
