Pradzalunga 2011, a gift Last Thursday I attended the Pradzalunga, about 30 km race in classic style in the beautiful area (Olympic) Pragelato. By way of a gift for my recent birthday, the day I reserve a race of great satisfaction .. We wanted to revive a bit 'morale after a disappointing performance in Livigno.
Party directly Turin before dawn, with the arrival early morning at the center of the bottom to pick up the chest and proceed with the testing of materials to find the fastest combination of skiing, paraffin wax and seals. The day is strange looking very very moist (cloudy, with a light mist) and snow fast. Air -7 degrees at 8, then warms gradually. Eventually, after many trials, I am convinced of choice mixed with paraffin HF6 HF7, then wax. Tenuta based Toko stick pulled with iron, coated with thin layers of 4 V40 cork. So be it ...
9.30. Stage end: the way we are 62. Check out as usual chaotic then the band shells in the fast track light descent is prosecuted with all major thrusts of the arms. Feel the ski fast and take on both short and steep tears. It 'an achievement ..
At the turning point is the long climb that will take us up in Val Troncea. Here you will find the right rhythm and ski well. I concentrate without paying much attention to those who surpass. The former have already disappeared from view, I am in the middle of a fairly compact group.
Extend the slide, push arms, open the boot, but also rhythm, rhythm , .. things start to go well, I do several passes, one at a time, and took me in the head group. I stretch again. We are now in the middle of the slope Val Troncea, I face a moment, there is no one behind .. Before me, far away, a group of four. I try, I put all but nothing, I go up to a meter. Finally, here's the bridge and the turning point: one two three thrusts of the arms, then down in aero position within the tracks. The descent, stuck in this position, is very long .. and legs claiming oxygen.
A passage to fund the stadium speaker announced to me ... but also announces another competitor ..! Possible? .. Yes, I have a follower!
The second lap is, therefore, all aimed at trying not to let me pass, since the quartet in front is just too fast for me. Twice I get on the tracker code and twice I can Ristaccia. The skis do not take over as the first lap, but I still allow a minimum of support forces. The descent still gives me a little 's advantage, then the finish line.
Clear 20 ° 1:39 a.m. '. I have lived an exciting race, with the engine at peak and at least in the first of two laps I thought it well to ski properly. But I know it's only an illusion.
[Val Troncea uphill, with the pursuer behind]
[.. pace, rhythm]