Team RSAWEB stands strong in The Herald

February 09, 2011

The Herald VW Cycle Tour, is one of the premiere road cycling events on the competitive cycling calendar, and attracts the top cycling talent from all around the country.

Carl Pasio secured a 4th place for Team RSAWEB, battling some challenging racing conditions, and stiff competition.

Carl took some time out to tell us about the race:

The conditions for the race weren’t ideal, and in my opinion, seemed quite dangerous. With approximately 100 riders at the start, we had a strong head wind on the way out for the first 20km, and although it cleared up at 30 – 40 km into the race, it was still really misty. Visibility was poor, there were massive potholes which were filled with water due to the rain, and the road was damp and slippery.  At the 70km mark we turned with a tail wind, which seemed to clear everything up. As a rider, I enjoy the wind, because I’m bigger and heavier than most, but the smaller riders tend to feel it more, which worked in my favour.

Our strategy for the day was to ride in favour of Rob (Quinn), to protect him and deliver him to the line first, but when the split happened, I had managed to be in the split that got away, so immediately our strategy changed to that of Rob and the rest of the team playing a more defensive role.

With 20km remaining, I attacked from the leading group to which Tyler Day reacted immediately. I knew the route as it was the same as the SA Road Championships Time Trial route, which I had ridden 3 days prior, and I had a feeling that I had the upper legs on Day. I got away, but unfortunately, with 5km towards the finish line, the bunch caught me… I had the lead, it didn’t last, but it was close.