Just before the finish of today's 46-mile stage, we officially entered Lappland. No reindeer or people in funny outfits, but at least there was a really big carved sign. Now it truly feels like we're way up north!
To give you a sense of how cold the weather has become, one aid station today was festooned with Christmas decorations - a nice touch! - and snow is apparently in the forecast.
The heavens opened as we went to breakfast this morning, but the rain slowly backed off after a soggy 6am start. As the day progressed, the bitter headwind became stronger and more blustery. Even running on occasional flat bits of road became very challenging. Most people who've finished agree that today's was the hardest stage so far. Tomorrow's stage is a little shorter, but weather is proving to be as important a factor as the number of kilometers.
A number of serious injuries are starting to surface, even this late into the race. Two of the top five in the women's race had terrible days yesterday, and they're not yet finished today. It's so hard to know what to say to them, after they've worked so hard and come all this way.
4 comments:
I find "there, there" usually does the trick.
Ah tell 'em to toughen up buttercup! ;)
wishing you good weather from here out.
Cathy
Ohhhhh you are all so close, it must be hard to see the leaders starting to consider abandoning the race.
I'm sending all my best wishes and thoughts to you all!
Hang in there everyone!
As we discussed, this isn't much of a race. Everyone's a leader, Russ. including you. Stay strong! I just watched the long term forecast and 50s and sun are in your future next week!!
thats not to say it wont be dry in the next few days too. i just saw 15 celsius way up there next week and smiled for you.
I'm jealous... you're in beautiful country!
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