Trans Portugal Garmin
Trans Portugal Gets Set to Go
Agnelo Quelhas / 01.05.2011
New faces, whether in the staff or participants, the experience of Antonio Malvar and the family environment that is generated, creates a community that will make us forget the fatigue that builds up as we rediscover a wonderful country.
<b>The Journey of Today</b>
The day dawned sunny in Bragança, in contrast to what happened in the rest of the country. We are in the far north of Portugal and sometimes the weather surprises us. Today the surprise was positive, but it usually happens the other way around!
The activities started very early, with the presentation of the race staff. Altogether there are about 30 people, including masseurs, drivers, mechanics, logistics personnel and the coordination of the race. Everything is taken into account, and the staff will ensure that participants have one of the best experiences of their lives.
The morning continued with breakfast, accreditation of the athletes, unpacking and the all important preparation of the bikes.
At 14:00 the first briefing of the race took place. In this briefing António Malvar mentioned the main aspects of the regulation and dynamics of the race, especially the handicap system, the race self-sufficiency and the importance of GPS navigation.
The afternoon continued with some more briefings, with emphasis on stage one held at 16:30. This briefing is always important, as the first stage, one of the toughest of the race, has some special aspects which it’s essential the athletes know. In addition the weather forecast for the 1st stage is not very favourable. Rain showers are expected, and this will make a stage that is already extremely difficult, even tougher.
By late afternoon athletes rode a few kilometers of the stage, to test the bikes and get used to the GPS navigation. Many of them were surprised by the rain and tasted a little of what probably will be tomorrows weather.
SleepMonsters
