Gore Bike Wear TransWales
Day Five: ‘All Change Please, All Change’
Matt Skinner/Transwales / 19.08.2011
<b>Linking Stage FIve (including Special Stage Four)
Machynlletyh to Cymystwyth
Total distance: 75km
Climbing: 2400m</b>
Day five took the riders from Machynlleth to Cwmystwyth, some 73km and 2300m of climbing south the fifth linking stage of the Gore Bike Wear TransWales, powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport struck out towards the fourth special stage at Nant-y-Arian.
Today’s special stage would see drama, fight backs and significant changes in the overall classification that proved that although the fat lady was preparing to warm up her vocal chords, she’s decided against it and gone for a drink instead. The fight is not yet over – by any stretch of the imagination.
After leaving Machynlleth, the riders climbed through woodland up to Mynydd Bychan at 493m. The woods gave way to stunning wilderness sprinkled liberally with sheep and stone walls, speared by rocky drovers track that made its way to the river crossing of Afon Hengwm. After some wet feet the trail continued its tumbling way to the stunning Nant-y-Moch reservoir that’s situated in a remote saddle.
Skirting its shores saw the riders join the outreach of the natural trail component of Nant-y-Arian’s Continental trail: a superb blend of flowing manmade singletrack together with an ‘out there’ feel. Following it against the flow brought the riders to the start of the day’s special stage at Nant-y-Arian at Liyn Syfydrin. Unlike yesterday’s special stage which favoured the descenders, today’s was undoubtedly one for the climbers.
The 8km trail centre loop stage began with a sequence of wide rocky climbs and fast descents, before plunging into carving singletrack that switchbacked down the hillside, and kept on going. And going. It finally came to an end at the valley floor where the only way was up. In this case: two miles of relentless and sustained gradient on the infamous fireroad climb, the Leg Burner. It was do or die rhythm time. After the summit the trail swung left for one last short but sharp singletrack dash to the finish.
Prior to the start of today’s special stage, the Schwalbe Tyres Male Solo category looked as though Matt Page (Wiggle) was on his way to taking the overall win as he had a leading margin of almost a minute. However, the smart money was down on Ajay Chhatri (Torq) to light the afterburners on the Leg Burner climb to claw back some of that deficit.
SleepMonsters
