Oh bother.....
Yes, sadly the title is quite correct. With less than a week to go I've decided (no, I've been forced....something about insurance...) to listen to medical advice and withdraw from this years Etape.
I'll not go into too much detail other than saying I'm not injured. My dodgy IT band is fully mended - physically and mentally I'm stronger than ever.
That said, sadly I've managed to come down with a nasty infection within what I'll politely call the "gentleman's area".
I tried a gentle spin this morning. Ouch. I honestly couldn't sit still on the saddle for longer than a few mins. A quick trip to my GP later in the day confirmed 8 hours of riding come this weekend was i) not possible and ii) a very stupid idea.
Naturally I'm gutted
Like many others I've been looking forward to this week since October of last year. I've enjoyed the training, made lots of new friends and am fitter and lighter than I've ever been.
Of course there's always next year. I had hoped to ride the Marmotte and the Etape in 2011 although with Mrs T expecting our first in January I'm thinking this aim is a little on the high side.
Good luck everyone
I honestly wish everyone an awesome ride come this weekend and I look forward to reading about your days in the blogs.
It looks like this little journey and blog is winding up a week or two earlier than I'd planned. I think I'll post one more entry in a weeks time although other than that, it seems a sensible time to call it a day.
It's been great. I've loved it and of course. There's always next year.
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Heartbroken for you Stuart. Really sorry to hear this.
ReplyDeleteThat's terrible news - gutted for you. Keep your chin up - as you say there's always next year.
ReplyDeleteThats awful news Stuart, what terrible timing. Hope you're not feeling too down, there's plenty other challenges to look forward too, and once you're healed you'll still be in great shape for some late season sportives / races etc.
ReplyDeleteWhat bad luck. But you'll be back and more keen than ever. Look after your bits and bobs.
ReplyDeleteReally to sorry to hear your news cant be easy.But you are still in super shape and there are lots of good sportives to come still.A short rest will improve your fitness further.All the best,
ReplyDeleteMark
Unlucky.
ReplyDeleteAll that effort wasted.
Roger
Really sorry to hear that Stuart - what bad luck :(. What pissed me off most when I had to withdraw was all those horrible winter rides that I forced myself to do - wasted!
ReplyDeleteI hope you do enter next year - it is possible to train and have kids, don't worry. When you finish, your achievement will be all the more sweet!
take care
Karen
Shame, you will do it next year. These things can always wait.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, Alec.