Thursday, March 28, 2024

Grenoble Six Days 2011 – Second Night

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HomeDiariesGrenoble Six Days 2011 - Second Night

We’re here working at the Grenoble Six Days 2011… it takes a few days to find the rhythm of a Six Day – usually for me it’s the sixth day.

My feet stop hurting and I get a proper sleep.

Last night I slept ok ’til around 06:00 am but after that it was disjointed, the sound of the traffic and the drone of the refrigeration units on the restaurant supply tucks saw to that – not to mention the bizarre dreams.

I stumbled across the car park to bakers at 10:00 am like I was drunk, then we had to walk all the way round the stadium to get in – they don’t open the big access door adjacent to where we’re parked until 12:00.

Grenoble Six Days 2011
The band seem to be missing a singer this year, but while there are boys on the track they’ll play on.

First up is to wash last night’s dishes, fold and organise the washing, tidy the cabin and then, deep joy – the shower.

After my shower I wonder what all the fuss was about.

And now it’s 16:45 on Saturday, night two seems such a long time ago.

Grenoble Six Days 2011
Our man Franco.
Grenoble Six Days 2011
The sprinters in the Keirin.

It’s difficult to get the chunks of uninterrupted time you need to write properly; I have to remind myself that it’s not le Tour and priority number one isn’t filing the story – instead it’s finding Franco’s lost leg warmer, or going to the supermarket or the bakers or making the salads or whatever Kris and the boys need done at the time.

Grenoble Six Days 2011
Looking after Luke Robert’s stuff is a different matter – his attention to detail is outstanding and he keeps his kit immaculate.

Race-wise last night, Jesper and Marc went well, but Iljo is cruising, like a well fed shark, comfortable for the moment but planning his next big meal.

Kneisky looks very sharp and whilst the Spaniards aren’t going to make the podium, they’ve cottoned on that ‘points make prizes,’ or rather, Euros – and they’re riding hard and fast in the devils, points and scratch races.

Grenoble Six Days 2011
Grenoble regular for the sprints, Gregory Bauge.

Some of the French guys are taking a monstrous hammering, in the 35 minute madison last night, Bastien Ruffinego and Clément Carisey were lost, unable to jump the string as it passed and losing lap after lap.

Both are promising laddies, but against the likes of Keisse, Marvulli and the rest they’re just cannon fodder.

Grenoble Six Days 2011
Iljo on the hunt, like a mako shark.

But tonight is another night.

Grenoble Six Days 2011
Saturday breakfast – Roquefort, baguettes, honey and coffee; not a bad way to start the day.

A demain.

Grenoble Six Days 2011
Jesper at full gas.
Grenoble Six Days 2011
Duclos Lasalle is here, pressing the flesh.
Grenoble Six Days 2011
Mora & Torres the Spanish guys chillout.
Ed Hood
Ed Hood
Ed's been involved in cycling for over 50 years. In that time he's been a successful time triallist, a team manager and a sponsor of several teams and clubs. He's also a respected and successful coach and during the winter months was often working in the cabins at the Six Days for some of the world's top riders. Ed remains a massive fan of the sport and couples his extensive contacts with an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the minutiae and the history of our sport. In February 2023 however, our dear friend and beloved colleague Ed suffered a devastating stroke and faces an uncertain future; Ed has lost his ability to speak, to read, and has lost movement on the right side of his body. He's working with speech and physical therapists on rehabilitation, but all strokes are different and each patient responds differently, so unfortunately recovery is one day at a time. Ed ran his own business installing windows, and will probably not be able to work again. Please consider joining us to make a contribution to Ed's GoFundMe page to help stabilise and secure his future.

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