Despite having to overcome HUGE obstacles, Andy hung in there for 3 of the 4 stages. Only getting a DNF on the last stage, a criterium where the race officials pulled all lapped riders.

Here’s Andy’s commentary on the first 3 stages (he was too tired after 2 stages to send any more reports):

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HOLY SNIKIES! Poppa don't like to hurt like that. I know I promised a report after each stage but all I can think about right now is bed, and it's 2:00 in the afternoon. So here is a quick recap on the first two stages:

First let me set the stage. Joining us on this fun little outing is a full Health Net squad, a full Jelly Belly squad, a full Endeavor squad, a full Broadmark squad, and so on and so on. It's really not fair here, all these guys I've only read about in magazines, I'm now bumping elbows with them. Every big name in US cycling is here, sans some of the Webcor guys. So now you know the players how about some racing...

Fridays stage was 113 miles that culminated in a nine mile climb at mile 90 or so. There were 140 guys starting. And, oh yeah, it was 94 degrees and humid as hell, you hear that Michigan, 94 degrees. I was completely unprepared for weather like that. In fact, I think that is what ultimately did me in. It was so hot it was almost impossible for me to eat on the bike. The pace was just brutal. For the first 40 minutes, until a break got away, the pace never dropped below 30 mph. I made it the big climb with the group and at that point I was seeing stars and cramping, so I got dropped on the climb. I finished 98th, about 15 minutes down on the leaders. It is amazing how much time you can lose on a climb like that. A couple of guys I know from Kalamazoo where driving the team car for Endeavor, so whenever I needed something I would drop back and get it from the car. I got stuck behind a crash and they dropped back and paced me back to the group. It was a little taste of what being a pro feels like. I wouldn't have been able to make it if it wasn't for them. I went through seven bottles of water in the 4 and some hours I was out there.

Today’s first stage was 92 miles and consisted on a 11 mile start/finish section and three 20 something loops that were continuously up and down. I got dropped at the beginning of the third lap, along with about half the field, there was some serious attacking going on. I didn't feel very good today, my legs were tired, but not too bad. I couldn't for the life of me get my heart rate up above 150 all day. I was above 150 almost the whole race yesterday. I guess I not very recovered. I don't know where I finished but I'm guessing bottom middle, I think we were about 15 minutes behind the leaders.

There is a second stage tonight, a 2.5 mile uphill time trial, from what I hear it is seriously uphill too. I am going to try and get some rest, so I don't embarrass myself more than I have all ready. Alright, wish me luck and send my legs good thoughts.

Smell you later,

Andy

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Check out full race results at: www.joemartinstagerace.com

There’s a menu bar at the top, click on RESULTS and look under PRO,1,2 Men’s Field.

For another perspective on the Joe Martin Stage Race which Sunrise Sports Cycling Team member, Andy Weir competed in, read this diary from long time US pro cyclist, John Lieswyn: www.cyclingnews.com