[Note: if you haven't read last night's entry, read that first.]
An extraordinary sequence of events took place in the last leg, and now both riders have reached TS 48 in Grafton, WV, with Souza ahead of Walsh by only 14 minutes.
“Bryce was in the lead halfway to Grafton, and Souza moved to pass,” said crew member Jodi Boettner. “The two riders rode together for a few minutes and exchanged words. It wasn’t a heated exchange by any means — I think they were talking about the other riders behind them.” After the exchange Souza moved ahead, but Bryce picked up his own pace too.
About 20 minutes later, Walsh passed Souza to re-take 4th. Another 20 minutes later, Souza passed Walsh again and held on, to claim the 4th position at Grafton. Souza also has the speed advantage: in the last leg, Souza averaged 16.6 MPH to Walsh’s 11.3.
Stay tuned…
NOTE: keep checking the previous post on podcasts too, because I’m adding more as they come in (although as of this writing, there are none since yesterday).
Here’s the latest map:
As always, email carter@pundo.com with questions, comments, or any changes to the race that you know about, that haven’t been captured here.
Way to BATTLE BRYCE! Woo hoooo!!!
Stay close in the hills – you know if you can crest a big hill before Souza that makes a nice little gain on the descent – if he goes over the top first don’t panic – keep doing what you’ve been doing; WAY TO COMPETE! That’s what I’m talkin’ about -
Tommy Nooch Berube – superb crew effort!! You know how to climb Townes Pass in your big ring at 15 mph – throw some of those magic beans at Bryce on these climbs!!!
Excellent work Team Walsh!
Hey Bryce! Next time you ride along side Souza, you should poke him in the eye! Or at least say something like, “Hey Souza! Your bike sucks!” and then push him over!
Maybe you are sportsman-like, but your fans don’t have to be. I’m sitting at work, no shirt on, with BRYCE painted on my chest. GO! GO! GO!
Starting to look a bit bumpier to TS 49 — take him in the hills!
Hey Bryce & Crew
Dave Carter’s doing a great job of watching your backs, we’re all incredibly riveted and I’m sure we all wish we could throw some rose petals on the pavement as you pass on the road.
I’m with Jim Krebs–keep at Sousa, focus on the spin, and take him at the end. This last day is really gonna be something.
Go, daddy-o, go.
bryce, this something i saw work once. repeat after me . n-n-n-n-na-na-na be the bike ! n-n-n-n-na-na-na-na be the bike !
YOUR ASSUME MAN !! Hang in there !
Hi ! Jodi ,Tanya and crew . This is what i am talking about THE RIGHT CREW FOR THE RIGHT JOB !
WAY TO GO !
Looks like I broke up with Lance just in time! Bryce, all I wanna do is have some fun and soak up the sun with you in Atlantic City! If you play your cards right you can play bass on “Under the Boardwalk” with Kid Rock, P. Diddy and myself at the rap party. Don’t wuss out in the mountains, I kicked Lance to the curb for crying…
You are my knight in shining lycra,
Waiting for you,
Rock on shine on ride on….
Cheryl!!!
Go Bean! I know you can do this! Keep peddling….you can catch him!!
Bryce – Like so many others I have been captivated and astonished by this race, your superlative achievements and the dedicated support of your crew. I wish you success – whatever that means to you at this point, in the time and distance remaining.
Given the amazing determination that you have shown thus far, I am confident that you will make it to NJ in at least fourth place – and that is certainly something to be tremendously proud of.
All the best and continue to ride strong – Sasha