Stage 2

This stage is short (300m) but straight uphill to the lookout at the top of Anzac Hill. The elevation change is about 30m which starts of quite shallow but the gradient tops out about 19% around 2/3rds of the way up, but then flattens out for about 30m before rising again around a corner to the finish.

Riders are set off at 30 second intervals with the slowest from the Stage 1 going 1st and fastest last. The atmosphere on the hill was superb with both riders and spectators watching and cheering riders up the hill.

I took my place in the start queue and awaited my time. Watching riders powering off the start line was quite unnerving as I was worried about whether i had it in the right gear. Soon enough it was my turn, I got clipped in and there was a guy to hold the seat track style. It's amazing how long 58 seconds can seem when your legs and lungs are burning but it was a huge relief to cross the finish. My goal was to be under 1 minute which I just about managed.

Most of the protagonists in the race had changed tyres for the event, using skinny slicks. It was impressive to see the Elites flying up the hill.

Was just hoping that I didn't burnout my legs for the following days racing....