Transcontinental Race No. 6 - TCR6 - #TCRN06 - 2018

Didn’t realise he won by 5 days...

Good piece other than that. What a lad.

James Illman (#131) is now riding with Denis Uzdiaev (#168); about 90k from the finish.

What a plank huh!

Well yesterday was an exciting day as riders sought to complete the race within three weeks of the start.

#175 Dimitry Kumundzhiev, #127 Shiela Woollam and #Alina Kilian finished comfortably in the time.

#33 Rafael Martinez Gonzalez finished in the dark before the three week mark but did cause some consternation by appearing to miss the final parcours and arrive at the end by a different route.

#91 Caroline Item appeared to be on the cusp of making the three week point with 24 km to go and an hour to ride it. And then she took a wrong turning. It was some time and a number of extra km before she realised her mistake and backtracked adding a couple of hours to her time.

#184 Michel Vandermeerschen is now riding the last 40km or so with #131 James Illman. James' gastric issues are still causing him trouble and his Twitter feed has shown a wonderfully determined spirit. His completion on the race will be bitter sweet; on the one hand it will be a relief that he is finished and safe, on the other, his tweets will be missed.

#163 Denis Uzadiaev rode a big 205 km yesterday and now has just 88 km to go. He is already riding and should hopefully arrive for lunch.

Today's finishers should all enjoy the final descent in daylight and will hopefully not miss turnings.

When he arrives, there will only be two riders on the road. Those who have just arrived or are arriving today have averaged a little less than 200 km a day for three weeks over mountains and on rough surfaces. They have faced dogs and heat, torrential downpours, lack of food and drink, illness , injury and the daily struggle to find somewhere to sleep. Riding 200 km a day for three weeks is demanding. To do it in those conditions without easy facilities for recovery in between each exertion is a feat of endurance that deserves applause. Chapeaux!

#44 Lionel Bobb is the next man on the road. He is 33 km from CP4 and I am hoping will manage to conquor that today.

#171 Neil Matthews, now up to around 184th position of 249 starters, is pushing on. Yesterday he rode 105 km. |He is still not quite half way. His average daily ride is somewhere around 80 km which is considerably less than today's finishers (which is why he is so far behind). His riding appears to be done at strange times.

Over the next few days we can focus more on Lionel and Neil.

Sensible suggestion. The road up the climb after skepari could have been washed out by a landslip if there has been rain in the past few days. Half of it was covered in debris when I went up.

#171 Neil Matthews is in Vienna. Hope this is just for touristic reasons.

It means nothing to me

Ha. He arrived there late yesterday and spent some time riding around seemingly looking for accommodation. He hasn’t moved yet today. I wonder if this could be a scratch about to happen. I do hope not.

just a continuing thanks for these updates of the latter stages of the race dude. I have to confess I am no longer watching the dots. though still in awe of those out there on the road. and wishing them all safe arrival at the end

Neil Matthews is on the move. Let’s see whether he rides to the station or airport or out towards CP3.

Lionel is 13 km from CP4.

Thanks Jonny.

"Riding" CP4 parcours during daylight is mucho sensibilo

His route took him alarmingly close to the station but now appears to be skirting around it.

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He’s gone into Sports Direct. Probably looking for a tracksuit, one of their large bags or a mug. That’s what they sell isn’t it?

I think that's Sports Direct.

#sportsdirectmuguser

Out of Sports Direct and heading away from the station and towards the centre of Vienna.

Sounds like he isn't in a hurry if he is doing a bit of shopping and sightseeing on the way.

Big brother is watching you !

Lionel at the bottom of CP4 parcours. James Illman struggling with 30km to go. Neil Matthews sightseeing in Vienna. All others finished.

Big brother is watching you !

My interest today is to establish whether he is riding on or scratching and I am trying to glean what his intentions are from his movements. Going through Vienna is onviously a worrying move. Going to Sports Direct could be to buy some cheap casual clothes (shorts t-shirt and trainers) to travel home in. I am really hoping he continues but his movements are causing concern. I must say that I would have every sympathy with him if he did scratch but let’s see.

Clive to blow a Viennese criminal gang wide open by dot watching.

Still processing that there is an ill man called Illman. I googled for his Insta and the first result is another chap who is a Health Care journalist. Wish those still riding the best, it's getting a little surreal especially with this current Sports Direct twist.

If i was a long way from home which i have done in the past , having a tracker would be comforting knowing that the home office may find me easier .

I'm sure Clive would enjoy playing Scotland Yard very much if he hasn't already.

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/438/scotland-yard

James Illman on the final parcour using his own tracking