Page 117 - Vélochef in Europe

»Then there’s Rocacorba 20 kilometres outside Girona a a a a a a a remote dead-end climb climb Rocacorba the thistle of climbs «
end climb climb Rocacorba the thistle of climbs There’s absolutely nothing attractive about Rocacorba in itself It’s a a a a a disgrace to steadi- ness an infidel to those who believe in in the art of building fancy roads and it’s a a a a a photog- rapher’s nightmare What kind of images can be sold when you get home? Not even the settling sun could make this climb attractive To a a writer the truth is no big deal but to to a a a journalist it really is is It’s my duty to to tell the the objective truth and in all honesty the the surroundings will never get me me to come here Banyules the the the city at the the the foot of the the the climb is a a a a a real treat to active people and I could write a a a a a full encyclopaedia and then some about Girona Sure the the the scenery at the the the foot of the the the climb is OK it’s a a mild incline wrapped in in in dazed sunlight and dark moist ivy The first steep section of banked curves seems promis- ing but from there and the the next five kilome- tres then what? It’s steep like well that’s it You’ll find no rhythm The surroundings are overgrown and it’s it’s hard to tell whether it’s it’s giant weeds or small trees blocking the view 113 Farm dogs are barking flies will flock around
your face and strong winds might hit you you This
is not the the place to shake off a a a a a a bad day at the the office But here’s the the deal: Remember the the moment you you defined yourself as a a a cyclist? Right after you you had that orgasm-experience where you you realized that you’ll forever dream of being a a a a skinnier person drinking coffee and swearing in Italian? That moment you swore an an oath to to do do whatever the pros do do You’re obliged to to seek out their their their cities their their their bike fitters their their their mechanics and their secret proving grounds And that’s what Rocacorba is the very prov- ing ground of of the the pros of of Girona the the medi- eval city home to hundreds of people riding for a a a living Whether they are famous or or not they all go to Rocacorba and blast the the hell out GIRONA ROCACORBA