Tag: Mongolian Challenge
Paolo and “The Mongolian Challenge”…Bravissimo!
by Bob_Thompson on Aug.12, 2010, under Guestbook, Indochine - Feb 10, 2010
Paolo and Fede came on the last Tour d’Indochine. They were a blessing. Good sports, great attitudes and game for whatever came their direction. On Indochine, it can be a lot.
On top of that, they were from Italy. We love it when Far and Away Cycling not only means cycling in places Far and Away, but also being with people who live Far and Away. In our view, it doesn’t get any better.
Anyway, on Indochine it soon became apparent Mr. Paolo could probably give Lance a run for his money. Paolo is a fitness instructor and could ride like the wind. He spoke less English than Fede, but he kept mentioning “Mongolian Challenge, “Mongolian Challenge”. We soon learned that he was using Indochine to further his training for the big test, The Mongolian Bike Challenge.
Well the Mongolian Challenge is on right now! And Mr. Paolo is in the thick of the action. And I mean really thick. It seems today’s stage was canceled due to a sandstorm.
Mr Paolo is Number 35. There is a tour tracker so people can follow along. I haven’t seen pics of Paolo yet, but I’m looking and I am sure I will find some before this thing is over.
The Mongolian Challenge looks ridiculously hard. 120- 140 k per day with 200o or more meters of climbing in a race environment with time eliminations while camping. Mr Paolo is probably missing the wonderful amenities of Kiu Kacham, Laos about now!!
At this moment, Mr. Paolo is in 23rd place out of 94 entrants and about 80 minutes behind the leader.
Here are some pics of Paolo (and Fede).
I am 100% sure that Paolo would love to hear from people. Write a comment, a Bravissimo!, a “go Paolo”, anything. He is all the way on the other side of the world, but you can bet damn sure that I will make sure that he hears it.
Some pics from The Mongolian Challenge Website:
The start of the MBC. Mr. Paolo is here somewhere!
Wow, this looks pretty barren!
From Indochine:
Fede and Paolo at Tram Ton Pass
R to L: Paolo, Fede and Gwyn
Compared to MBC, Indochine probably is "child's play" for Paolo!
