Zürich Four Days 2011 – Day Two

The hotel I’m in for the Zürich Four Days 2011 is nice, a double bed, en-suite shower and beautiful breakfast spread – but it’s a logistical pain.

Kris has to ‘make massage’ with Jesper at lunchtime, but I don’t want to hang around the hotel all morning – there’s work to do at the track.

I had to scrounge a lift – always a pain.

The programme is pretty busy, with just the break for “Showtime” and the stayers race, late in the evening.

Franco and Iljo look the best here; Kenny De Ketele/Tim Mertens are always solid and should be on the podium; Hondo/Bartko won here last year and whilst Danilo is the coolest man alive he was looking a tad frayed tonight.

Peter Traynor looked in to say hi, he’s only DJ’ing at this race this season, which is a pity as he’s the best at what he does, the sounds here are great. Have a look at the interview we did with him last year.

Big Bob is still strong, but not as strong, or as young as he used to be; it’s 11 years since he was double Olympic champion in Sidney – pursuit and team pursuit.

Perm those three teams for the podium.

At the other end, it’s a survival battle for our boy Dominique – he’s getting electronic treatment on his median lines as I write this – Thursday was better for him than Wednesday, if he makes it through tonight then he’ll get his full contract – good news for him (and us!).

I’m writing this on Friday night as the stayer race growls around us; and when it’s “on” it’s “on” – 50 miles per hour.

It’s slightly mad but I love it and all the little technical ‘ticks’ – modern adhesives or not, they still bandage the tubs on, down over the side walls and on to the rim.

If they puncture at 80 kph then they have to be sure the tyre and rim don’t part company.

Franco’s in the next Derny – best get me skates on.

Ciao ciao.

Zürich Four Days - Results