Race Director Welcome
Welcome to the Digicel Tour de Timor 2010.
To the many riders who are coming for the second annual Tour de Timor, a hearty hello. For the many new riders, hi, this is going to be a memorable race. 5 days, 5 great stages, big hills, tight fire roads, high heat, amazing views and the most friendly of people. I hope that all of you have read the many great reviews of last year’s event. Be sure to read between the lines and take in all the hints and tips. The 09 Tour was an amazing race, and certainly a highlight. Rest assured that we are working at a frenetic pace to bring you another high quality cycling race.
Some quick tips from the Race Director’s viewpoint:
- Be prepared. Whether it is issues with your bike, clothing, nutrition or hydration, you have to be ready for anything. Plan ahead and be ready for the unexpected. This can be as simple as carrying a small puncture kit to ensuring you have a map of each stage.
- Smile. With thousands of Timorese lining the route, a smile is like a picture and tells a thousand words.
- Hydrate. Of all the issues we had in ‘09, dehydration was the most common rider complaint. Drink before you start and throughout each stage. Hydrate well at night.
Be comfortable consuming your favorite sports drink. We plan on having a good quantity of water on each stage but remember tip 1….be prepared for the unexpected. - Ride within your limits. In ‘09 our medical team had to set up a triage area after each stage and we plan on doing so again in TDT 10. Unfortunately, some riders in a field of 350 riders will fall and injury themselves. Riding within your limits is the best approach to finishing the TDT. The roads are tough, incredibly rough in places, and the fire roads takes some riding. You have been warned.
- Attitude. Please bring a good attitude with you. In a country where the average person earns less than $1 per day, getting upset at the support staff, complaining about the flavour of the food or being precious about camping overnight isn’t really going to cut the mustard. Enjoy the journey.
- Teamwork. We are all on this Tour together, some ride it, some support it and some come to take pictures. Let’s work together to make it a great adventure for everyone.
Cheers
David White
Race Director
Digicel Tour de Timor 2010
