On Friday, June 9, something different was in the air in Puigcerdà. Quite a bit of movement, more than normal for these dates. Especially impressive was the large number of bicycles that roamed the capital of La Cerdanya.
In the collection of the dorsal there was already a very good atmosphere. Faces of happiness, optimism and nerves, with some reunion between good cyclist friends. There were some familiar faces around there, such as the organizer of the march, Jose Hermida, always very close and attentive to everyone.
We loved the runner’s bag, one of the most complete we’ve ever seen. Practically, the Mary Poppins bag. We all like this type of detail!
From Planetabici.com it was our second participation. The good experience of last year set the bar very high. We were convinced that Saturday would once again be a spectacular day.
A few hours later we reappeared there with the bike ready to take the start of 3 Naciones 2023. With the first rays of sun the starting boxes were filling up. Around 2,000 cyclists “would be part of the myth”, 140 kilometers and 2,000 meters of unevenness spread over 3 different countries.
The starting gun was given at 7:30 in the morning. Despite the hour, the temperature was quite pleasant. As always, the descent towards La Seu d’Urgell was very fast. About 50 kilometers with a downward trend, with the odd slope where we had to grit our teeth.
In this first section, and as a great novelty of this edition, we find some of the illuminated tunnels. One more stride to ensure the safety of cyclists.
Once inside Andorra, we passed in front of our colleagues from the Jorma Bike shop. The good stuff hadn’t started there yet. He had to climb more than 1,500 meters of unevenness in a single ascent, the Port of Envalira (2,407 m). A very long climb, with some breaks, especially in the first half.
On a regular basis we were eating to avoid suffering from a bird. The 3 aid stations arranged along the Port of Envalira allowed us to recharge liquids and food, an essential fact to overcome the highest paved mountain pass in southern Europe.
From the infernal straights of Soldeu to the beautiful and entertaining curves of Grau Roig. Some incredible high mountain landscapes. The green of the rains of the last few days, combined with the occasional patch of snow, made up a sensational image.
Little by little the moment of crowning approached. With fatigue in our legs and with our heads down, we only thought about not giving an inch with the wheel in front. The exemplification of “enjoy suffering” lived in first person.
Once up, the time trial section ended. The rapid descent towards Pas de la Casa flew by. Suddenly it went up again. The small slope of the Col de Puymorens felt fabulous for those who had saved a little energy, but it was a blow to those who had emptied themselves in Envalira.
From this point, all face down. A very dynamic and rolling section, where it was essential to go in a group.
In relays, passing constantly, the kilometers advanced very quickly. Little by little, the closed valley of Puymorens opened up, to once again give way to the breadth of La Cerdanya.
The last climb finished putting everyone in their place. One last squeeze to make the best time possible, to expend every ounce of strength left in his legs.
Exhausted, but very happy, we crossed the finish line. At the final refreshment we talked with our groupmates and congratulated ourselves on the effort.
Even with the “high” in our bodies, we thought about everything we had experienced: a real day of cycling. To top it off, we recorded our time on the number of the “finisher” medal, which will force us to train more to improve the time of 2024.
Because yes, next year, without a doubt, we will be back at the 44th edition of the Marxa 3 Nacions, a ‘must’ for female cyclists in our country.
