Shohei Ikeda takes 6th at the ‘Tour of Friendship’ in Thailand

Shohei Ikeda raced the ‘Tour of Friendship’ in Thailand, a 5 stage race which draws strong international competition. He finished 2^nd on the 130 Km stage three. Shohei said “Day3;  A big stage.  A climb at 39km split apart everybody.  An apparent to be GC leader "Chris N" (who I followed) pushed initial 2kms very hard.  I suffered but managed HR below 182 (I think average around 176).  A front group of 6 was formed after the climb and stayed with them to the sprint finish.  Between 70km-100km (along the lake), I didn't feel so well.  But at 100km, I started feeling very well, maybe because I digested energy bars.  I have not pushed hard from 100km to the Finish though, because I was thinking there would be a short uphill just before the finish but apparently, it was all flat after 110km to the Finish.” 

Then on the uphill finish for stage 4 he again finished 2^nd. on the uphill finish 4^th stage. Shohei said, “A middle section of climb was so gradual and the peloton was slow enough that majority stayed till the last climb. The last climb split everybody apart. I attacked 100m to the top of the climb but caught by 3 other riders at the last 3-400m flat section. Sprint finish with 2nd place.”  

Shohei’s fine efforts in all 5 stages earned him 6^th place in the final General Classification. Shohei has been training hard despite his location in Hong Kong.

PCG Coach: Gordy Paulson