Written by Tashkent Browncoats at 20:04 13/10-2023
It's been a while since a press release came from Tashkent. Even though a lot, and a lot of nothing, has happened.
Last season, Cesario Sabatino won the Edmonton Red Deer Tour, finally fulfilling a dream that I have had since starting managing more than 12 years ago. Perhaps it was a black hole that the team fell in finally reaching this so long sought after goal. Perhaps it was a busy personal summer schedule for me. But almost immediately after, Tashkent Browncoats went on a hiatus that lasted over a season, not even putting out a press release to commemorate this achievement. Therefore, Cesario merits some belated appreciation, as he has often served as an overqualified teammate, not getting all the chances he might deserve. But in the end, it is him to bring home the first ever jersey.
While Sabatino's achievement is so well deserved and immensely appreciated, perhaps also attributing to the hiatus was a hint of melancholy that came with his victory. Because we had tried so long and so often in ERD, but always with Rafał Figura. He came close many times, and just missed out on the captaincy this time due to just missing top form. Despite how fulfilling Sabatino's victory is, the idea that it should have been Figura is inescapable. He is the best rider in our history, after all.
Alas, after a long long break, a couple of weeks we start riding again. Everyone's top form is recharged, the lack of competition means some loyal teammates can note down the first win of their career. Spirits are good. And all of the sudden, we find ourselves briefly in division 7, right in time for this relatively new tour in Cuba that we've never participated in El Tocororo. And it fits Rafal's profile perfectly. So, we start planning, riding three races in 24h to get up the RS, taking deserved breaks, hiring staff, signing TS-boosting sponsorships. Everything to give 38-year old Figura one last shot at glory. And once again, we miss out on top form only by a couple of points.
But it does not matter.
Placing second in the first and last stage, while winning the second, adds up to a tiny, 3-second margin in Ojo de Agua on Vuksan Todić, when all is said and done. At 38 years old, Rafal finally brings home a jersey. And Sabatino? Having already had his moment of glory, he is more than happy to once again support his captain. And finishes 9th in the GC in the process.
It's good to be back y'all.
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Comments
Nice win for the old man
Doing my best to get back, yesterday was a good day!
Welcome back. We missed you in the WT.
Thanks Pierre - no one knows my tour struggle quite as well as you do
Big big congrats, Mal, to both jerseys. Now Rafal can retire satisfied. :)
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