Jean-Michel Lachance
photo affichée sur Instagram par Jean-Michel Lachance

by Jean-Michel Lachance

« Michel, ¿por qué vienes a sufrir a Guatemala?"

That’s the question Manuel Rodas asked me during Stage 4 of the Vuelta Bantrab. At the moment, I didn’t have an answer. But looking back, it’s simple: I love it. I love these hard, gritty races that push you to the limit.

Three years ago, I showed up here on 48h notice, coming straight from a Canadian winter with "Zwift fitness" to face the best South American climbers. This year was different. With three weeks of endurance in Mexico already in the legs, no return ticket, and a working bike, joining Quici - El Trapiche was an easy "yes."

The week was a true physiological and mental test:

Stage 1: Escaped unscathed from a massive 90km/h peloton crash at the start, but suffered through the crushing heat.

Stage 2: Legs were back on this hilly stage, but losing a water bottle 20km from the summit forced a rationing game. Between the heat, a dropped chain, and a messy caravan, I lost 6 minutes, but I was happy with the power.

Stage 3: The Xela Crit. 80km/h descents and 180° turns at 2300m altitude. I felt comfortable until the I was not — likely under-fueled for those 400W+ surges.

Stage 4 (The Alaska Ascent): Aiming for 310W at 3000m (which feels like 360W at sea level). Distracted by a power meter failure and a messy stomach, I raced on feel but lost contact midway up the climb.

Stage 5: A fast circuit in Guate City. Tried the breakaway before settling on the sprint card but the right move went on a weird finish.

Overall : The altitude prep with the Sisimith family and Cory Wallace was solid, but I completely underestimated the heat. Despite the great work from our massothérapeute, my muscles were missing that "freshness" and "snap" needed for this level of racing.

Huge thanks to the Padilla brothers @juliopm92 & @negropadilla88 , Goretti, Abel, Goyo, @kennethchs and @danielquicibal for the trust. Thanks to Quici, Restaurant El Trapiche, and Fuel Nutrition for the support. To my teammates Rodrigo, Axel, Diego, and Henry: thanks for the battle. »

Jean-Michel Lachance, Instagram, 6 mai

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