To be honest it could have been an easier start to the day had the organizers decided not to put km 0 at the bottom of an 8 km climb! It was full gas up there with 60 riders dropped on the climb which meant for them a good 50kms of chasing……. I hung on to the main group, although many of times I thought about swinging left… The heat was so intense and I really thought the old noggin was going to explode! But it didn’t and I survived!

Of course the break never went on the climb so it was full gas on the descent and over a few undulations till it did go. You could hear the sigh if relief from nz I reckon!

We rolled along for a long time after this letting the group come back and everyone recharge till the final climb where the auto bus was called directly, and I took my seat! The auto bus is also known as the gruppetto in cycling, it’s when a bunch of riders all just ride to the finish, some to save energy, some cause they have no choice and some are even on the rivet just staying here! I was more the first two today…. After yesterday I was tired and to force it this early in the race would not be healthy for this mans soul!

Our gc riders did a good job finishing right up there so all good. I got to the finish happy but tired. It was only 157kms but it took us 4.5hrs. So 36km/hr average! Got to love this race!

Tomorrow we have a similar day. It’s 183kms with a climb at the finish. For me it will be similar to today. I wont be forcing anything. My body aint ready, but soon enough it will be. Cause of the heat there is already a lot in the box….. It’s no place to be trust me! I think the heat will zap everybody in this tour, it’s bloody incredible.

The team is still all laughs at the dinner table which us great for everyones morale. Breaky is a touch quieter though! Lol

Will update tomorrow. Cheers for all the messages. Love reading them and I really appreciate it..

Ciao my friends,
Roly