Hey guys

Well we did it. Last nighthere in seville HTC Columbia smoked around the 13km course in a shade over 14m. 10 s faster than any other team which is a huge winning margin. What a feeling. I’ve won teams pursuits before and that feeling is amazing, but to win in a grand tour is truly something special and not many get to experience that feeling.

I feel super proud right now. Not just with the team but with myself. I mean why not! Just over 10 days ago I was thinking the season was over, really distraught thinking my good form was gone. The next minute I’m riding 60km/hr with 8 guys on my wheel in a grand tour stage win, then standing atop of the podium. What a feeling and what a great way to overcome my disappointment.

It was really nail biting stuff in the bus last night. Especially thinking we had won even before teams had finished. We didn’t consider cervelo a contender and when we heard that they were a sec up at the intermediate split the bus went super silent. It was a weird feeling, and believe me the group prayer started now! There was a massive roar when we knew we had won, it was special.. As soon as wegot off the bike though I said we would go close. I’ve done many efforts like this before and I just knew it was fast. It was smooth, and at times effortless. Which normally means a fast ride. We did it and the feeling on the podium was incredible not to mention the champagne which was consumed back stage!

It finished so late. We didn’t get back to the hotel until 12.30am. Few beers later, plus the recovery shape and it was bed time. Now we are all up and it’s time to do it all over again…

Today we have 170kms on the cards. We are hoping for a sprint to try get cav up for the win. Its hot here, you sweat even before you put the chamois. So the right nutrition and hydration will be key in this 3 week race.

Enough from me. Thanks for reading and a big thanks to all the support vie had re the crash. That’s all history now and more success is coming…… I’ve got that feeling.

Ciao ciao