We arrived early at the Col du Telegraphe, now the only major climb of the stage. A group of guys were out painting the roads, doing some great grafitti and asked if we would mind taking a picture of them by their work. In return we asked if they would paint our logo on the tarmac for us. They loved the idea and did us proud!
When we got an email asking whether we were available to be interviewed about next year's Tour of Italy starting in Ireland, we felt honoured and privileged! Read our exclusive write up at http://www.ireland.com/en-gb/what-is-available/cycling/articles/girostart2014
Next year the United Kingdom will play host to two Grand Tours starts. This is a massive accolade for this country! To play any part, however minor, in this build up to these events is something really special. We feel very honoured!
With our trip to the Alps now less than a week away, we are putting in as many climbing miles as possible. A bold claim especially when this weekend's training mileage has been Suffolk based. Luckily we hooked up with some guys from Ipswich Bicycle Club who took us out on some great roads, some of which could qualify in part as hills!
'Fortune favours the brave', I tried to focus on this statement as we rode out straight into a headwind, although it did remain dry. The ride back saw us hit speeds almost double that of our outward leg! Psychologically we are feeling strong, focussed and ready for the challenge ahead.
On ground level cool 80's sounds accompanied a psychedelic light show and the ever-popular Rollapaluza provided a different form of entertainment from the exhibitors downstairs.
It might sound like one of those exaggerated stories someone tells you and then you retell it adding a few more twists to it but this is truly how we spent our Saturday. Having donned a skin suit that made us look 'near naked' we joined a group of similarly attired fellow riders for a photo call on The Mall. Having rode out of London following last years Men's Olympic Road Race route in our naked persona much to the delight of busy shoppers and tourists alike, we were greeted with lots of wolf whistles, hoots, cheering and smiles! The weather was kind to us. The sun shone on Box Hill, but we did have hail in Richmond Park on the way back. Thoughts of Cancellera's 'off' at the roundabout slowed us all down and got us back safely.
The serious side of the 72-mile ride was to raise awareness of male cancer. If you fancy getting involved in a ride out details can be found at www.ballsoutchallenge.org.