What a superb rest day. Shortly after we crossed the finish line yesterday, the surprise visits began. So many hugs, kisses and many of the boys went straight behind closed doors, including me! I’m just glad, none of our families were here to see it.

I really have absolutely no idea what happened shortly after that. I do remember coming back to the team bus and Lance and Johan had organised shots. A different shot representing each riders nation of origin in this years tour. I have no idea how many shots there were, but let’s just say there are plenty of nationalities represented this year. Clearly we were well looked after by team management, because we all woke up in the team hotel the next day, along with a few extra “friends”.

You would think a nice relaxing sleep in on the rest day today and a quiet ride, maybe a massage, but no. An early knock on the door by Mark Renshaw and Mark Cavendish ensured there was going to be some mischief today, that’s for sure. The best way to deal with a hangover is always to drink through it, that’s for sure.

So we all jumped into some cabs and off we went. I can remember driving for about half an hour, but the strip joint the boys had found was exceptional. After all, we did get the relaxing massage a still body needs in the middle of such a long bike race. I certainly felt so much more relaxed afterward.

We followed this up with a couple of pints at a local bar and headed back up the hill to the team hotel. Again, we were ready to settle in with a few quiet ones and a chance to watch “deal or no deal” in French, but shortly after we sit down, there was another know at the door. This time it was the UCI doping control boys, but not for a drug test. A few of the guys and girls are actually good value and they’d put together a massive party for most of the teams because we were all staying close together. So on with the party gear and off we go for another big night.

Lance is looking so much more relaxed today. Maybe it was the massage he got with the twins this afternoon. Apparently they have magic hands and can remove any knots you might have. I think they must also do some bible studies during the massage, because you often hear people loudly praising the lord whilst they are in the massage room with them. The odd “Oh God”, followed by an “oh Lord”, and a loud “yes, yes, yes, oh God”, adds up to only one thing; there are still many religious riders in the pro peleton.

Tomorrow is a sick monster of a stage. Four big climbs culminating in the Col de la Madeleine, which drags on for over 20km. Let’s be honest, it’s a bit harsh after a designated party day. For our team, we’ll be rallying around Levi now as Lance is no longer really a GC chance and has other things on his mind, like organising some of the biggest parties for the remainder of the tour. I’ll be out busting a lung for Levi. I want to test the legs tomorrow and see how they’re holding up. I’ve slipped down in GC quite a bit and would like to fight back a few spots if possible.

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