To say yesterday was big would be an understatement. Even another pointless reference to “Big” George Hincapie couldn’t begin to tell you the type of night we had last night. Christophe organised one of the biggest nights in tour history. It was themed “arrogant French prick” and some of the fancy dress was hilarious. That Mark Renshaw from HTC sure does know how to throw together a costume in a short period of time, let’s just say that much.

I can’t really remember past the five minute mark to be honest with you. Jani, Gregory, Popo and I spiked the punch and got stuck into it on an empty stomach. I still don’t know how I got home. It was a real mess getting up this morning. Chris Horner wasn’t even there. We found him sleeping on a nature strip in front of the Rabobank team bus. No idea how he ended up there.

This morning was not a great morning for visitors. However being the Tour de France, every semi celebrity and public figure want to be seen around you for a photo opportunity. Today was no exception. So while Sergio and I were having a spew behind the bus (felt much better after, I always do), we heard Prince Albert of Monaco was going to drop by. I don’t mind the bloke, but the fact is, he’s one of the best guys to talk to about motivation and he should know. For a man who is not much to look at, some of the chicks he’s pulled in the past are well out of his league. Talk about setting your mind to something that you should never really be able to achieve. It was inspiring to hear about some of his drunken nights and the ladies he bed in the process. It sure did fire me up.

Christophe ensured another bludge stage on the road today. Even he was seen at the side of the road looking a pale shade of green and it’s no wonder. The whole peleton was hurting, so we basically shut down for the day and just enjoyed the countryside. The heat was oppressive, though I guess sweating out the alcohol is a good thing. Come to think of it, I sure am glad there wasn’t a booze bus on the road today. Three quarters of the team managers would have been done for sure. Johan was still drinking at 7am this morning.

The boys loaded up for the sprint in the end and Cav took it out. He sprinted well today, which is a bit of a turn up. Maybe it was the shots he was doing with Brent Bookwalter last night. Mind you, most of the other sprinters were just happy to make the finish line, still felling seedy after last night.

For tonight, the boys from Euskatel have something planned. Not sure what, but they are Spanish, so it should be interesting.

Tomorrow’s stage should be another quiet one, depending on how tonight goes. Pretty straight forward. Cav probably thinks he is a shot to go back to back and thus I expect the HTC train to get organised again. Having said that, if it’s another big one tonight, some of the teetotaller’s might get away in a break. Let’s be honest, they are never going to win a bike race otherwise. I’m starting to get a little tired now. I’m already thinking about the rest day. Lance’s cooking is starting to get to me and the choice of music in the bus is getting on my nerves. Something has got to give.

 

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