It's not just the riders suffering, our bikes took a beating yesterday and I started the day with a flat tyre. Not the best start but after identifying and removing the offending piece of flint, a new inner tube was fitted and finally made the grand depart.
The first 20miles were a bit uncomfortable and my quads in particular were a bit stiff and reluctant to start moving. Any decent Progress was further hampered with another puncture- the second of the day! Again the offending flint was removed and were back on our way to the first water stop.
Judging by the amount of people at the roadside, I think the French roads can be given negative scores today, I think the only people happy were the bike mechanics who were selling inner tubes by the bucketload (I myself bought some, to replace the two spares I had already used).
The first waster stop was pretty impressive as it took place at battle of the Somme war memorial. But this was no normal memorial, it was absolutely enormous. What made it more outstanding was the fact that when you approached it it became obvious that there was some writing on the stone- 72000 names of british soldiers who died during the battle. For those more interested; and I encourage every one to have a look, the name of the memorial was thiepvall.
This was also the sight of an interesting method used to cut a grass verge. In answer to the question of how many French people it takes, the answer is three!
This rest stop seemed to loosen the legs slightly and a few of the green army began to feel good. Steve had mentioned at dinner the previous night that he fancied a blast today so with the sun shining and empty roads four of us formed a chain gang and cranked up the pace before lunch.
After lunch, the green army left on mass with the intention of an easy cycle for the rest of the day. However after just three miles a challenge was muttered and kingy, steve and myself were off again.
I'm not sure what they put in the meatballs but I think it was the same stuff contador was was eating a few years ago (before the drug ban) because we were flying. Again in chain gang formation we were eating up the miles and very quickly arrived at the next water point 20miles later- minutes behind the support crew who were disappointed that they couldn't chill out for a while!
Again for the second time I the day, the company chose a perfect rest stop which was directly next to a fishing lake. Although il not sure the fisherman was too impressed with a load of cyclists spoiling his prospects!
After the previous couple of stints spent blasting through the French countryside we then did keep in a group and covered the remaining 20ish miles at a relatively sensible pace.
It would seem however that my pursuit of the maillot Jaune is under threat from a fellow team member, who decided to use some underhand tactics and bumped wheels while causally cycling along.
Staying upright, a lance stare was delivered to the offending rider, apologies offered and accepted and the green army were in peace again!
20 miles later and the days journey is complete. Off to the bar!
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