Tuesday
Had a very easy half-hour plod after finishing lat yet again on Friday, trying to clear up other peoples work.
Saturday, off to the 2-day ! This time feeling more confident. Warmed up properly, but: Disaster !
In the TT my pusher-off pushed me off ! Into the gutter, scrambled back on swearing, & off at a fearsome rate, started blowing pretty quickly, the last 500 m to the finish was pure pain, did a good time, under 5 mins so 30 mph average. Then the road stage, did a bit on the front for the first 2 laps, dropped to the back for the prime and there was a mighty pile-up, just as we were warned. Unfortunately Rob and Mark went down, Mark injured his back, Rob went off to caualty for stiches to his knee. It seems I rode over Brians head. I came off onto the grass verge, slowed enough so I just toppled over in slow motion. Got going but the buch were ahead too far to catch. Spent the rest of the race working hard, in a group of 4 initially, then we hoovered up stragglers and finished hard and knackered. Felt weary at home, took some paracetamol and didn't sleep very well.
Sunday, off to the road stage. There was a leaking sewer which meant riding through a spray of smelly water 13 times ! Sat mostly near the back. Half way through yet another crash. Avoided it and kept in contact, finished neaqr the back of the sprint. Legs tired and I felt the heat (31 C).
Home, wathed the Tour, collected Joanne from Redditch, bough beer and wine. Sat in garden drinking it.
Monday, felt rough, started to the office but turned back. Spent day lying down, dozing and watching the Tour live.
Tuesday in office. Still feel a little bit groggy.