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Half Time
by Paul Rowlands | 16/09/09

I write this from the hotel, it’s 7.47 and the procession of bags and bodies has begun to move around the hotel in preparation for the transfer to the start of stage 5. We’re officially over half way and I’d love to say all downhill from here. In actual fact it’s the harder phase of the race, certainly for the next three days anyway.

Yesterday showed there are gaps to be created in the peloton when the bigger climbs begin and the guys showed they have what is needed to respond. But with a flat final 40 miles yesterday was never going to be the day. Just a day of tension in the bunch with the majority of riders seemingly riding to make sure they don’t lose rather than to force the selection. That and Bradley Wiggins making everyones legs hurt on the run in all served to ensure another bunch gallop.

Today however looks different. Bradley has gone to get on with his final phase of prep for the world champs and the parcours for today has plenty of climbing, the possibility of winds on the moorlands and a twisty run in to a tricky uphill finish in Stoke. Not everyone will want to wait until somerset to launch their attack, not everyone has that option. Today is a stage that will be the last chance for some and the first test for others.

Kristian said yesterday he was looking forward to the race proper finally starting. For something that moves at an average of 25mph there sure is a hell of a lot of waiting on this bike race.

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