So another stage over here in the Tour Down Under. It was quite a nervous race at times, riding not too far from the coast, with a bit of a crosswind for most of the day. Which meant each corner, which isn't very often in this race, caused a bit of panic just in case somebody tried to cause a split. Sky and BMC towards the end of the race did eventually have a go, but after a few minutes of effort nothing really happened, so it seemed another sprint finish was how it was going to end up. Again it was Griepel who took the win, showing what good form he is in.
It was my roommate Matt Brammeier who showed the team colours today, well the sponsors name at least on his Irish national champions kit, as he was in the break today.
He couldn't wait to go and stand in the sea after the race, as we all did, just to help get the recovery process get started after the stage. Normally it's just a nice ice cold bath waiting for us, but that made a nice change.
So halfway through now, but with most of the Kilometres done. Looks like it should be another similar day tomorrow.
-Andy Fenn