Today we started early. I woke up at 7 am because we had to undergo a transfer of 100 kilometres.
Until now todays stage was the hardest that the Tour had to offer. It was very hilly, there was a strong wind and a very high
speed. But my biggest fight was against the heat again.
Right after the start we had to ride against cross winds. After only a few kilometres the bunch was splitted in several
groups. Right before the first KoM after 19.2 kilometres all riders were together again. But you couldn't relax , because
after that we were riding against cross winds again and the bunch was splitted again. None of the teams rode at the front
[not organised, editor] but because of the permanent attacks the speed was extremely high.
I tried everything I could to get into a [breakaway] group today. My feeling was: „If a big group get away it will
come through.“ but it just wasn't meant to be.
As a team we road very agressive, we always had one at the front. For instance Frösi [Robert Förster, editor] won the second
intermediate sprint and shifted a little bit forward in the overall. In the final we found each other and worked very well
together. But we also noticed that we miss that little bit extra for a podium spot.
Paco [Wrolich, editor], Carlo [Westphal, editor] and myself rode the 70 kilometres to our hotel by bike. One could say
we rode out to regenerate our legs a bit. Now I will get my massage and after that I will finally get something to eat. Tomorrow
will be the decisive stage, we all have to try to be at the front.
Until tomorrow, hopefully with some good news.
Your Heinrich
