Even though I ate a fair bit yesterday, I woke up during the night feeling hungry. I was awake before the 3.50am alarm and went off to breakfast at 4am. This time, everything was ready and I tucked in…

Probably a little too much as the start was at 6am, not much time for digestion !

Today was raining and since we were climbing to 4000m, it could well be cold too. So,decisions, what to wear and what to take. We set off, well-equipped into the unknown. Ididn’t have such a good start, breakfast was still heavy in my stomach. Catherine had abetter start, so I had to suffer a bit at the beginning…

After 24km, I had to stop and dive into the bushes ! Afterwards, things went easier, likeyesterday. Despite this stop, we stayed ahead of Sonya and Amy.

Soon, a quick stop to fill the bidons and even though mine were pretty full, I knew I hadto keep drinking…

It was about 15km, mostly uphill to the next Feed Zone, taking us to 400m on the volcano. More chance than skill, we got ahead. Sometimes my legs didn’t want to work and I had to force myself not to stall. Today the mental game was really important but in this bad weather combined with the creeping monotonous climb, motivation was difficult. Sure,I wanted to win the second „Vulcano“ jersey but negative thoughts like, I’m tired, I can’t keep going and how can I get through 100km were always little niggles. After the Feed zone at about 40km things were better but Catherine had a little more trouble. We dug in and reached the highest point at Vulcano after 4.30pm, but visibility was very poor. At the top, we made a break, fed ourselves and made ready for the descent. It went down 25km fast!! We were stopped by cows that came to meet us as well as cars but after 45minutes of this, we passed the 84km marker. From there to the finish it was two more climbs and this took another two hours ! We both suffered and tried hard to motivate each other. The first rise seemed never ending and the last part went on to infinity ! We really had to fight and finally reached the line as WINNE!!!!

Now, tired and exhausted here in the hotel, I’m really pleased it’s a short stage tomorrow.

Although with 2 longer and steep ascents, we must keep going but I hope I have to suffer a little less tomorrow ! Wish me luck !