What a race! It's great...unlike my health... Had a heap of breath taken away by some stupid little cold but I still got out there and got dusty on the 'strade bianche', gravel roads with a bit quarts sort of stuff makes them white.

Through the hills of Tuscany in the cold but sunny air on smooth asphalt and then onto the back roads behind the farms in the dirt. Great concept!

The race started in a very professional and calm manner until 80km to go when it really got going. I was behind with Micheal (Schar) and Brent (Bookwalter) whom were both riding 10x better than me, even gave my wheel at one point - pat myself on the back for that one - but we never saw the front again, disappointing but I'd rather have our punctures and illnesses now than in Tirreno or Giro.

A great test of equipment, and a good experience for stage seven of this years Giro. Tirreno starts Wednesday...