For the first time in 20 years John Herety had to abandon the driver’s seat today through illness. John became a reluctant passenger in the team car which had to make frequent stops during the race so he could “investigate the local undergrowth”. No more details are suitable to print.

Luckily for John and the team Sandy Gilchrist stepped into the hot seat. Sandy is a very experienced and capable substitute for John and along with Sarah Heal was able to complete the day.

But, the disaster didn’t end there! After only 10 kilometres some inexperienced riders braked on a wet section of mountain road. This caused a massive pile up which involved over 50 riders and all of the recycling.co.uk team. During the early season team training sessions in Majorca John pointed out the dangers of wet roads and continental tarmac surfacing. As those who have ridden continental climbs the roads are built to withstand heat and when water is on the surface they are very slippy and treacherous to bike riders. As today proved!

The crash caused the immediate retirement of Simon Holt due to a mechanical problem and very badly cut legs. Also pulled out of the race by John was Adam Bonser, who has a damaged wrist. As there were still some big descents to come it was felt it would be dangerous for Adam as he couldn’t hold the bars or brake properly. Another casualty was Ryan Bonser who has a badly bruised hip. Nevertheless Ryan, Chris Newton and Graham Briggs started to chase. Chris Newton and Graham Briggs did most of the work as Ryan was the highest placed rider on GC therefore the team leader on the day. John told me “Chris and Graham were superb” and they pulled back the two minute deficit (lost during the crash) on the peloton. When the three British riders got back to the bunch they found out that a group of 14 riders including the yellow jersey were 40 seconds clear with the bunch just ambling along. Chris, Graham and Ryan went straight through the bunch to the front and worked incredibly hard to get the leaders back. They were successful but completely shattered after the long hard efforts but Ryan was still in a good overall position at this stage of the race. After they had done their work Chris and Graham rode back to the finish with the ‘laughing group’. Ryan was in the front bunch but cracked before the end finishing at the back of the main field and losing time.

Let’s hope a good nights rest brings better luck for the final hilly stage on Sunday.

Charlie Jackson