Yesterday turned into a scorcher, peaking at over 40deg centigrade at some points out on the route. I must say that I was rather worried about the 'Hollanders' with their pale skin out in the bush. But they proved me wrong with a combination of good humour and sangfroid to finish comfortably within the cut off.
A quick refuel and it was on to the Second Skins Recovery Centre manned by Jodie Louw and John Hooper for a soothing massage and dip in the swimming pool, conveniently located right next door. No problems with the bikes, which were off loaded with our mechanic, Mark Weedall, who was looking at finishing his work before midnight this time. What with 52 bikes to service daily, the team from Mark's Bicycle Workshop certainly have their work cut out for them.
Thanks to Roland of Paceline Sports in Lakeside, who kindly let us use his high-pressured cleaning system - it saved a long walk back to the bike park to clean Egbert-Jan's bike.
Managed to get some complimentary probiotics and electrolyte replacement products, supplied by our kind sponsors PharmaChoice, distributed amongst riders and supporters alike.
After dinner, we made the trek back to our accommodation 'in die berge', where we suddenly thought we had lost Arnold's helmet, only to find it in the back of the kombi later on.
The four Dutch riders were in good spirits this morning, with another 100km-plus day in the offing, albeit cooler and with less vertical. Will the hapless Team 360 Life make a 180 and turn it around today? So far so good for the senimental favourites, who were in the lead group at the second spectator point to day.
Below are some photos from late yesterday and eralier this morning.
