Cycling News

17 July 2008

By Simon Gerrans Aahh ... the rest day. The first of two in this year's Tour. What do we do? We always go for a ride. You need to really to keep the sensation going. Most people think that after 10 days you need the rest, which you do. But at the same time your body is used to the routine. To just do nothing would make you feel worse. In any case, it is not that we go out and ride hard. It is just to turn the legs over and keep the motor running. They are usually good rides to. You get to chat, ride at whatever pace you want - and not that dictated by the uncertainty of a race. In many ways, the rest you get is as much mental as it is physical. It is also a chance to get a few hours to yourself, or with friends and family who have come to the Tour to watch you but because of the mayhem that is the Tour at stage starts and finishes the time get is either minimal or at best interrupted. Of course, there is still the day ahead to think about. And for us Credit Agricole there is mounting pressure on us to get another stage win. Thor Hushovd, who won stage two to Saint Brieuc, seems to be in better spirits since his wife came to join him. He was feeling a bit down before because he hadn't won a second stage. But now I can see his confidence is back. Whether that elusive second win comes in the 11th stage from Lannemezan to Foix is another question. If the race finishes in a bunch sprint, there is every chance. But with a first category 12-km long Col de Portel there is a strong chance that a break will go. What is certain is that there will be a heap of attempts to get away in a break as early as possible. I will be one of those riders. I feel up for it after suffering some chest problems a couple of days ago. I am much better. And for that reason I would have to say the rest was a blessing. How much of a blessing I will be able to say once the stage is over.

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