It's called the fact that he edited the stats for the National Champs, then changed them back to how they were before for the tour, but the average takes a month or so to return to normal.
And to the flat where I will probably lead out Aurelien if he survives the climbs for the sprint.
At the start I ended up chatting to Gianni Brajkovic, a real nice guy, and I was wearing my British Champions jersey for the first time since the race. It felt good. This is the life!
First day of the Tour and Agritubel wanted to justify their wildcard, attacking again and again until they got away. They made it into a three man group with a Rabobank and an FDJeux rider.
They were only there for publicity and were caught by a Liquigas-controlled pack. There was still the last hill to negotiate and a lot of sprinters were dropped, including Aurelien and Cav.
With Aurelien unable to make it back to the front of the group, I had a chance to ride for myself in the sprint. I found my way into the mean, green Liquigas machine.
I pre-empted Daniele Bennati's move and got the jump on him. It was the only way I stood a chance of competing with him. I was now his only rival as the other trains fell away.
As we reached the final metres of the sprint I had built a good lead but he was starting to come back. It was touch and go...
I threw my bike for the line.
Alas, no, I could beat him and the faster sprinter prevailed. After the race I came to terms with my defeat. I had ridden brilliantly! I had taken on the best of the current crop and beaten most of them. I may not have won but I did the British Champions jersey justice!
Another flat stage but no hills on the run-in this time so Aurelien should make it. He has said that he doesn't want a lead-out man so these flat stages will be relatively quiet for me.
The same break go away, break get caught pattern and we're at the sprint. Aurelien followed a flying Cancellara.
He later told me that he just couldn't get past the yellow jersey who surprised the cycling world again with his all-round brilliance once more to take the stage.
Aurelien claimed 4th while the rest of the team sat back, awaiting tomorrow's TT.
