Racing in France one day, getting straight on a plane and flying to Japan the next is very tough. I was happy to let the race go by for the first three quarters.


Cadel Evans pretty much resigns the fact that he thinks he is still a top rider by getting in the breakaway today. He is joined by Cieslik and Bernaudeau.


I was ecstatic to see my name on the road, and that was where the attacks started. Chaves started pacing me and we went off in persuit.


That was 25km out, and now, with 17km left we caught the breakaway. Caruso launched a dangerous looking attack.


I put myself at the front and started working to bring him back, as I was seemingly in the best shape out of my companions.


I hadn't forgotten about Quebec, not at all, but again I did too much work and all for nothing. Caruso would win.




And I finished 2nd last in my group, only ahead of my 'leadout' Zoidl.


Chaves beat Lofvkvist in a 2 man sprint, and even almost caught Evans, giving him 10th.


And Virgilijus managed to win the bunch sprint, overtaking all the peloton riders in that picture over the last hundred metres.



My Views

And so the season comes to an end. A decent finish, with 2 Top 10s, but no-one in the Top 5. It's been a great season, with many highs and some lows. Hopefully 2015 will hold something special in store...