It's all smiles at the start

I said to Northern that there was no way I'd find Steven this morning. There were nearly 3,000 riders lined up at 6am. So of course the first person I saw this morning was Steven. Then we bumped into each other again at the first pit stop.

The stats tell me I burned over 2,700 calories on the 100km ride so I intend to start refuelling immediately.

Two weeks ago I thought I had no chance of doing the event so I felt quite a sense of achievement I have to tell you. Special mention of my pal Andrew who kept me company all the way round when he could have flown out the blocks and posted a great time. He did get 5th fastest time on the king of the mountain stage though as consolation.