Day 4 The Drugs Don’t Work114 miles, avg speed 17mph.

Total so far 459 miles (4 days). 7.5hrs in the saddle

 We had an earlier start today to avoid clashing with 50 Aussie holiday makers that were scheduled to leave the hotel at the same time and having got this far without an international incident we thought we should try and keep it that way.

Our now normal routine of a team stretch, in the car park this time, took place at 7.20 and by 7.30, we were on our way.

The early part of the route was a bit hilly as we left Poitiers and crossed a few rivers, but then the gradient steadied out and as we were well disciplined in our riding and managed to get through to 36 miles before the first break. There were lots of iPods in evidence today but for those not wired in to the vibe there was always the SlightsPod who gave everyone a rendition of some of the tunes we asked him to.  The tour manager was on strict form today but that allowed us to keep to a good schedule and head off through the glorious countryside past fantastic chateaus and farms that were well worth a photo or 2.

Lunch at 75 miles was a BBQ kindly laid on by the sister and brother in law of Murph one of the support crew. Tahat was a welcome surprise – the standard just gets better everyday – keep it up boys. We made such good time that we forewent the last stop and headed off to Bourges our destination for the day. The additional Pastis and country cider was also much appreciated, although not strictly part of our ‘athletes’ diet!

Once back everyone has a visit to “Freds House of Pain” for a little light torture then it’s into a well proven schedule of washing the most comfortable shorts you have and other kit needed, maintaining cycles and rubbing in the various lotions and salves that make the next day manageable. Dave E is almost a lost cause in this department as his shorts are already tattooed with prints of his chain and gears in quite an embarrassing place)

We have seen the various comments on Facespace and Mybook or whatever they are called and we thank you all for the support.

The total sits at about £30,130 at the moment.

Tomorrow morning we head to Troyes (130m/210km) and will pass through the halfway mark early in the day.

Rider of the Day was Ironman Wayne, Well done Wayne from all the riders, especially as you sat on the back all afternoon giving orders!!!!!