Blimey. Martin. What a ride.

Immense effort from the former Wakefield man/Norfolk farmer. That his time would have placed him 6th in the team time-trial is simply staggering.

Horrible race yesterday. Rui Costa is one hell of a tactician. Of the four in the final leading group, just so pleased it wasn't Valverde.

How on earth the GB team were considered to be one of the favourites amongst the British press is beyond me. They were shown up to the be the one day race numpties we all know they are.

The race was always going to be (bad weather or not) a war of attritition before the final few laps when the teams who hadn't burned all their matches were going to be in the final reckoning.

As for the final reckoning I reckon Purito will not be talking to the poodle haired one for quite some time. The national team element is very intruiging as you can see the trade team loyalties going on all over the place. It was clear that Purito was having a go to make sure Nibbles would have to chase leaving the way clear for Valverde to go for the win.