The time trial went just fine. But of course it didn't really matter for me. It was more like, put in a few kilometers and enjoy the sun.

Yesterday I could unfortunately not be part of the sprint. Cannondale played that game of making the race fast on the climbs, in order to dump the sprinters and so prepare the way for Sagan. Unfortunately, it worked -- they got rid of me. Too bad that we couldn't get back into the field. My guys did everything and were able to narrow the gap, although a number of teams up front helped with the tempo work. In the end it wasn't enough. But that's the sprinter's life.

All in all it was a good stage race for me. Those were important race kilometers and my form is improving.

Today I will spend one more night in the hotel before leaving early tomorrow morning to return to Germany.

Photo: roth-foto.de