Distance 49 miles

Ascent 1500 ft

The mystery is solved. I awoke this morning to a text from O2 welcoming me to Italy. That explains the difficulty with routing. Where have we been for the last two weeks? It is not good enough. We have no idea. We elderly elite athletes need accurate information. No wonder we get confused.

Starting the day with a climb is tricky. Straight out of our accommodation and into a steep 400 ft climb.

But it was worth all the huffing and puffing. A glorious ascent and fabulous descent.

The weather was perfect today and the scenery glorious.

It is impossible not to reflect on those who travelled in very different circumstances. We appreciate what a privilege it is to travel today – freely, safely and by choice – through places where so many lives were changed forever.

Every day we congratulate ourselves on the decision to bring the camping equipment. Loading our bones is essential for good bone health and we have been following government guidelines on weight lifting. We are also fully prepared for a lack of suitable accommodation. Never let it be said that we are unprepared.

The longest ride on this trip – a hilly 49 miles and arrived by 4.30pm. Had to collapse on the bed for a minute or two. We asked Charlie what her recommendation would be if 70 year olds did the same route. She replied that they would need two days. A celebration is in order.

We went to the Cathedral to try and get another stamp for our Credenziale. We couldn’t enter as there was a service at the time. We will revisit tomorrow.

Time for bed. Elite athletes need proper recovery time and we always follow instructions.

Good night