You may have heard of some of the more interesting habits of cyclists. Especially during the longer stage races like the triumvirate that is The Tour, the Giro and the Vuelta (France, Italy and Spain). But also in general.

So for example, we shave our legs. There are many theories as to why apart from the obvious “it looks good”. Like

Massage and vanity get my vote!

Then the is the paranoia with germs and viruses. Once down to a racing weight – 2% to 4% body fat for the pro’s – and stressed through training and then racing, the bodies defenses against illness is pretty depressed. So best to avoid them in the first place:

Another is aimed at saving energy

This is also a big reason why a true general classification contender prefers not to hold the lead until near the end of the race. With all the media commitment many of the rules above are compromised.

As I climbed 4 flights of the stairs last night I realised what it was all about. With almost 1400km in the legs, they combined bitterly at the abuse. On the bike – no problem. Up some stairs – as numb as they come!

We had arrived at Hotel Grüntering in Dorsten at the end of stage 7 feeling somewhat disappointed. The day had started well but ended somewhat ignominiously. The route guide has promised a short, easy day. Only 123km. Accordingly we started out late-ish at 10am leaving Osnabrück in high spirits. The late start was also designed to avoid the morning rain and we looked forward to a pleasant afternoon cruising into Dorsten. It wasn’t to be.

During the day the rain clouds built ominously but we were skirting the worst of it. The loop across the border into Holland was a surprise. But to be enjoyed. Yet a new standard in bike paths. For example, roundabouts have not only a car circle but a concentric separate bike circle. Nice idea but it increases the possible directions that you have to consider to negotiate the thing safely. Stressful when you’re non Dutch.

And then back across the border into Germany where the previously admired bike tracks were looked at with disdain. Not that we were using them anyway – the day of seven punctures made us realize that the German bike paths were not for skinny racing tyres. Debris including glass shards meant they were to be avoided.

It was at kilometer 128 of the planned 123 that we realised that se had been hoodwinked. A quick check on the GPS confirmed our fears. We still had 60km odd to go. It was already 5pm. Disaster.

And then the heavens opened.

To cut a long story short, after a half an hour in the surf (no really) we threw in the towel and called in the support crew. I am not sure the owner of the bistro we annexed appreciated the sodden upholstery or the puddles on the floor. At least we did order hot tea and something to eat as we whiled away the hour and half before Jorge arrived. Jan feigned a knee injury as the support crew is not there simply for riders who are a trifle chilly or can’t swim.

And so we arrived at Hotel Grüntering and tackled the stairs.